Standing in line waiting to see Jonathan, started a conversation with an older woman behind me. I told her how much I loved Jonathan and how excited I was to see him again. At that moment he comes out of the dressing room to cross into the nite club. "Jonathan, Johnathan!" she cries. "This young man is SO excited to see you play tonight!" Jonathan: "That's great, mom, thanks! (blows kiss) Thanks everybody!" "That's my son!" she then unnecessarily declares.
That's a great story! I went to see him play at the Iron Horse in Northampton, MA (decades earlier), and when I went to hand my ticket to the usher, it was Jonathan himself! :)
Was supposed to see Jonathan Richman last month in Providence. The show got cancelled hours before. We went to get something to eat and he was there. I went up to him and was like, “Jonathan, I’m really sorry about the show.” He looks back and says, “I’m not. It’s the way of the universe. If this didn’t happen we wouldn’t get to meet.” He’s one of the most fascinating people ever. A true performer.
I got to "jam" with him for a couple of hours years ago in SF. He knew songs I couldn't believe..and he was the most sincerely guileless people I've ever met..
@@barneygoodwin5260 I find that shines through in every interview. When he talks he always reminds me of a kid talking about something that marveled him, or worried him, uncontrolled breathing, so wonderfully naive, like a charming child, and that always at 70 years old.
I saw J. Richman three times in the 80's. All three times in little bars in Tucson, AZ. People would yell, "Hospital!". And he would say, "That is where sick people go." People would yell, "Roadrunner!" And he would say, "Roadrunner, that is a cartoon." That is how he sloughed off the songs he didn't want to play. Funny. Having never heard of him before, he was and still is a great live performer.
Seeing Jonathan pushing 70, looking great and in wonderful voice, bursting with vitality and inspiration is an absolute joy. Andrew does a very fine job keeping the conversation and music flowing, too.
I met Jonathan in the late 80s in Boulder, after a show. I'd been listening to him since the release of the first Modern Lovers album in '76 and had enjoyed his transition from Velvets-inspired hard-edged RnR, to the colorful and happy Jonathan music we've all been enjoying since the first Bezerkley album. Anyway, I was lucky to cross Jonathan's path after the show and told him how much his music had meant to me (truth be told, he really was one of my heroes, still is). As it turns out, he was hungry so he suggested we go to the nearest diner and grab some sustenance. I don't remember this for a fact but I'm pretty sure Jonathan had a burger, which he might not enjoy nowadays. As a young Frenchman in love with rock'n'roll, this was no different than having dinner with David Bowie or Lou Reed: a definite highlight of my life. Jonathan was exactly the same person you see in this video, the same passionate, animated, and joyful presence. I forget the details of our conversation, I'm sure it mostly centered around music, I do remember that Charles Trenet and Maurice Chevalier were mentioned. This video reminds me that meeting Jonathan is still a highlight of my life, to have had the good fortune to spend a few moments in person at a Boulder diner. Jonathan's music captures the entire range of human emotions, and will always lift you up, no matter the state of mind you find yourself in, AND, it rocks. Thank you Jonathan for being in our life, the world is a better place for having you around.
When you said 76 I was like but the modern lovers were early 70s so I googled it and cos the album was released years after they broke up we were both right
@@JoshuaRoss2 Unless you were going to clubs in the NE, or occasionally the SF Bay area in the early 70s, no one ever knew of the Modern Lovers prior to 1976, which was a shame because by the time people heard of them and they finally visited Europe, they were a different band entirely, Jonathan Richman & the Modern Lovers, a backing group for Jonathan's new direction. They had a minor hit in Britain with Egyptian Reggae and even did Top of the Pops but the Velvets blueprint was ancient history by then.
Saw him at Glastonbury in the 80s, it was raining and he did a thing about ending the rain. A rainbow appeared and the rain stopped, I thought what a charismatic guy. Held his name in my heart for decades, mentioned it to a friend on a walk in the woods today, who sent me this video. And my heart is captured again.
I met Jonathan backstage after his show one night, and I so desperately wanted to say something cool. "You believe in true love!" "Yeah, I suppose that's true." "I don't think there are too many people who do." "Oh, I disagree. I think there's an awful lot of us around."
Jonathan is an amazing human being and there's no one else on the planet like him. Just listen to the passion in his voice when he talks about the music he loves. I've seen him live four times and met him twice. When he performs you really feel like he's singing just to you. He will peer into your soul and it will change you forever. It sounds hyperbolic, but it's not. I wish he was more widely known and appreciated. He's one of our national treasures.
The first time I saw Jonathan play 5 or 6 years ago, it was a small crowd and me and him had some strange connection and he spent a good amount of the show looking directly at me and playing his songs. Maybe he liked the uncontrollably huge smile on my face. I thought maybe I was imagining it, but everyone I was with commented on it halfway through the show. At one point he was jamming Funky Good Time by James Brown and I started singing back to him "Gonna take you hiiiiiiigher". And the look in his face of how happy he was, was truly beautiful. I've seen him any chance I can since then and every time it's a soul cleansing moment of pure joy.
I've seen him too and I concur. The first time I saw him I cried. The second time, I cried again. And the third time, well guess what happened? Yes I cried some more.
All so true. He is in a category all his own, as a songwriter, performer and unique human being . I’ve seen Jonathan more times than U can count , going back to the early 70s when I briefly lived in Boston. I’ve ne St seen anyone why connects with the audience so well, and us sincere about it. He’s really interesting to talk to- it’s not the standard fan/star superficial conversion . I never would have thought to ask for his autograph, it would somehow cheapen the experience if that makes any sense. But one time I wrote him a letter after a concert and less than 2 weeks later he wrote back . Not just a simple “Thank you for your support “ note, but thoughtful responses and new ideas. It was like a letter you would get from a good friend. It’s one of my greatest treasures.
