Today I saw Jerry Lee Lewis live in Beaumont, Texas! It was an amazing experience with my housemates and partners in adventure.
The best part about it for me was simply being in the presence of the last great legend of the 50's. It was so humbling to watch him play and know that he was one of the founders of rock 'n roll. His sound and style started a revolution in music and society! It is just so cool to reflect on that and then look up and see him pound that keyboard just like he did 60 years ago.
His voice definitely isn't as strong as it once was, but he is very witty and still has a bit of a temper. About 5 songs in he got angry at one of the guitarists for playing the wrong chords, or so he thought, and he starts yelling out the chords. "F. C. E. A." Then when the song ends he says, "We have been playing this song together for 43 years and he still can't play it correctly. I don't understand it." They play a few more songs, and then he belts out "Great Balls of Fire". The performance of this song was perfect! It sounded so good. They play one more song, then start on "Whole Lotta Shakin Goin On" and about halfway through he kicks the seat back, his classic move, and walks off the stage (he doesn't storm off, he's 80), but he walks off with a standing ovation. It was, as Jerry Lee would say, "Mercy!".
Jerry Lee's sister performed as well and she sounded great! She could bang that piano, too! The guy that opened for Jerry Lee, Jake Rowley, had a nice Elvis sound, but seemed a bit egotistical to me. He was touring with the Broadway spectacular Million Dollar Quartet prior to this performance. I felt like he was definitely more of an actor than a performer.
As you can see it was an interesting and exciting night! I am just so thrilled that I was at this performance and hope that I carry the memories I made tonight with me til the end of my days.
I'm out for the night, with the sound of the piano in my head!
Until next time,
Alyssa
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