Nils Lofgren - Goin Back

[BARRIEMOREBARLOW]

When Nils has to think hard about what he's playing, it means he's playing his best riffs. He's on auto-pilot most of he time.

[paulchiuk]

been wanting to catch up with this performance since 1975 when I caught the show... a great highlight in the art of live performance, a stunning musical arrangement, a classic song, extraordinarily tender vocal delivery.... love in action THANKS

[elstroshitnonstop]

was he taking the piss when he said to neil young "i can't play piano"? seriously nils. Seriously. are you serious? what fucked up drug memory has he got. seriously

[discomadame]

I dont like the Byrds version but I love this one, and I actually like Freddie Mercurys cover too

[SGGURU]

This has to be my all-time favorite song of Nils. Love him. Saw him play it in '74 in concert. A highlight of my life.

[jayums888]

The first & best version of this song i ever heard was in the late 70's by Catherine Howe, & it's not on youtube. I do have a 7" version of it buried somewhere & can only hope that when i do finally hear it again then it's as good as i remember!

This is a crackin' version musically, but isn't melancholic, ie, some 'auld arse like me lookin back over their life wishing they were young again. Ugh.

[ufewl]

Good but not as good as Paul McGraths version.

[muzzt73]

allthough yeag great time keeping



[muzzt73]

bollox dustys.......and The Byrds and even Goldie were the best.....and as for Goffin/king who needs Lennon/Mcartney

[angelawebb2001]

1975 I was 23!

[lightlyone]

Love the energetic keyboarding... great time-keeping. Beautifully done.

[AlbinOstervall]

I saw him in stockholm ^_^when I was about... eleven or something. my first concert. the best I've ever seen! might depends on that his my "house god", so to speak. Never geti'n tired of this!

[sixbirches]

the elbow pump at 1:40 says it all - feelin young and growing older, it ain't no sin.

[anitavassar1]

Great writing.



[pentytake5]

I loved this song until I heard Phil collins murder it.

[anitavassar1]

this man has so many gifts. i am pretty sure he can play any instrument. if he has never seen a particular instrument- give him a couple of minutes. this boy will figure it out.

[cosmicrider287]

masterclass take on this amazing tune.

[garyjknight]

Yes it is a Carole King - Gerry Goffin penned song. it has also been recorded by Dusty Springfield and in a duet by Renee Geyer and Glen Shorrock.

[burritodlx]

BTW....it's a Goffin-King original song

[burritodlx]

The Byrds did this song on their 1968 Notorious Byrd Brothers album..... I think both Nils and the Byrds versions are GREAT!!! :-)

[LJay54]

legend.

[changingnames83]

@RobinAre3. No it's definitely a Carol King song.

[MrJuno6]

@gabrieldix64.Maybe you"d like to post one of your songs then and shows us all how its done.

[MrJuno6]

A better songwriter and ten times the musician Springsteen could ever hope to be, but since when did massive stardom always mean massive talent ?

[holitipu]

@MrJuno6 it s not a competition , i'm sure nils is more than happy with his long and successful career. you don't have to slag bruce off to make that point. and after all bruce's own long and creative career has come off the back of hard work too, he was not an overnight success. plus he has always acknowledged nils' guitar superiority - he didn't force nils to join the band he asked him!!!

[pfarnaby]

So much better than the original, sounds like it was written for him, superb

[gabrieldix64]

Self indulgent rubbish.

[oldhiway66]

@gabrieldix64 miserable



[MissEgasMoniz]

Just watched TOGWT dvd set - Jools Holland gushes "I remember seeing Nils Lofgren and he had a great piano player with him." Ahahahhahaa.....that is one of so many mistakes. Great show - too bad it wasn't 100% live.

[shedboy18]

THE MAN IS A GENIUS. LOVE HIS SONGS, GREAT BLOKE, PLAYS ALL OVER THE WORLD. BRILLIANT, CAN’T GET ENOUGH OF HIS STUFF. WE NEED MORE CDs AND PUT HIM IN THE HALL OF FAME QUICKLY.

LES PRICE LONDON

[BARRIEMOREBARLOW]

Band Members?