I can't believe it, i felt the dame thing 25 years ago, and I didnt tell anyone. He was looking to me while singing, and I felt bit strange but lot of special. Thank you
I have a story about both of these wonderful people. Once upon a time in Manhattan, maybe about 1990 Jonathan Richman was playing a free show at Tower records. I had no money, so I was super excited to see him that afternoon. My job ran late and I was late and as I ran into the show they were just packing up. Jonathan saw my disappointed look and came up to me. I explained what had happened and he put me on the list for than night's show. It was one of the best show's of my life and further cemented Jonathan as one of my all time favorite artists. Fast forward maybe 2 years and I I was at a show where Andrew Bird was opening for someone at Maxwells. There were maybe 20 people in the audience. I went up to him afterwards and told him how much I loved the show and bought of his records from him. We had such a nice talk on that rainy night in Hoboken and I knew he was going places. Anyway, both of these guys stopped and talked to some kid in NYC thirty years ago and were both super nice down to earth people and basically exactly who they are here. Love these guys.
I loved how much Jonathan in his early stuff would call out females and say he was a good guy why not appreciate the good sensitive guys that's the kind of "emo" I like lol
Saw Jonathan play a small bar in Michigan. He finished his set, put his guitar in its case and walked through the crowd and out the front door of the bar. Crowd went outside to watch him walk of into the darkness never looking back.
10:58-15:28 That's the most truly astonishingly beautiful and real conveyance of Ravel's 'Pavanne' I have EVER heard. Tears were rolling down my face (I'm a grown man, for goodness' sake!). THAT is what music is. It's not (just) about the right notes or the right rhythm (I recall Charles Ives quoting his father about the earnest local church choir: "don't listen too closely to the notes, you may miss the MUSIC"!). Jonathan has always been a treasure, may God bless him - and bless us with Jonathan's continued presence. I didn't know he was into 'classical' music (although I suppose romantic impressionism fits like a favourite coat). He's also a much better guitarist than he thinks he is. Thank you for the music.
33:48 "I'm not a songwriter. I'm a singer who makes up songs so I'll have something to sing." 32:40 "And I must tell your audience, it does not work as a substitute for a girlfriend." Jonathan, thanks for helping me know how to live. I feel better when I remember there are people like you in the world. I love the way you just let it come right out of your mouth.
My wife and I saw Jonathan and Tommy at The Beachcomber in Wellfleet along with three or four other people one night. It was as if he were playing to us by a campfire at the beach, and he looked as happy to be there as we were.
"The Fenway" is my favorite JR song. It's buried on side two of a record that's long out of print, and I've never heard him play it live. Hearing him open with it in this set gave me goosebumps. Thank you!
Jonathan Richman is a pure soul. I got to see and meet him at a small bar in Dallas a few years ago. He's exactly as nice as you could ever wish him to be.
The Modern Lovers played on my college campus, in California, in 1976, at lunch time. I was kind of into prog rock at the time, and thought they were really odd, but I distinctly remember "Roadrunner" catching my ear.
That was the best Jonathan Richman interview I've ever seen. Andrew did a great job, making Jonathan comfortable with his questions and allowing him to speak and open up. I love to listen to musicians talk about their process of making music. Jonathan is a heck of a guy!!!! Love him.
I love that he mentions the Kinks here, because I adore Jonathan, but I pretty much worship Ray Davies . When Jonathan said “Don’t be a songwriter, just make up songs” , I actually shouted “ YES! “ out loud because that is the way Ive always looked at both of them. Great observers telling stories from the heart.
This makes me really want a collaboration project with Andrew Bird and Jonathan Richman. The way they talk and bond about music would translate beautifully into an album.
I love the part starting at 6:10 "I really cared, more selfishly than that, I just wanted to express myself in front of the audience, and I wanted to have rock music happen... Even more important than the idea, I think, something, an emotion, a feeling to express. That was my reason for doing it. I needed the audience. I cried on their shoulder. The idea was, I was lonely and sad about stuff, and I wanted to tell the world how I felt. And I also felt beauty in things. And the Velvet Underground inspired me that way, so did other people, like the Loving Spoonful, all this beauty I heard in this music, I wanted to try and create a feeling like that in the room."
Andrew talking about the need to express something without any formal training or anything and just figuring out how to do that regardless makes me want to song write again. Im not great at singing or guitar but the idea that it doesn’t matter and just getting something out there anyway is great
I saw JR at a small, crappy club in Signal Hill, California in the late 80's and got to spend about a 1/2 an hour talking to him on the sidewalk out front. That was definitely one of the most interesting, and intense conversations I've ever had. He is one of a kind for sure. I really enjoyed that talk and this video. Thanks for posting it. Peace.
@@OCteahead I can't remember the name of it. It was on PCH between Redondo and Cherry. Damn, I used to play at the Que a lot, didn't know he played a show there also. Missed that one. Peace.
I've seen both these gentlemen live, several times each, and seeing them together is joyful and painful, dead serious and hilarious. Exquisite, priceless and real. ❤️
The rendition of The Fenway at the start is exquisite. His mature voice suits it perfectly here. Hard to believe he wrote such a reflective song when he was such a young man. He has written so many, it’s hard to pick a favorite or even a top 20, but the Fenway is up there.
from barcelona...catalunya..."spain" thanks very much for this meeting with JOHNATHAN RICHMAN....WE LOVE HIM IN BARCELONA...CATALUNYA &...SPAIN!! THANKS SLÁINTE!!
