Customer Reviews

Marvin Gaye - Live in Montreux 1980

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This DVD starts off (after an intro piece) with the best version of "Got to Give It Up" you'll ever hear. As a previous reviewer mentioned, there are some minor audio flaws at the very beginning of the concert - almost all during this piece. It doesn't matter to me. They were all taken care of as they arose within a half minute, and frankly, except for missing the first 20 seconds or so of David Li's sax solo, they don't bother me. But the *performance* - man! What an amazing show. Of course since it happened in 1980 there are some dated fashions displayed onstage, and some funny moments, but this band is having a good time and the show is stupendous. You just couldn't ask for a better group to back Marvin.

I've brought this disc over to friends who aren't that up on Marvin Gaye, and I've made them fans. The man is on fire on this night, and appears completely at ease with the audience and keeps them in the palm of his hand throughout the evening. There's a version of "Come Get to This" which I think is superior to the version on Let's Get It On, a great medley of Tammi Terrell duets preceded by Marvin grabbing a stool to sit on only to have it come apart, a moment handled beautifully and with a lot of humor, and a great extended "Inner City Blues" with Marvin soloing on a Rhodes, and the show-ending "What's Going On" complete with extended sermon about what's going on in life, what's the purpose? he asks...and answers to the best of his ability.

I can't recommend this disc enough. It's a great time and the flaws can be overlooked - after all, most shows from that era don't sound as good as the stuff that's come out since the digital revolution really took hold in the late 80's. If you're a dyed-in-the-wool Marvin fan, you HAVE to own this.

"Live In Montreux" is one of the best concerts that I've ever seen by ANYONE. Of course that goes with the territory when you're watching and listening to Marvin Gaye.

I've got news for some of you folks; it isn't about a slight audio section not sounding as pristine as you might have wanted it to. It's about the fact that Marvin delivers straight up SOUL in a huge way on this dvd. If you're wanting perfection in the content, however, and not the two seconds of audio that you didn't like you should purchase this dvd immediately.

All you have to do is check the track listing and imagine Marvin pouring his guts into these songs and you have an inkling of what this concert is all about. I didn't see anyone there complaining!

Marvin performs a large variety of his hits and some that are a little more obscure with his utmost passion which is still unrivaled to this day. His banter with the audience is classy and entertaining. He dances with two women in a very sweet way which was probably the high point of their lives. And after a prop malfunction he does the most touching tribute to Tammi Terrell that I've ever seen. I had tears in my eyes and I'm a man.

Marvin is backed by an incredible orchestra and even takes a bit of time to play the drums which, if you know anything about Marvin, takes it back to the beginning of his career with Motown.

I would give this dvd 10 stars for any music lover.

The only negative aspect to this dvd is that it quickly reminds us of what we're missing in music today.

Kevin W. Mattingly

Harrisburg Times

When I found out about this DVD I couldn't wait to see it and it was more wonderful than I could have imagined! The improv in this concert and his interaction with the crowd is incredible! (What I wouldn't give to have that dance with him!) I saw him in Boston on his Midnight Love tour, shortly before his death, and as great as it was to see him perform in person, it didn't compare to this. He does some songs from Here my Dear and I Want You, that I have never heard live before, which is so awesome. I was brought to tears at times by just the sweetness of his voice, if you love Marvin, don't hesitate one more moment to buy this DVD. Yes, the sound quality isn't perfect, but Marvin is!

This is the video all Marvin fans have been waiting for,An absolute must have.I don't know why these things take so long to be released so long after his death.This video oozes quality and delivers the songs we all want to hear Marvin sing.The sound and picture quality is excellent and is much better than the other live concert available on dvd.I think the sound must have been enhanced. Containing all the classic songs and giving great value for money,Marvin puts on a really funky show giving it all his effort,A true showman.The backing band and backing singers are also fantastic.There must be more classic Marvin Footage available and I hope it gets a release soon!

Loved it!! This performance displays a more candid and personal side of Marvin. He spends some time at the piano, behind the drums, and even invites a couple of women onstage for a dance. There's also a stage blooper that was kind of funny! I won't give too much away, but this video is a must for all Marvin Gaye fans!!

It's finally here! I saw that one a long time ago on the german/french television ARTE and was dying to see it released on a quality dvd.
If you're a big fan of MG and knows everything about him and his tourmented life -especially at this time- (if not, you have to read the book 'Divided soul' by David ritz) you will certainly enjoy this concert. Top band, top notch picture quality and sound (it's 1980 guys !), this is the best MG live video around.
Make sure you check the amazing version of Inner City blues with MG sitting at the fender for a soulful solo while the incredible background singers are grooving like craaazay! Also for Claude Nobs presenting a ... award (not even framed for god sakes LOL) to MG at the end...
Thanks Eagle Rock, you've just made my day!!!
I must tell you something though : NO BONUS ? NO FIFTH STAR !!!

On March 15, 2004, PBS showed this program on channel 21 (in NYC) I was having a conversation about this product JUST TWO WEEKS AGO and there it is on PBS!!!!!

I am still going to purchase this DVD & CD. Marvin sings his butt off on "Distant Lover". WHOA!!!

He is dressed in a white ruffles shirt, blue sequin vest, black pants and red tux jacket with musical notes on the upper breast. I know it sounds strange but HE LOOKS GOOD! He sounds great and his band is TIGHT!!! Choeography and audience participation was great to see. The R&B artists today are really missing something!!!???!!

PBS did not show the entire DVD but it was a great inside look at the product I WAS GOING TO BUY!!!

BUY IT!!!

Marvin Gaye will always Be High on My List of All time Greats.he truly just moved you in so many ways.I got this DVD Recently&Ran Home to Play it&the Band was Smoking.I dug the fact that marvin kept the Gig right out there&open for the Audience to vibe with him&the Band.Props to Gordon Banks&the Band for Bringing the Flavor.Marvin did His thing on Piano&a cool Drum Run.I dug How He danced with those Two Fine Girls during "After the Dance" One at a time.the arrangements were nice through out. dug the Doo Wop vibe of His Background Vocalists.this is a Great concert&a Must Have for Fans of Marvin Gaye.

I loved watching Marvin being pretty relaxed in this DVD. His singing is superb as always, and he looks so good. I never get tired of watching anything

with Marvin in it, since I have quite a collection, from the 60s shows that he was on. Well done, Marvin!

Aloha from Maui, well I really was there! I'm the conga player with the little round afro. It was an amazing journey traveling with this 21 piece orchestra, half of whom have passed away either from being murdered, drug overdose, and who knows, I might have a book in me about that! The band never did receive any royalties from this, what's that about? Maui is now my home, I've worked in Willie Nelson's island backup band, The Planetary Bandits. I also DJ on www.manaoradio.com, tune in for a little slice of Maui. Aloha, Sandra Akaka