Customer Reviews

Never Say Die: The Complete Final Concert (W/Dvd)

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First off, the technical side of things. I have a widescreen 30" Philips HDTV with a Trutech surround sound DVD player and was very impressed with the audio and visual qualities of the DVD. I started listening to the first CD in the car as soon as I bought this release today and it sounded great, too.

As for the content, it is truly amazing how a nearly two hour concert video can be so thoroughly engaging when the main artist never even so much as stands up on stage. For those not in the know, by the time of this concert, Waylon's health confined him to a specially designed chair on-stage. Unlike Johnny Cash, though, Waylon's vocals never diminished and so he still sounds as vibrant as he does in the "Waylon Live" recordings from a quarter century earlier. Sure, there are nitpicks with the set list; being the final concert recording from a music icon, everyone has at least one song they wish he'd included. But then, the funny thing is, the "Waylon Live" recordings occurred before he'd even had most of the hits that came to define him for most listeners.

Finally, for those who bought the original 14-track singular CD release and are wondering if this is worth the upgrade...hell, yes, it is! First off, the packaging is far superior, full of clear photos, unlike the original release's few blurry ones. Secondly, the original release sequencing is far off from the full concert and the previously unreleased material is not fluff; it's great stuff that should have been included earlier. The only gripe I have is that on the original release, Waylon has a conversation with Travis Tritt about making movies with Willie that was pretty entertaining, and that's not included on this release. Still, it's a trade-off I think any fan would make. Unless, like me, you plan on keeping your earlier release, too. ;)

Few performers, in any genre, have had as much sheer charisma as Waylon Jennings, and that comes through loud an clear on this poignant set, recorded live at the Ryman auditorium in January, 2000, when Waylon's health was starting to fade. He's backed by his hand-picked Waymore Blues Band, who put as much heart and soul into the performance as ol' Waylon himself. Waylon, who had to stay in a chair during the show, knew he was on the way out, but he had a great attitude about it, cracking jokes about being "a cripple" and even singing his on gentle epitaph on "Might Be A Good Time." He threw himself fully into each and every song, and graciously shared the limelight with buddies like John Anderson, Travis Tritt and Montgomery Gentry, as well as with his wife, Jessi Colter, who leads on a few tunes and sings some heart-rending duets with Waylon.

This edition expands the original Y2K release into the full concert length -- two CDs worth, plus a concert DVD that covers the same material. The concert film is a mixed blessing: on one hand, in technical terms, it's pretty poorly produced -- great sound quality but the cinematography and editing are both pretty rough. But as a document of Waylon's waning years, it's simply invaluable. You see what his road band was like, how they mixed showmanship and honest emotion, and of course you see Waylon, vigorous and vital, though also clearly wounded and with a real weight on his shoulders. Musically, it's all very solid -- most of the songs are oldies, but none of them are played by rote, and the sincere feeling these folks put into their performances comes through loud and clear. If you're a Waylon fan, you'll wanna check it out. (DJ Joe Sixpack)

There Were Giants WalkingThe Land-Waylon Is The Tallest, August 16, 2007


"Once upon a time in country music, there were giants walking the land.... Waylon Jennings WAS the tallest of them all." Chet Flippo

'Never Say Die' is a live album by Waylon & The Waymore Blues Band, released on Sony Records through the Lucky Dog imprint in 2000. This was to be Waylon Jenning's last record of original material to be released during his lifetime. It was recorded at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium in January, 2000. Jennings was battling both emphysema and severe diabetes that had forced him to give up the long tours that he had always done. The album features many guests, including Waylon's wife Jessi Colter, Montgomery Gentry, John Anderson and Travis Tritt. The songs are a mix of Waylon's hits, tracks from his recent albums and tracks he had never sung in record format.

Waylon Jennings had over 40 years of experience as an entertainer.. He started as the bassist for Buddy Holly, and Waylon continually grew as a musician and bandleader. Health problems took their toll on Waylon in the 1990s. He suffered from emphysema, diabetes and had a mild stroke. Despite all that, Waylon wanted nothing more than to get back on stage. In early 2000, he put together a band with many of his favorite musicians and called it, The Waymore Blues Band.

Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson, Bobby Bare, Chet Atkins, Cowboy Jack Clement, Billy Joe Shaver, his wife Jessi Colter, his son, Shooter Jennings,sing and comment on this CD. Waylon's classic songs and covers include 'Good Hearted Woman,' 'I'm a Ramblin Man' with Montgomery Gentry, 'Suspicious Minds' with Jessi Colter, 'Can't You See' and 'Trouble Man.'

"Waylon Jennings showed us that he remained able to turn in a memorable performance. He makes an engaging host, joking with his guests and talking to the audience, but what matters most is that his voice remains sturdy, while his veteran band plays his songs with authority. Waylon Jennings summoned the inner grit that sustained him through good and bad times and made him a true innovator, surrounded by loyal, loving musicians and adoring fans, he created this magnificent epilogue to what will remain one of American music's most remarkable careers. " Drew Just

The tracks are so memorable- each one brings back memories of the country star and his friends. The songs are Waylon, his laughter and voice and love of his family and friends.

"Closing in on the Fire" (Tony Joe White)
"Waymore's Blues" (Jennings, Curtis Buck)
"Never Say Die" (Jennings)
"Amanda" (Bob McDill) / "A Couple More Years" (Shel Silverstein, Dennis Locorriere) -
"Drift Away" (Mentor Williams) -
"Nothing Catches Jesus by Surprise" (Jennings, Tom Douglas)
"Good Hearted Woman" (Jennings, Willie Nelson)
"I'm Not Lisa" (Jessi Colter)
"Storms Never Last" (Jessi Colter)
"Never Been to Spain" (Hoyt Axton)
"I'm a Ramblin' Man" (Ray Pennington)
"Goin' Down Rockin'" (Tony Joe White, Leann White)
"I've Always Been Crazy" (Jennings)
"Can't You See" (Toy Caldwell) -

"Beautiful lady are you sure that you understand
The chances your taking loving a free living man
Are you really sure you really want what you see
Be careful of something that's just what you want it to be

I've always been crazy but it's kept me from going insane
Nobody knows if it's something to bless or to blame
So far I ain't found a rhyme or a reason to change
I've always been crazy but it's kept me from going insane"
Waylon Jennings

One of my top ten live albums.
Highly Recommended. prisrob 08-16-07

Ultimate Waylon Jennings
Wanted! The Outlaws

It's great to hear and see this final concert of one of country musics greatest legends. The CDs and the DVD are of exellent quality. A must have for every fan.

Having kicked cocaine and survived bypass surgery and a mild stroke, Jennings was slowed by emphysema and taken off the road by diabetes. But his love of the stage never left him, and in place of riding the bus for extended tours he scheduled one-off shows here and there. He reconstituted and expanded the Waylors with a horn section, fiddle player and backing vocalist and focused them on live performance. This January 2000 concert at the Ryman Auditorium wasn't Jennings' last (that came the following year in Kansas City), but with cameras and tape recorders rolling it as a something of a final hurrah, a grand celebration played out before a hugely appreciative audience.

Jennings remained seated throughout the show, but with his crack band pumping out hits, obscurities, covers and new songs, he remained quite robust. His voice showed feint signs of age on the edges, but the core of its authority, power and charisma was still completely intact. Though lauded as an elder statesman in Nashville, and passing away just two years later, Jennings was as artistically vital as at any point in his illustrious career. He treated this show with the same ferocity with which he'd rewritten the playbook for live country music. Opening with the fiery declaration "Never Say Die," the set list was filled out with a deft mix of classics, rarities, personally-loved covers and a few new tunes. This was a working artist whose creativity and drive lasted until the very end.