Hey Jonathan....many memories from 1970 playing on the Cambridge Common in Harvard Square, and with Danny Peck. Our band had always played before the Modern Lovers..got some good ole photos of all of us. I was always a listener of Ravel.....One night in 1970, I had closed the Oxford Ale House and staggered home to my Winter Hill Somerville apartment. I had placed my favorite musical compassion "BOLERO" on my turn table with my head phones on and passed out. I didn't realize that the player was set on repeat play. Ravel was so correct on his interpretation of his composition that Bolero would be the most memorable 20 minutes of melody. That night I had slept well beyond the sun's rising, and BOLERO has always echoed it's crescendo of melodic intensity throughout my entire life. Barbara and I live in North Truro, and enjoyed seeing you at Payomet ....blessings..till the next time, my brother.
Oh I love Jonathan so much. No that many people in France know about him so it feels like my own private little secret. You know? Your own private singer that was designed specifically to speak to your heart. When I feel bad or down, I put on "its time for..." (my personal favorite) and jam to "Corner Store" or " just about seventeen" and it always brings a smile to my face .
This is the most awesome performance that I've ever seen on TH-cam, the most intimate and detailed interview of Jonathan - I really felt like I was there with you guys and I feel like I have learnt a lot. Now if only both of you, or one of you could come and play in Moscow, Russia. Thank you both for making this happen.
The Lovin' Spoonful was the first rock n roll band i ever fell in love with...I was 6. And this was in the early 90s. Like, i was born 20 years after their heyday, Yet their music stood the test of time and showed me such beauty. Especially Summer in the City and Coconut Grove. Wonderful to hear another such influence name drop them.
I love Johnathan but he's absolutely out of his mind which makes his music even more impressive. Possibly a genius. Jr if you read this its a compliment and your likely already 100 percent aware
Jonathan is evolving musically and I look forward to his future music. i don't think we are close to his best work. I have played guitar since the 70s and i don't think i would have called myself good till about 10 years ago, when i put down picks and electrics and just played a nylon string and studied classical and 100 year old blues. Hes a very interesting man.
I never knew this happened! Two of my favorites together. It’s a testament of my absolute respect for Jonathan that I I, a lifelong NYY fan can be so deeply moved by a song about the Fenway.
I saw Johnathan Richman and his band play a small hall in Bristol, England back in the 1980’s. The best live show I ever saw, because he wasn’t just following a known and successful routine. He was actually there in the room with us, not playing at us, so unlike the big famous rock bands whose shows boringly run on rails. Thanks Jonathan.
This is wonderful. Jonathan Richman is one of the heros of my youth,and the way he has been comming of age is so touching and impressive. I am so grateful to have had the chance to be entertained and to have learned so much about life from him. He is a true artist.
I saw Jonathon Richman live in Birmingham UK back in the Roadrunner days late 70s and he was wonderful. Always lifts my mood. And so cool that he joins the wonderful mind expanding Andrew Bird - big love to you both.
I have met God 1 time in person. It was in a very unorthodox way. Years ago I went to see one of His performances in Tokyo. I absolutely wanted to be in the front and got there very early. Imagine the venue floor plan as an hourglass. The entrance hall was connected by a narrow corridor to the concert hall. On either side of this narrow corridor was a door, directly opposite each other. Just as I reached the middle of this corridor, the door to my right flew open. An overexcited man jumped out, right in front of me, and immediately addressed me with the question "Do you know where the backstage area is?" I don't know why but I just pointed to the door on my left. Was it because I couldn't believe my musical idol had been sitting behind that door waiting for me to pass? Anyway, Jonathan said "Thank you" and disappeared as quickly as he had appeared in the opposite door. That was my one and only personal encounter with Him. The concert could not have started any better: I had shown Jonathan the way! Whereto, I don't know but He was on stage that night.
I’ve been coming back to this video on and off since it premiered, following Jonathan even longer. I was supposed to see him open for Mac DeMarco back in 2020, but was unfortunately canceled due to the circumstances. For the first time, I saw him live at Zebulon last night. No photography or videos allowed, intimacy and true listening at its highest for this experience. As he was about to walk off after his farewell, he signed my ‘77 copy of Rock n Roll with the Modern Lovers. What a pleasure it was to witness and feel his welcoming, home-like energy at last. Thank you Jonathan.
❤️Jonathan Richman --- I've been listening to him since the 70's. He' s special and completely genuine. (sagt man das so auf Englisch?) And --- we all have our struggles with the ego...
Andrew Bird!! Thank you so much for putting "My Personal Elvis" out there for the modern listener to hear and appreciate. This guy is the greatest thing EVER!!
Jonathan Richman belongs to the world of course - but those of us from melancholic, Boston MA truly understand his inner sentiment. We know the lonely looking cattails in the "Fenway", the girl who went to the "Hospital"- (MClean's), riding down the "Highway" (Route 128) ....and drivin' past the "Stop and Shop"!
I am glad you stumbled across his music. I have been a fan since about 1976. In 1971, in the original Modern Lovers days, he played in my hometown in Massachusetts, but I was less than 10 y.o. at the time, so I missed that show - drats! He has been quite prolific over the decades, so there's lots to discover. Although there's lots that can be said, the most important thing is - I believe - his raw emotion and observational power captured in a lyrical and musical expression. I suppose that's the goal of many and perhaps most artists, but few achieve it like Jonathan Richman does.
