Bruce Cockburn

Bruce Cockburn performed in London at the Grand Theatre on Tuesday May 28th and I was lucky enough to be in the audience to experience his presence and music. What an amazing evening he put on for us. The acoustic quality of the space was amazing and Bruce's wizardry in playing his various instruments was legendary. Bruce played many of his recent songs along with his standards. We totally enjoyed the concert and the venue.

Bruce was showing serious signs of age hunched over when he took the stage and using a walking stick, but the show was high energy and still pretty stellar. He was in fine form from a musical standpoint and just as insightful and engaging as ever. The man is a ray of light in a f__ked up world. We have to take those where we can get them these days.

This show was actually 44 years and 1 day since the first time I saw him at the Rainbow Music hall in Denver. An excellent show as always. From the first album I ever bought, Dancing in the Dragon's Jaw to the new album just released, I always find a song or two that touches my soul. He has such an excellent way of playing stringed instruments that, both my sister and I agree, He is one of the best guitar players ever. We were the Al Purdy fans in Saint Louis. Much love, respect an appreciation for this man Thank you for forty four good years.

This was the 5 time I have seen Bruce and he never disappoints. I really enjoyed the venue and the songs that Bruce chose to play. Always a treat! We would love to see him in Lubbock, Texas in the future. I am 72 and I started listening to Bruce in 1982 and will continue to support him by purchasing his music and seeing him live when the opportunity presents itself. Paul Bullock

Bruce Cockburn continues to become even more soulful as an artist. This show was a great mix of old and new with select hits from years past and numerous songs from his latest album "O Sun O Moon". My party really enjoyed seeing his mix of guitars that included a resonator and a unique 10-string mandolin. If you are a Cockburn fan, don't miss this show and if you want to see a great artist you've never heard, this will be a great experience.

I've been enjoying Bruce Cockburn's music since 1971. Last night's concert was another bit of Cockburn magic delivered in notable fashion and amicably received by the audience. I went with my wife and this was her first Bruce Cockburn concert. Simply put, she loved it. I wondered what songs he might perform thinking that he rarely does old work. Bruce proved me wrong with new and delightful adaptations of All the Diamonds in the World and Lord of the Starfields. He performed flawlessly both vocally and instrumentally and from my observations the audience was warmly gratified. Thank You Bruce.

My first time at the venue, but will not be my last - very nice. Wonderful concert - Bruce was and is a great musician, singer and a real gentle man. I just wish he had stayed around after the concert to sign C.Ds. and chat. But he may have been tired. Again - really enjoyed the evening. Jill Harcourt

Bruce is amazing to watch live. His vocals still strong at 78! Performing well over two hours of new and old material solo, Cockburn did not disappoint. Even at the end of a five concert in six nights marathon, he didn’t sound a bit tired. Truly one of the best ways I can think of to spend an evening.

This was my first visit to this venue. It's wonderful! Any seat is a great seat even sitting far away from the stage. Because the stage is raised, you can easily see the musicians, and especially last night as Bruce. Cockburn's fingers move so gently over the frets of the guitar. Dar Williams was also fantastic. I had forgotten her style of storytelling both as a conversation with the audience before her songs, and as the lyrics of her songs. Her voice is as pure, and her talent is as joyful as it was the last time I saw her more than 20 years ago. I also want to say that in my 72 years, I have never attended a concert by myself. I figured it was about time. Unexpectedly. I was seated at a table with three other strangers from one family. It didn't take long for us to move beyond being strangers to becoming acquaintances because we all shared in one common joy, and that's music. The haunting backdrop of the SteelStacks, surrounded with the Canadian fire fog, was quite an unforgettable image. Thank you Dar for the history lesson that those gigantic stacks had at one time produced the Golden Gate bridge components. That's beyond amazing.

Show was packed with appreciative fans. Bruce never fails to deliver a super performance; his singing and guitar playing are undiminished though he readily admitted that he no longers play some songs due to issues with his fingers. Considering his mammoth repertoire, this is not an issue! We can't wait to see him again in October (State Theatre, Portland, ME)

Other than being sad seeing Bruce's aging state it was a great show. The lighting and sound were well done, tasteful and appropriate. Bruce sang and played with great strength, and his banter between songs was insightful and entertaining. The only thing I didn't appreciate were the bizzare comments yelled out by some in the audience who I suspect had a bit too much to drink.

This was one of the most amazing shows I've seen. Bruce is such a pure spirit with a singular approach to music that has no parallel. It's entering the Bruce Universe, which is such a soulful place to be. I first saw Bruce at Massey Hall in 1977 and he was playing an acoustic song and the PA system shorted out. Without missing a beat he played without amplification, and his delicate fingerwork and voice carried throughout the hall, everyone holding their breath not to make a sound to interfere. When the sound came back on during the same song, the crowd gave him a standing ovation. This was as moving a night as that, with much more range and wisdom. Magic.