[Softrockman]

The Old Grey Whistle Test was and remains the best music show on British TV, not even Jools Holland can compete, Bob Harris he ain't.

What happened to those crazy cartoons they used to show .....

[mkc20165]

i saw him at the birchmere and he sat in the lobby after the show to sign autographs and cd's......who does that nowadays.......he rocks if you get a chance he comes back every december and it is a show worth putting on your calender. amazing live

[BungalowBilly1]

this is brilliant first class music

[MrWeecha1]

u know  the best way to ruin a good tune .???

[MITCHWILD]

@MrWeecha1 OK no one has bit yet, do tell.

[TheVagolfer]

People forget what a fine piano player Nils was, he was so good Neil Young had him play on his album " after the Gold Rush" when Nils was only 18. I've met him several times, very nice guy and very cool.

[TheVagolfer]

Most people don't realize how good of a pianist Nils was, Neil Young knew. Nils played piano on " After the Gold Rush". He was only 18 then.

I met Nils several times at D.C. and some Virginia gigs, he really is a nice guy, very cool.

[CWRU2002]

Thanks for uploading this vid....I loved goin' back...my God, this was a great time for rock n roll.

[pugwashie]

This guy oozes cool.and talent.......a personal favourite......I think we all go back.

[pbr2424]

A liitle more talent back then. Great Artist.

[johnnyherrengo]

I does my heart good to find others who appreciate Nils. He is a massive talent and by all accounts a pretty nnice guy too.

[genebh1]

Springsteen should be playing in NILS' band

[nyrangers1954]

i agree

[MITCHWILD]

@genebh1 Your so right.

[ttraynor1]

@genebh1 I agree! (duck!)

[holitipu]

@genebh1 by that logic neil young should also be in nils' band

[wingseclipsed]

@genebh1 You know, looking at the Springstten videos from the time Nils joined the band, Nils was carrying the guitar work and solos too. But over the years, Bruce has learned to play well enough that they may be peers on the guitar... I dunno though, Nils has always been outstanding on keyboards, voice, guitars, accordion, etc.

[BARRIEMOREBARLOW]

@genebh1 You, sir, are a genius.

[mryeahbutnobut]

the drummer is mike zack on this performance.love it!

[BlueMoonOfKentucky]

TOP NOTCH,excellent musicianship,perfect timing.A great song that just flows with such ease.I espescially like the drums.That guy is a great drummer 'to watch' i like the way he gets more into the song as it goes on,very entertaining..BLOODY GOOD SHOW.

[facelesshorseman]

The original drummer was Ansley Dunbar, who has played with everyone from Zappa to Bowie to Starship.

I'm not sure if this is him because he is really concentrating on the high-hats, where the original is a very measured and precise interplay between the drums and the piano. (I'm no drummer, so plz excuse my terminology.)

[BlueMoonOfKentucky]

Thanks for the info,not sure if it is A.Dunbar,but as i say he's a fantastic drummer,it's nothing too technical etc,it's just the timing of the crash cymbals for example that are spot on.I've never heard the original,will try and purchase the c.d that it's on.Thanks again,bye.

[Mirinat82]

freddie's version is much better....

[monkeyguitarist]

OMG, What will be music today without NILS LOFGREN ? Maybe the same thing, but without a GREAT MAGIC SUPER BRILLIANT artist, jaysus he is amazing spider pianist-guitarist-singer-perfo­rmer-gymnastic-composer-basket­er-sportman-music-arranger-ban­d-leader-sideman-soloist-funky­man-guitar-online-guitar-teach­er guy in the world.

[Natokowsky]

Nils is a wonderful singer....i love this song so much. So much bullsdht in my life but i like this.

[hscobes29]

why is nils good at everything he does?

[Cabinessance]

I found this looking for a Dusty Springfield version of this beautifully nostalgic song. If you have a past this song takes you right back to it. A great performance shown due respect by the BBC. Some things the BBC are just unbeatable at covering, they can get so close yet are not intrusive. It's always the subdued laid back approach where they excel.

I had forgotton how good a pianist Nils Lofgren is.

[ss234234]

I wish he'd joined the Stones instead of Ronnie !!

[cosmicrider287]

nils, does this classic justice.