I am an absolute JR tragic from the first time I heard RoadRunner in the late 70's ......... he is my musical idol .... right up there with Iggy Pop (if you can listen to the very rare JR track The Mixer (Men and Women Together))....you' can imagine Iggy singing) So good to see him talk and play again ...... as I was wondering for a while
Oh wow! I’m a very long time Jonathan fan. Met him several times too. He’s a treasure of a human. And I’m so happy to see him in this context. The conversations are a real dive into how he’s developed his style of the last decade or so. The performances are beautiful too. Thanks so much for sharing this with the world!
I've never heard of Jonathan Richman up until now but I am so immersed in the beautiful music and conversations these two great musicians have here. And Ravel! The lovely ensemble of violin and guitar is simply mind-blowing! Thanks a million for the whole Great Room Project, Andrew! Thanks a lot for your gorgeous music, Jonathan! 🌹💕💖
he's one of my favourite artists. he's been making truly incredible music for over 50 years and all through that time he's been writing incredible songs that are funny, sad, poignant, silly - he evokes all sorts of emotions and his music is such a pure expression of JOY. there is some amazing jonathan content on youtube - such as this: th-cam.com/video/fJYALKZZO_s/w-d-xo.html
Andrew Bird and Piers Faccini are two artists I could not live without 🙂Their love of music and sharing it with other musicians is just pure bliss... THANK YOU guys ❤
Thank you so much for this. How wonderful to hear you talk about classical music with Richman, one of the most mysterious performers I've ever had the pleasure to see.
this is so weird, i only just recently got into both of these guys music, like only in the last week, and completely independently of one another?? And now i find this video its so wild
Talk about MASTERPIECE THEATER. Wow. Everyone should see this. And major kudos to the production team, camera, sound, editing. Definitely some magic going on here. 👍👍👍
I love love love Jonathan Richman ! This is glorious what a treat. Did i hear Jojo say this is 2017? This has been hidden for 2.5 years?? Outrageous! Maybe i misheard, Very glad to see this, ta for posting. Met Jojo once and i hope to again one day...............
Made me cry for luck ! Great guitar- and life-lesson from two of my all-time favourite musicians. THAT makes America great ! Like to play as an actor the way you handle music. Thank you & Greetings from Germany. Also thanks to "Süddeutsche Zeitung" which wrote an article about your stream.
Amazing how the same man that wrote and recorded "Roadrunner" could play a piece of music like Ravel's "Pavanne" and could play both so well, despite them being polar opposites in sound and style.
![Jonathan Richman - The Girl Stands Up to Me Now + interview [9-7-94]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/JmbhOa8NdG8/mqdefault.jpg)
Standing in line waiting to see Jonathan, started a conversation with an older woman behind me. I told her how much I loved Jonathan and how excited I was to see him again. At that moment he comes out of the dressing room to cross into the nite club. "Jonathan, Johnathan!" she cries. "This young man is SO excited to see you play tonight!" Jonathan: "That's great, mom, thanks! (blows kiss) Thanks everybody!" "That's my son!" she then unnecessarily declares.
thats adorable
That's a great story! I went to see him play at the Iron Horse in Northampton, MA (decades earlier), and when I went to hand my ticket to the usher, it was Jonathan himself! :)
Wonderful story, so cute.
Hi Momma
Yeah mom, get in line like everyone else!
Was supposed to see Jonathan Richman last month in Providence. The show got cancelled hours before. We went to get something to eat and he was there. I went up to him and was like, “Jonathan, I’m really sorry about the show.” He looks back and says, “I’m not. It’s the way of the universe. If this didn’t happen we wouldn’t get to meet.” He’s one of the most fascinating people ever. A true performer.
That's a beautiful story.
Lovely, thank you.
I got to "jam" with him for a couple of hours years ago in SF. He knew songs I couldn't believe..and he was the most sincerely guileless people I've ever met..
Wow ...
@@barneygoodwin5260 I find that shines through in every interview. When he talks he always reminds me of a kid talking about something that marveled him, or worried him, uncontrolled breathing, so wonderfully naive, like a charming child, and that always at 70 years old.
TH-cam's a real hellhole most of the time where I feel like I'm wasting my life. Every once in a while it throws up a gem like this.
"I needed the audience. I cried on their shoulder." Classic JR.
I saw J. Richman three times in the 80's. All three times in little bars in Tucson, AZ. People would yell, "Hospital!". And he would say, "That is where sick people go." People would yell, "Roadrunner!" And he would say, "Roadrunner, that is a cartoon." That is how he sloughed off the songs he didn't want to play. Funny. Having never heard of him before, he was and still is a great live performer.
Seeing Jonathan pushing 70, looking great and in wonderful voice, bursting with vitality and inspiration is an absolute joy. Andrew does a very fine job keeping the conversation and music flowing, too.
I met Jonathan in the late 80s in Boulder, after a show. I'd been listening to him since the release of the first Modern Lovers album in '76 and had enjoyed his transition from Velvets-inspired hard-edged RnR, to the colorful and happy Jonathan music we've all been enjoying since the first Bezerkley album. Anyway, I was lucky to cross Jonathan's path after the show and told him how much his music had meant to me (truth be told, he really was one of my heroes, still is). As it turns out, he was hungry so he suggested we go to the nearest diner and grab some sustenance. I don't remember this for a fact but I'm pretty sure Jonathan had a burger, which he might not enjoy nowadays. As a young Frenchman in love with rock'n'roll, this was no different than having dinner with David Bowie or Lou Reed: a definite highlight of my life. Jonathan was exactly the same person you see in this video, the same passionate, animated, and joyful presence. I forget the details of our conversation, I'm sure it mostly centered around music, I do remember that Charles Trenet and Maurice Chevalier were mentioned. This video reminds me that meeting Jonathan is still a highlight of my life, to have had the good fortune to spend a few moments in person at a Boulder diner. Jonathan's music captures the entire range of human emotions, and will always lift you up, no matter the state of mind you find yourself in, AND, it rocks. Thank you Jonathan for being in our life, the world is a better place for having you around.