Bruce Cockburn has been making and performing unique and wonderful music since the early 70's. His stop in Boise was the last (41st) of his 50th anniversary tour. His energy was amazing and he performed new music as well as classic,crowd favorites. What a special privilege to see him in the intimate, cool atmosphere of the Garden City Visual Arts Collective. My daughter flew up from Ventura CA to attend the show with me and it was such a special evening. Thanks for coming to Boise Bruce, WE LOVE YOU!

I'd planned on taking my wife Kris after what was hoped to be a successful series of cancer treatments in Atlanta over 3 months. Sadly, they were not successful and she passed early in the morning on the 12th of May. Around midnight that night, when all the friends had left and I was in our home alone, I opened my computer to respond to numerous e-mails and FB messages. There was the reminder. The MIM has been a special place to us (though we live in Tucson almost 2 hours away) and Bruce has been one of our few agreed upon, beloved musicians! I got the ticket.(I somehow feel that my sweetheart had a hand in this!) I went to the concert and it was perfect in every way! He played a number of old, rather obscure songs (Falling Dark, Let Us Go Laughing, Arrows of Light) as well as some more known selections (Wondering Where the Lions Are, Pacing the Cage) and some beautiful new compositions. Always with a story about the circumstances surrounding the writing of a song. It was a very healing night for me and I'll forever be grateful for Bruce's musicianship, poetry and his presence. Plus, I've met him on a number of occasions and he's always been a very gracious man. Thank you Bruce. Your music continues to be a healing force in my life! Blessings.

Bruce Cockburn was wonderful in concert! Although he used a cane to walk in and had to sit to play, his performance was phenomenal! His voice is strong, direct and his guitar playing is absolutely beautiful as he is so gifted. He played many songs ,both new and old and did a string of them without tiring. His usage of chimes was an amazing accent to his beautiful strumming. I feel I absolutely was given a beautiful musical gift that night and will never forget it!

Even while he's now in his mid-70's, Bruce's voice and playing remain stellar. Thursday night, be was so relaxed and seemed to be having such a good time from the very beginning, answering a question from the crowd about one of his guitars. He appeared to have as good a time as we did. Loved it, and hope to get another opportunity to see him again soon.

Great simple solo show This is Bruce’s 59th anniversary tour, two years late. This set was within days of the start of the 2022 invasion of Ukraine by Russia. Bruce didn’t mention that too much. I wondered if that would be woven into the whole set. Songs came from all over his career, and included at least two songs not yet on an album that I’m looking forward to hearing recordings of. He did about an hour, then ½ hour break, and about another hour and a half second set His voice at 76 years old is amazing. I’ve heard other older entertainers that were disappointing. He mentioned that his fretting hand wasn’t as nimble as he wished but I found the guitar work delightful. With no band backup there was no net to catch him. It was all him and all great. Instruments he played included 2, 6 string acoustic guitars, a 12 string, a National resonator, wind chimes (which he kicked to play!) and a dulcimer. I was very glad when he identified the Dulcimer - I was one of many who incorrectly guessed it was a pedal steel. The video work on the livestream was simple and good. 3 good angles and mostly tight shots showing both guitar hands and face. There were some short video glitches, but the audio was perfect. It was a mostly laid back solo show so I think the advantages of watching from home and having great seats outweigh the community of seeing it live in the auditorium.

It was great to simply hear live music again. (Even though I wasn't there). I love Bruce's playing and am constantly amazed at his ability to play two melodies at once. I enjoyed his playing songs that spanned his 50+ year career. It was also, oddly, a pleasure to see Cockburn have a problem with playing "Pacing the Cage". What I mean is that he wasn't satisfied with his performance, and so gave himself the grace to try again. As he prepared to tackle the song a second time he told a story, but all the time, I think, was practicing the bit that had caused him to stumble. Bruce Cockburn is such an extraordinary talent; we are all lucky to have experienced him live.

This man still has everything you’d hope to hear but feared might have been dulled with age and the demands of his career. Last I heard Bruce live was about 15 years ago and his voice was strong and without quaver, his finger work on the frets - which was always amazing, caused the strings to sound as bells. His self admitted break from songwriting notwithstanding, his recent creations were delightful and thought provoking. Having such a prolific catalog from which to draw, he had no trouble it seemed to find everyone's favorite. His calm and present demeanor brought the audience into that circle of peace and attentiveness and, save a few “whoops” when some would recognize a number at the introduction, it was most enjoyable to be able to listen to each song without straining against too much crowd murmur. The sound in Asbury Hall was excellent, and I doubt there were any acoustically poor seats anywhere. I left with renewed enthusiasm for his work and look so much forward to hearing him again. And again.

Beautiful evening of music. Quite an array of songs from way back and recent creations, songs known and unknown to me. This is a fantastic room in which to hear music, and audiences are appropriately attentive. I'm so glad I took a chance there would be a ticket for a sold out show. Don't miss Bruce if you get the chance!