One of my favorite things about seeing live shows (well, after the music) are the crazy comments that you hear along the way. Here are a few choice selections from 2024.
I switch guitars a lot because of the weight of the material. Josh Ritter
You think I need luck, I been doing this a long time fella. But he’s right. Mike Mills responding to someone shouting out “Good luck, Mills” before he sang the Big Star classic “Back of a Car”
Banjo players spend half the time tuning and half the time playing out of tune. Bendigo Fletcher lead singer (and banjo player) Ryan Anderson
I’m gonna tune for 10 to 15 minutes between every song. That’s what banjo players do. Tony Trischka
This is neither of those songs but I appreciate you calling them out. Langhorne Slim responding to shouted requests
I’m open to suggestions, just not right now. Michael McDermott
I think we’ll get to all of the songs that some of you want to hear. Jeff Tweedy
We’re gonna play some more now, including some songs you may not wanna hear. Dave Faulkner of the Hoodoo Gurus
This song is called “Crazy”. It’s about a mentally stable young woman. Kimaya Diggs
That’s not how this works. If you want a song, you have to completely destroy me. Kirby Brown on an ex-girlfriend asking when he’s going to write a song about her
As of late, I’ve found no better, more poetic way to say it. Langhorne Slim on using the word “fuck” in a song
I’m gonna do a song about the last time I got a haircut. EW Harris
It’s an old song. Shouted response to Harris from the audience
Apropos of everything, this song is called “The Mistaker”. John Brodeur of Bird Streets after dropping his guitar
Thanks for being quiet for that one. It means you’re not drunk enough. James Mastro
Glad you’re feeling good. This one will probably change that. John Brodeur of Bird Streets introducing his song “Sleeper Agent”
This song is called if you don’t like my potatoes, why do you dig so deep. Glen Hansard introducing “When Your Mind’s Made Up”
I fucking hate when people do that at shows but here I am doing it. Benny Trokan asking the audience to move a couple steps forward
It’s bowling night at the folk show. I’m working on my spin to knock down all the pins. Langhorne Slim improvising a song while playing at a bowling alley
I hate it when people ask me to sing along. I’m like fuck you, I paid to get in here. Cory Branan asking the audience if they want to sing along
Thank you for participating. It would have been weird if you didn’t. Jesse Dayton on a sing along
If I were fancy schmancy I’d have two guitars and one would already be in tune for me. Somebody Someone
Imagine if I had to tune the piano. Somebody Someone a few minutes later.
I love technical difficulties because it reminds you that you’re not listening to Milli Vanilli. Jesse Dayton
If you don’t like me, you didn’t pay for me so it don’t matter. Abe Partridge, opening for Matthew Sweet
Paid to get in, free to leave. Neil Finn quoting New Zealand poet Sam Hunt
Fuck I gotta follow that?! Adam Ezra following Willie Nile at a songwriter round
There’s so much joy. If there’s something that I can contribute, it’s to play something angry and bitter. Ezra, a few minutes later
I wrote these with a band. I recorded them with a band. And, as you can see, I have no fucking band. Anthony D’Amato playing a solo show
I thought maybe there would be a lack of familiarity so maybe I should tell you about myself. And then I thought maybe that’s not a good idea. I’ll just play some songs and you can read between the lines. Michael McDermott about his confessional songwriting
I pulled it out of a dumpster at my alma mater. So I was like ‘what are they teaching kids these days’. But then again, I’m dumpster diving at my alma mater, so what the hell did I learn. Suitcase Junket
That’s a long ass set list. It’s a CVS receipt. Anonymous
When I said this is all I want, I would also accept riches and fame. Olivia Ellen Lloyd on playing music
Never take an idiot to an idiot’s playground. Michael McDermott
The thing about drinking buddies is sometimes you realize that’s all you got in common. John R Miller
How many members of Big Star does it take to screw in a light bulb? Jon Auer
One, but Alex didn’t want to do it. Chris Stamey’s response
Do y’all know what a thumb drive is? It’s kinda like a cassette. Tracy Bonham
How many members of Big Star does it take to screw in a light bulb? Jon Auer
One, but Alex didn’t want to do it. Chris Stamey’s response
About the author: Mild-mannered corporate executive by day, excitable Twangville denizen by night.