When you said 76 I was like but the modern lovers were early 70s so I googled it and cos the album was released years after they broke up we were both right
@@JoshuaRoss2 Unless you were going to clubs in the NE, or occasionally the SF Bay area in the early 70s, no one ever knew of the Modern Lovers prior to 1976, which was a shame because by the time people heard of them and they finally visited Europe, they were a different band entirely, Jonathan Richman & the Modern Lovers, a backing group for Jonathan's new direction. They had a minor hit in Britain with Egyptian Reggae and even did Top of the Pops but the Velvets blueprint was ancient history by then.
He said he likes the stooges I'm picturing him listening to funhouse lmao
"I felt beauty in things. I wanted to create a feeling like that in the room." - Jonathan Richman.
Jonathan deserves nothing but the best.
Saw him at Glastonbury in the 80s, it was raining and he did a thing about ending the rain. A rainbow appeared and the rain stopped, I thought what a charismatic guy. Held his name in my heart for decades, mentioned it to a friend on a walk in the woods today, who sent me this video. And my heart is captured again.
I met Jonathan backstage after his show one night, and I so desperately wanted to say something cool. "You believe in true love!" "Yeah, I suppose that's true." "I don't think there are too many people who do." "Oh, I disagree. I think there's an awful lot of us around."
Jonathan is an amazing human being and there's no one else on the planet like him. Just listen to the passion in his voice when he talks about the music he loves. I've seen him live four times and met him twice. When he performs you really feel like he's singing just to you. He will peer into your soul and it will change you forever. It sounds hyperbolic, but it's not. I wish he was more widely known and appreciated. He's one of our national treasures.
David Babb I’ve experienced the same thing at his shows. He really will look directly into your eyes.
The first time I saw Jonathan play 5 or 6 years ago, it was a small crowd and me and him had some strange connection and he spent a good amount of the show looking directly at me and playing his songs. Maybe he liked the uncontrollably huge smile on my face. I thought maybe I was imagining it, but everyone I was with commented on it halfway through the show. At one point he was jamming Funky Good Time by James Brown and I started singing back to him "Gonna take you hiiiiiiigher". And the look in his face of how happy he was, was truly beautiful. I've seen him any chance I can since then and every time it's a soul cleansing moment of pure joy.
I've seen him too and I concur. The first time I saw him I cried. The second time, I cried again. And the third time, well guess what happened? Yes I cried some more.
All so true. He is in a category all his own, as a songwriter, performer and unique human being . I’ve seen Jonathan more times than U can count , going back to the early 70s when I briefly lived in Boston. I’ve ne St seen anyone why connects with the audience so well, and us sincere about it. He’s really interesting to talk to- it’s not the standard fan/star superficial conversion . I never would have thought to ask for his autograph, it would somehow cheapen the experience if that makes any sense. But one time I wrote him a letter after a concert and less than 2 weeks later he wrote back . Not just a simple “Thank you for your support “ note, but thoughtful responses and new ideas. It was like a letter you would get from a good friend. It’s one of my greatest treasures.
I can't believe it, i felt the dame thing 25 years ago, and I didnt tell anyone. He was looking to me while singing, and I felt bit strange but lot of special. Thank you
I have a story about both of these wonderful people. Once upon a time in Manhattan, maybe about 1990 Jonathan Richman was playing a free show at Tower records. I had no money, so I was super excited to see him that afternoon. My job ran late and I was late and as I ran into the show they were just packing up. Jonathan saw my disappointed look and came up to me. I explained what had happened and he put me on the list for than night's show. It was one of the best show's of my life and further cemented Jonathan as one of my all time favorite artists. Fast forward maybe 2 years and I I was at a show where Andrew Bird was opening for someone at Maxwells. There were maybe 20 people in the audience. I went up to him afterwards and told him how much I loved the show and bought of his records from him. We had such a nice talk on that rainy night in Hoboken and I knew he was going places. Anyway, both of these guys stopped and talked to some kid in NYC thirty years ago and were both super nice down to earth people and basically exactly who they are here. Love these guys.
Beautiful story
In fact, I was at that TOWERS RECORDS show. 😂
I had the impression Jonathan was very nervous about doing it, but he pulled it off nicely, off course.
hmm nice story but maxwells is in Jersey and jersey is not nyc😢
Gorgeous Story 🔥
Jonathan reminds me of Daniel Johnston a bit. There's this innocence of spirit that shines through him and is very artistically captivating.
Two of my favorites. Check out Beat Happening if you don't know them. Similar stuff, lo-fi, fun songs about candy and girls and all kinds of stuff.
completely agree: was only after watching this performance that i made the connection!
Both of them never lost their connection to childhood innocence and joy. That's why their music resonates so deeply for people (like me).
I loved how much Jonathan in his early stuff would call out females and say he was a good guy why not appreciate the good sensitive guys that's the kind of "emo" I like lol
Saw Jonathan play a small bar in Michigan. He finished his set, put his guitar in its case and walked through the crowd and out the front door of the bar. Crowd went outside to watch him walk of into the darkness never looking back.
