Spirit of the West posted a reflection titled “Only in Vancouver” published on 19 April 2016 on their official webpage plus three wonderful photographs. The final paragraph from the post…“…And our community of family, musicians, and friends who built the first generation of totally, truly and utterly Canuck rock stars. Then I looked forward and saw my bandmates, a small cadre of the finest people I have ever known, who toiled and laughed and cried together for three and a half decades. Our brotherhood will live on well beyond our life on earth, through our families, through our music, and greatly through you our incomparable fans…”
There is a wonderful and thoughtful collection of articles from the Canadian newspaper The Globe and Mail, by Marsha Lederman that included an interview prior to the concerts, a review from a concert, and a collection of official videos including one from the final concerts in Vancouver.
The first article “With front man John Mann battling early-onset Alzheimer’s, Spirit of the West prepares for its final gig” by Marsha Lederman and published on 13 April, 2016 writes about the lead singer John Mann’s battle and decline with Alzheimer’s and the decision by the band to play their last concerts together in Vancouver on April, 13, 14 and 15 at the Commorode Ballroom. The journalist sent questions in advance and the band members responded which included talking about the highlights of their music career together, reflecting on the importance of their life, their decision to play on, accommodating a lead singer who is battling Alzheimer’s and what it is like to be a friend witnessing all this happening.
The second article is “The Review: Spirit of the West gets a proper send-off with hometown finale” also by Marsha Lederman and published on 15 April, 2016. The article discusses John Mann’s battle with the early-onset of Alzheimer’s disease, his performance at these final concerts, her admiration for his final performances, the extraordinary moments she experienced and the reaction of the fans and the band. There was a lot of praise for our Beautiful Gyspies, Kris MacFarlane and Kendel Carson who had stepped in to help out. A quote from the review… “But of course the tune the crowd was waiting for was Home For A Rest. What to say? It was everything both band and fans could have hoped for – transcendent and jubilant. The crowd sung along to every word and pogoed like it was the 90s and they (we) were 25 years younger. Kelly twirled his flute like a baton and did a proper rock star jump off the drum riser to bring it all home. It didn’t even feel sad, which was amazing. This, however, kind of did: “Thank you guys,” Mann said after the sea of applause. “I love you.” The review has been circulated on my Google + page.
The final article “The Spirit of the West: An audio guide to their long, concluding journey.” also by Marsha Lederman and published on 18 April, 2016 provides a collection of official videos to send them off on their way. I really loved all of these videos from their early music to the last video from the final show in Vancouver. I have circulated this article on my Google + page and some of the videos.
There is a wonderful collection of nine photographs from the April 15, 2016 concert of John Mann, Kendel Carson and a full stage shot of all those that played in band and the fans at the online site Providence. The photographs capture the love and energy that John Mann has for performing and making music. “Photos Spirit of the West at the Commodore, Vancouver, 15 April, 2016” is available from the online site The Providence with the photographs by staff photographer Gerry Kahrmann. I have included a copy of this photograph below and the article is circulated on my Google + page.
While there are lots of concerts reviews I chose to include this one titled “Spirit of the West and Odds @ Commodore Ballroom April 15 2016” by Andy Shafter at the online site Concert Addicts because of the amount of detail he wrote about what happened during the concert and the wonderful collection of photographs taken. I will conclude with these comments about the final moments of the concert. “They came out again for one more encore, “Throw Your Arms,” which seems fitting given the free-range hugging going on all night. At the end Kelly summoned all the bands members to the front of the stage, where they bowed a few times, and left the stage one final time for the evening. It was absolutely wonderful. On the way out the room, everyone got a commemorative poster as well – super class act. Gosh what a night. Emotions were right up there among everyone, players and crowd – I can’t even imagine what they were like at the final performance Saturday. This band has left a massive legacy and will leave a big hole in Canadiana now, but man, what a group of guys. I can only hope they are wonderfully satisfied with their career and feel the love the country has for them. One of the greats”.
Reading these articles I have come to admire not only John Mann but Spirit of the West and their friendship and loyalty throughout these tragic events. It certainly makes me appreciate the simple things in life like good health and mental well-being.
This photograph is by Gerry Kahrmann of The Providence of the April 15, 2016 concert by Spirit of the West at the Commodore Ballroom, Vancouver. (No copyright infringement intended)
