The date was Aug. 27, 1977 – nearly 40 years ago! Jackson Browne and his band performed at Columbia’s Merriweather Post Pavilion that evening, recording for posterity the California singer-songwriter’s signature tune, “Running On Empty.”
Oh, I wasn’t there. At that point in my young life, I’d only been to a few concerts at the closer-to-home (and now of blessed memory) Painters Mill Music Fair in Owings Mills.
But after hearing that classic rock tune countless times, you’ll have to forgive me if I’ve always felt like I was practically there as young Jackson sang in his most earnest voice, “Looking out at the road rushing under my wheels ….”
I’ve proudly told music lovers in other parts of the country, “Did you know ‘Running On Empty’ was recorded near where I grew up?” What else could a Charm City music geek point to, besides the fact that Zappa, Jerry Leiber (of Leiber and Stoller songwriting fame) and Mama Cass grew up here?
In my dusty sunroom, I’ve played “Running On Empty “ on my cheap, beat-up acoustic guitar at least a million times, and when attempting to sing those wonderful, poignant lyrics, I try to imagine what it was like to be at Merriweather that hot August night (to reference Hebraic music deity Neil Diamond, who also happens to be celebrating a 50th anniversary this year).
In the post-Browne era, I saw my share of shows at Merriweather, some of which I remember better than others. Let’s see, there was the time around ’82 that I caught Santana there. My buddy and I had pretty close seats, and it was amazing to see Tio Carlos shut his eyes tightly and let those magical notes on his electric six-string pulsate throughout his entire body and essence. Those of us in the stands could feel those stabbing jolts.
I also won free tickets from a radio station to see The Tubes at Merriweather in the mid-‘80s. What’s wrong, don’t recall The Tubes? They were a San Francisco-based band whose best-known songs were “She’s A Beauty,” “Talk To Ya Later” and the aptly titled “White Punks On Dope.” It was probably one of the best shows I’ve ever seen – just pure raw energy from what turned out to be basically a one-hit wonder group.
I also remember seeing their opening act, whose name escapes me now. That band might be lost to the dustbin of history, but they were pretty incredible. The thing I remember most was they did a scorching rendition of “A Hard Day’s Night” that would cause the Fab Four to hang their mop-topped heads in shame. (I know, that’s sheer heresy).
It’s been a long time since I’ve headed over to Merriweather for a concert. Kids, mortgage, jobs, the changing music scene, etc., have cut into my concert-going experiences. I also find that my threshold for attending loud, crowded gatherings has waned over the years. To quote an ancient sage, “What a drag it is getting old.”
But I’m happy to say I recently saw Paul Simon – speaking of ancient sages — at Merriweather with my wife and some friends. It was great to see how the place looks these days and has withstood the test of time since I last ventured upon those hallowed Howard County grounds. (And by the way, to my delight I saw plenty of young folks there that night, enjoying an incredible evening of music supplied by Rhymin’ Simon and his amazing band.)
Happy 50th birthday, Merriweather Post Pavilion! And who knows, maybe I’ll see you all in July when Jackson Browne returns to Merriweather with Willie Nelson to perform at its 50th anniversary concert!
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We Need More Barenaked Ladies – Adam Stone on one of his favorite bands
Merriweather and Ol’ Blue Eyes – Michael Olesker on remembering the beginning of Merriweather and Columbia
So Much Music, So Little Time – Amanda Krotki on growing up attending concerts in Columbia
Merriweather on My Mind – Molly Blosse on summer concerts as an escape from reality
Reeling in the Years – Simone Ellin on feeling like an old Steely Dan fan
To share your own stories, please go to www.facebook.com/JMORELiving and let us know who you’ve seen at the concert pavilion.
Follow Merriweather’s announcements and updates at twitter.com/MerriweatherPP
Top photo: Jackson Browne, photo courtesy Paul Schlarman, Flickr)
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