1:08 Is the Timestamp of "The Fenway". Mainly leaving this here for myself as its probably the best rendition.
"I needed the audience, I cried on their shoulder"
I love how he smiles and raises an eyebrow to Anrew after finishing the fenway
10:58-15:28 That's the most truly astonishingly beautiful and real conveyance of Ravel's 'Pavanne' I have EVER heard. Tears were rolling down my face (I'm a grown man, for goodness' sake!).
THAT is what music is. It's not (just) about the right notes or the right rhythm (I recall Charles Ives quoting his father about the earnest local church choir: "don't listen too closely to the notes, you may miss the MUSIC"!).
Jonathan has always been a treasure, may God bless him - and bless us with Jonathan's continued presence. I didn't know he was into 'classical' music (although I suppose romantic impressionism fits like a favourite coat). He's also a much better guitarist than he thinks he is.
Thank you for the music.
33:48 "I'm not a songwriter. I'm a singer who makes up songs so I'll have something to sing."
32:40 "And I must tell your audience, it does not work as a substitute for a girlfriend."
Jonathan, thanks for helping me know how to live. I feel better when I remember there are people like you in the world. I love the way you just let it come right out of your mouth.
He's awesome I love how vulnerable he was in his songs it's why I liked the violent femmes and then I realized they learned from him
My wife and I saw Jonathan and Tommy at The Beachcomber in Wellfleet along with three or four other people one night. It was as if he were playing to us by a campfire at the beach, and he looked as happy to be there as we were.
"The Fenway" is my favorite JR song. It's buried on side two of a record that's long out of print, and I've never heard him play it live. Hearing him open with it in this set gave me goosebumps. Thank you!
This is a fantastic version of it
He just played it last night in Providence.
My favorite song is dignified and old
Rockin' and romance, right?
I had never heard it and it brought me to tears! It's so beautiful.
Jonathan Richman is a pure soul. I got to see and meet him at a small bar in Dallas a few years ago. He's exactly as nice as you could ever wish him to be.
Great exchange over “Hospital” (one of my favorite ML songs): “Better to let it live in 1970 than to watch it die in 2017” Amazing!
I'm calling it: JONATHAN IS A NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL TREASURE. This is a lovely concert and interview, thank you.
The Modern Lovers played on my college campus, in California, in 1976, at lunch time. I was kind of into prog rock at the time, and thought they were really odd, but I distinctly remember "Roadrunner" catching my ear.
That was the best Jonathan Richman interview I've ever seen. Andrew did a great job, making Jonathan comfortable with his questions and allowing him to speak and open up. I love to listen to musicians talk about their process of making music. Jonathan is a heck of a guy!!!! Love him.
I love that he mentions the Kinks here, because I adore Jonathan, but I pretty much worship Ray Davies .
When Jonathan said “Don’t be a songwriter, just make up songs” , I actually shouted “ YES! “ out loud because that is the way Ive always looked at both of them. Great observers telling stories from the heart.
This makes me really want a collaboration project with Andrew Bird and Jonathan Richman. The way they talk and bond about music would translate beautifully into an album.
yes totally agree
I love the part starting at 6:10 "I really cared, more selfishly than that, I just wanted to express myself in front of the audience, and I wanted to have rock music happen... Even more important than the idea, I think, something, an emotion, a feeling to express. That was my reason for doing it. I needed the audience. I cried on their shoulder. The idea was, I was lonely and sad about stuff, and I wanted to tell the world how I felt. And I also felt beauty in things. And the Velvet Underground inspired me that way, so did other people, like the Loving Spoonful, all this beauty I heard in this music, I wanted to try and create a feeling like that in the room."
Andrew talking about the need to express something without any formal training or anything and just figuring out how to do that regardless makes me want to song write again. Im not great at singing or guitar but the idea that it doesn’t matter and just getting something out there anyway is great
What a beautiful soul Jonathan is. Love when he sings in foreign language.
Thank you, Jonathan & Andrew. Jonathan, you didn't know, but you helped me raise my kids. Your music is still helping.
How so? Did you sing his songs with your kiddos instead of baby shark?
He’s a genius. He sees the world from a slightly different perspective. And it transcends cultures and generations. We love Jonathan Richman
The conversation around Hospital and Old World is an unlock god level genius mode cheat code for making and loving music.
Jonathan Richman's Space Ghost Coast to Coast interview is one of my favorite interviews ever.
I saw JR at a small, crappy club in Signal Hill, California in the late 80's and got to spend about a 1/2 an hour talking to him on the sidewalk out front. That was definitely one of the most interesting, and intense conversations I've ever had. He is one of a kind for sure. I really enjoyed that talk and this video. Thanks for posting it. Peace.
What was the Club? I’m from LB and saw him at the Que.
@@OCteahead I can't remember the name of it. It was on PCH between Redondo and Cherry. Damn, I used to play at the Que a lot, didn't know he played a show there also. Missed that one. Peace.
LUV YOU JOHNATHAN RICHMAN. IT IS GOOD TO BE UNIQUE
I've seen both these gentlemen live, several times each, and seeing them together is joyful and painful, dead serious and hilarious. Exquisite, priceless and real. ❤️
The rendition of The Fenway at the start is exquisite. His mature voice suits it perfectly here. Hard to believe he wrote such a reflective song when he was such a young man. He has written so many, it’s hard to pick a favorite or even a top 20, but the Fenway is up there.
from barcelona...catalunya..."spain" thanks very much for this meeting with JOHNATHAN RICHMAN....WE LOVE HIM IN BARCELONA...CATALUNYA &...SPAIN!! THANKS SLÁINTE!!