Much like his pioneering bands of the 1970s, Jennings' revitalized combo was a twangy country group with the power and presence of a rock band. The three-piece horn section added sharp accents, guitarist Reggie Young stood in for Jennings on lead with grace, and steel player Robby Turner (who also added mandolin and guitar) provided a flavorful presence throughout. Jennings was a natural showman, with down-to-earth patter between songs that jokingly took aim at his own infirmities ("I can still kick a** - you just gotta bring 'em up here"). He graciously shared the spotlight with guests John Anderson (for a super fine version of "Waymore's Blues" that clearly tickles Jennings), Montgomery-Gentry ("I'm a Ramblin' Man"), Travis Tritt ("I've Always Been Crazy"), and his wife Jessi Colter. A shot of Jennings gazing livingly at Colter as she sings "I'm Not Lisa" speaks volumes about their relationship, as does their duet on "Storms Never Last."

Additional highlights include a medley of Waylon & Willie tunes that found Jennings imitating Nelson's nasal delivery, a pairing of "Amanda" and "A Couple More Years" that hung emotionally on Jennings' mortality, the rare Shel Silverstein collaboration "It's the World's Gone Crazy (Cotillion)," the soulful "Shakin' the Blues," a cover of Hoyt Axton's "Never Been to Spain," and the never-give-up "Goin' Down Rockin'." Two staples of Jennings' live shows, The Band's "The Weight" and The Marshall Tucker Band's "Can't You See" brought the set to a stirring finish.

Columbia previously released 14 tracks from this show on 200's "Never Say Die" via the subsidiary Lucky Dog label. This 1-DVD, 2-CD set reproduces the show in sequence from the opening curtain to the final thank you. The DVD includes both stereo and Dolby Digital 5.1 surround, and in addition to the concert footage, there's a snappily produced 32-minute making-of featurette that includes interviews (Willie Nelson, Bobby Bare, Chet Atkins, Travis Tritt, Billy Joe Shaver, Jessi Colter, Jack Clement, Kris Kristofferson), photos, rehearsal footage. Rich Kienzle's liner notes are complemented by superb photos, rounding out a package that provides superb memories of one of country music's giants. [©2007 hyperbolium dot com]

I bought the "Never say die Live" cd when it first came out and really enjoyed it. Even at that time I wondered why there was no video. Now there is video, and its even better.
I have been a Waylon fan for as long as I can remember (I am 44) but have only had the pleasure of seeing him in concert one time, at Opryland in '85, or maybe '86. Jerry Reed was there, John Anderson, and guest appearence by Hank Jr. And, of cource, Jessie. That was a great concert, but my wife mentioned he didn't really talk to the audience, and she was right.
Now I know he was just coming off drugs without rehab, totally Waylon style, at the time we saw him. He is one strong dude. I have his book where he says he got out of debt with out filing bancruptcy. He has always lived life on his terms. Honesty, perserverence, and a good heart are lessons to be learned from him. He's never shy'd away from his drug problems, he has written songs about them. He cut back his operation when the money was tight. Got rid of the freeloaders. He came full circle in life. I hope I can do that.
Bottom line: If you are a fan, you will love this set. If you are new to Waylon, you will be looking for more.
Fantastic CD and DVD.

If you're a Waylon Jennings fan, this 2CD and DVD set is a must have!!
Do yourself a favor and add this to your collection. It, is, outstanding!!

The DVD alone is worth the price. I have several Waylon DVD's and probably all his albums. You can see the effort he made going through the concert. His guitar playing was not there. But his voice was great!!!!!! It was Waylon! When Jessi was on the stage it was magic. It is really sad - Waylon's voice stayed with him, but his body gave up. Willie and Kris are still singing - their bodies are fine, but their voices are so sad to listen to any more. If you like Waylon and want to see a True Legend, buy this CD/DVD.

WAYLON was & is One of My Favorite Musicians. You can't beat His STYLE of Music. This is a Must Have for any Waylon Fan !!!! The Music is Great, Harmonies are Excellent too....Once You Buy this, You'll be Watching it over & over again as I have. I also Enjoy the TWO DISC CD's in My Truck as well. This is TOPS in My Book.ENJOY !!!!

Talk about going out in a blaze of glory!
This concert is now my favorite Waylon Jennings concert! Although it's sad to see that he has to be sitting through the whole show, his charisma, the band and HIS STRONG VOICE make up for that. The great guest artists, especially Travis Tritt and John Anderson are a great bonus. The behind-the-stage stuff is also very interesting. A MUST-HAVE for any serious country-fan!