Jonathan is better guitarist that I thought. Great work gentleman.
Love Jonathan Richman . Such an experience to see him live in the 70’s and 80’s. Hope to see him again.
Hey Jonathan....many memories from 1970 playing on the Cambridge Common in Harvard Square, and with Danny Peck. Our band had always played before the Modern Lovers..got some good ole photos of all of us. I was always a listener of Ravel.....One night in 1970, I had closed the Oxford Ale House and staggered home to my Winter Hill Somerville apartment. I had placed my favorite musical compassion "BOLERO" on my turn table with my head phones on and passed out. I didn't realize that the player was set on repeat play. Ravel was so correct on his interpretation of his composition that Bolero would be the most memorable 20 minutes of melody. That night I had slept well beyond the sun's rising, and BOLERO has always echoed it's crescendo of melodic intensity throughout my entire life. Barbara and I live in North Truro, and enjoyed seeing you at Payomet ....blessings..till the next time, my brother.
Oh I love Jonathan so much.
No that many people in France know about him so it feels like my own private little secret. You know? Your own private singer that was designed specifically to speak to your heart.
When I feel bad or down, I put on "its time for..." (my personal favorite) and jam to "Corner Store" or " just about seventeen" and it always brings a smile to my face .
This is the most awesome performance that I've ever seen on TH-cam, the most intimate and detailed interview of Jonathan - I really felt like I was there with you guys and I feel like I have learnt a lot. Now if only both of you, or one of you could come and play in Moscow, Russia. Thank you both for making this happen.
Johnny boy still handsome as ever
The Lovin' Spoonful was the first rock n roll band i ever fell in love with...I was 6. And this was in the early 90s. Like, i was born 20 years after their heyday, Yet their music stood the test of time and showed me such beauty. Especially Summer in the City and Coconut Grove. Wonderful to hear another such influence name drop them.
John Sebastian really was amazing. Have always loved them
I love Johnathan but he's absolutely out of his mind which makes his music even more impressive. Possibly a genius. Jr if you read this its a compliment and your likely already 100 percent aware
This rendition of Mistaking Clouds for Mountains is so beautiful.
Jonathan is evolving musically and I look forward to his future music. i don't think we are close to his best work. I have played guitar since the 70s and i don't think i would have called myself good till about 10 years ago, when i put down picks and electrics and just played a nylon string and studied classical and 100 year old blues. Hes a very interesting man.
You've captured my heart! I love all those blue notes in there.
I'm just discovering Andrew Bird and I find this video of him with my favorite artist of all time. Man! These two need to make an album together!
I never knew this happened! Two of my favorites together. It’s a testament of my absolute respect for Jonathan that I I, a lifelong NYY fan can be so deeply moved by a song about the Fenway.
Saw him in Flagstaff in last October, such an intimate performance. Will always be a treasured memory for all my life
That first song is just amazing.
Oh Joy! A light in the darkness. Thank you both.
when I tell you I'm obsessed with this. I AM OBSESSED
I saw Johnathan Richman and his band play a small hall in Bristol, England back in the 1980’s. The best live show I ever saw, because he wasn’t just following a known and successful routine. He was actually there in the room with us, not playing at us, so unlike the big famous rock bands whose shows boringly run on rails. Thanks Jonathan.
This is wonderful. Jonathan Richman is one of the heros of my youth,and the way he has been comming of age is so touching and impressive. I am so grateful to have had the chance to be entertained and to have learned so much about life from him. He is a true artist.
I saw Jonathon Richman live in Birmingham UK back in the Roadrunner days late 70s and he was wonderful. Always lifts my mood. And so cool that he joins the wonderful mind expanding Andrew Bird - big love to you both.
Love Jonathan Richman always.
I have met God 1 time in person. It was in a very unorthodox way. Years ago I went to see one of His performances in Tokyo. I absolutely wanted to be in the front and got there very early. Imagine the venue floor plan as an hourglass. The entrance hall was connected by a narrow corridor to the concert hall. On either side of this narrow corridor was a door, directly opposite each other. Just as I reached the middle of this corridor, the door to my right flew open. An overexcited man jumped out, right in front of me, and immediately addressed me with the question "Do you know where the backstage area is?" I don't know why but I just pointed to the door on my left. Was it because I couldn't believe my musical idol had been sitting behind that door waiting for me to pass? Anyway, Jonathan said "Thank you" and disappeared as quickly as he had appeared in the opposite door. That was my one and only personal encounter with Him. The concert could not have started any better: I had shown Jonathan the way! Whereto, I don't know but He was on stage that night.
I’ve been coming back to this video on and off since it premiered, following Jonathan even longer. I was supposed to see him open for Mac DeMarco back in 2020, but was unfortunately canceled due to the circumstances. For the first time, I saw him live at Zebulon last night. No photography or videos allowed, intimacy and true listening at its highest for this experience. As he was about to walk off after his farewell, he signed my ‘77 copy of Rock n Roll with the Modern Lovers. What a pleasure it was to witness and feel his welcoming, home-like energy at last. Thank you Jonathan.
dear Jonathan, thank you for your soul, we in Italy love you and we hope you'll came again in Roma. stay well !!
Really interesting and insightful observation Jonathan makes at 54:00 about big crowds. I have absolutely experienced this.
Johnathan is a legend and one of a kind. There would have been no Boston music scene, no Cars, no punk, no new wave without this man’s influence.
❤️Jonathan Richman --- I've been listening to him since the 70's. He' s special and completely genuine. (sagt man das so auf Englisch?) And --- we all have our struggles with the ego...
The five greatest composers in music history: 1) John Cale. 2) Paul Westerberg. 3) Van Morrison. 4) Jonathan Richman. 5) Lou Reed.
Andrew Bird!! Thank you so much for putting "My Personal Elvis" out there for the modern listener to hear and appreciate. This guy is the greatest thing EVER!!
Every time I hear him, it's as if music is being discovered or invented for the first time. Such rare sincerity. stunning!
Just do this with Jonathan every week!!!
JR really "sticks" it to peeps who love BOSTON and it's sister suburbs! Hallelujah!!!!
Jonathan Richman belongs to the world of course - but those of us from melancholic, Boston MA truly understand his inner sentiment. We know the lonely looking cattails in the "Fenway", the girl who went to the "Hospital"- (MClean's), riding down the "Highway" (Route 128) ....and drivin' past the "Stop and Shop"!
This episode has a special place in my heart since it first aired in 2017. Thanks for sharing.
This makes the world make sense...I love it!
Something about Mr. Richman, something strangely vivifying. Merci encore, Jonathan
"I am very funny!" I Love Jonathan Richman!
Recently became really obsessed with Jonathan Richman after hearing The Modern Lovers on Spotify !! He's so great !
I am glad you stumbled across his music. I have been a fan since about 1976. In 1971, in the original Modern Lovers days, he played in my hometown in Massachusetts, but I was less than 10 y.o. at the time, so I missed that show - drats! He has been quite prolific over the decades, so there's lots to discover. Although there's lots that can be said, the most important thing is - I believe - his raw emotion and observational power captured in a lyrical and musical expression. I suppose that's the goal of many and perhaps most artists, but few achieve it like Jonathan Richman does.
I'm such a fan of both of you! Thanks for this! 🙌🏼
I am an absolute JR tragic from the first time I heard RoadRunner in the late 70's ......... he is my musical idol .... right up there with Iggy Pop (if you can listen to the very rare JR track The Mixer (Men and Women Together))....you' can imagine Iggy singing)
So good to see him talk and play again ...... as I was wondering for a while
That was so pleasant, I came here for Jonathan but ended up loving both of them
Oh wow! I’m a very long time Jonathan fan. Met him several times too. He’s a treasure of a human. And I’m so happy to see him in this context. The conversations are a real dive into how he’s developed his style of the last decade or so. The performances are beautiful too. Thanks so much for sharing this with the world!
Jonathan Richman is a great musician but also a nice person!. Thanks, Andrew for this show and also your music!
Man. How captivating is Jonathan Richman. This was so enjoyable.
I think Jonathan may have synesthesia where sound has color.
Very cool!
Right around 20:30
I've never heard of Jonathan Richman up until now but I am so immersed in the beautiful music and conversations these two great musicians have here.
And Ravel! The lovely ensemble of violin and guitar is simply mind-blowing!
Thanks a million for the whole Great Room Project, Andrew! Thanks a lot for your gorgeous music, Jonathan! 🌹💕💖
check out the Modern Lovers. he was the lead singer
Ian Robichaud Thanks, Ian. I’m listening to Modern Lovers’ album and Jonathan’s solo album. They are awesome as well! :)
he's one of my favourite artists. he's been making truly incredible music for over 50 years and all through that time he's been writing incredible songs that are funny, sad, poignant, silly - he evokes all sorts of emotions and his music is such a pure expression of JOY. there is some amazing jonathan content on youtube - such as this: th-cam.com/video/fJYALKZZO_s/w-d-xo.html
Check out all of his solo stuff too, such great fun, sad, touching music.
Keep going! Delve deep into Jonathan’s catalogue. There is so much to discover.
Saw you at SXSW years ago and immediately became a fan. Love some Richman too this is my new favorite video 🥰🥰
Andrew Bird and Piers Faccini are two artists I could not live without 🙂Their love of music and sharing it with other musicians is just pure bliss...
THANK YOU guys
❤
Thank you so much for this. How wonderful to hear you talk about classical music with Richman, one of the most mysterious performers I've ever had the pleasure to see.
cool cool. I love how when they play together it's like a conversation between the violin and guitar
this is so weird, i only just recently got into both of these guys music, like only in the last week, and completely independently of one another?? And now i find this video its so wild
Thank You !
Talk about MASTERPIECE THEATER. Wow. Everyone should see this. And major kudos to the production team, camera, sound, editing. Definitely some magic going on here. 👍👍👍
I love love love Jonathan Richman ! This is glorious what a treat. Did i hear Jojo say this is 2017? This has been hidden for 2.5 years?? Outrageous! Maybe i misheard, Very glad to see this, ta for posting. Met Jojo once and i hope to again one day...............
This was wonderful. I miss not being able to see Jonathan live.
what a fascinating conversation. passionate and intelligent. absolute legends
Wonderful to see the same man shining, who I saw back in 78 and 86 and 94 but then forget about a bit. #LoveJonathan
Made me cry for luck ! Great guitar- and life-lesson from two of my all-time favourite musicians. THAT makes America great ! Like to play as an actor the way you handle music. Thank you & Greetings from Germany. Also thanks to "Süddeutsche Zeitung" which wrote an article about your stream.
Amazing how the same man that wrote and recorded "Roadrunner" could play a piece of music like Ravel's "Pavanne" and could play both so well, despite them being polar opposites in sound and style.
I'm imagaining an EP or more of these two fine artists playing together.....make it so !!
may the Gods bless him and hold him dear