[changingnames83]

Great version of a great Carole King song. This was Nils at his best. I loved 1975, I was 18 that year.

[MITCHWILD]

Agreed on that, agreed on that too, so did i, so was i!!!!.

[MITCHWILD]

@changingnames83 Me too, my first guitar hero.

[RobinAre3]

@changingnames83 I thought he wrote this song when he was with crazy horse. I am sure he did

[TheDutchHippie]

Bruce Springsteen and the E street band comin' to pinkpop this year... I hope they let Nils do some songs of his own!

[DrHoldowicz]

I should also mention the quality of this video -it looks like it was filmed last week -not 34 years ago !!

It really adds to the song for me -being able to see Nils perform it, with great musos -like looking through a window back in time.. makes me "homesick" for a "Seventies" I never knew..

[petgerco]

Such a wonderful light touch, fantastic performance all round.

[18seventyeight]

Marvellous, thanks for sharing.

[alphaboy1967]

Unbelieveably good...thank you for posting. Nils has been underated for so long now....check out his double live album...the best. Regards.

[Natokowsky]

music heaven.

[DrHoldowicz]

You said it for me ! This is just sublime..

[BARRIEMOREBARLOW]

Is that Dave Platshon on drums?

[PhantomTroopr]

correct me if im wrong but i think that is scott ball on bass is it not? i know scott ball toured with him around this time. i just think its funny cuz scott ball is one of my teachers now at college.

[slackerrrr69]

good call - it is indeed scott ball

[thereeldeel07]

phenomenal.

[Alabama3000]

wow, this was a great song... with those glasses on and his hair he actually looks quite a bit like a young bruce springsteen, nothing wrong with that.

[RoadNasty]

Great tune- used to hear it a lot on KTCL in FT. Collins back in the late 70's.

[yourpaljc]

O wow - if that was a screw up it's the coolest screw up I've ever heard! Nothing but a great groove & a lovely sneaky fill!

I have played drums for about 36 years now & I would never have noticed. Just look back & smile about it! : )

[discomadame]

this is a king/Goffin song isn't it?

[astroman287]

yeah, that s right.

[neilnils]

'Nils Lofgren,' his 1975 solo release was a musical and technical marvel. 'Cry Tough' was released in early 1976, and Nils live was really peaking then. One example; his concert at the Tower Theater in Philadelphia, 1976 was mesmerizing and also became a bootleg album somehow, after being recorded and played on Philly's WMMR radio station. He was bringing houses down when he played then, and by the time his Cry Tough tour was over he'd worked non-stop since 70' w/ Young, Crazy Horse, Grin & Nils

[futsal1958]

Drums sound totally solid to me. I wish I could screw up that well!

[FreddieMoon7]

That's true....

[whisky2roxy]

It's small imperfections that can make live music so great

[froglac91]

To be honest, I didn't realise that there was a mistake, I thought it sounded like good improvisation!! I must have been incredible to work with such an underecognised genius such as Nils.

[cutlasjohn25]

Love this song. Thanks for posting . Is it just my imagination or does the drummer kinda get lost around the 2:50 part of the video ?

[astroman287]

well,looks a bit like it.

[lolsaurthefirst]

This is an awesome song, it's one of the many Nils Lofgren song I wish I had on my mp3 player. Its a good song to sit on the train into town and reflect on life.

[DrHoldowicz]

Fantastic.

[4zochor]

Nils played Goin'back even more exiting on the double record Night After Night. Though this one is nice too.

[Pudder69]

For anyone who asked, this video is on Old Grey Whistle Test Volume 2

[fanfs3377]

This is great. Thanks for posting.

Is it from a dvd or something I can buy somewhere.? any info will be appreciated.

[4zochor]

Nils played Goin'back even more exiting on the double record Night After Night. (not on CD or DVD)

[docludi]

Just wanted to add that it is foolish to compare Dusty Springfields version with Nils'. Although the same song, each stands strong on its own merit and should be enjoyed as such. Dusty's leans towards the blues and Nils' in rock ballad. This is also a live version which is O.K. but lacks the depth, sincerity and drive of his original recording. Pop it on the turntable and hear why this is rated so highly.

[kestrel61]

I have to agree that the studio cut is pretty great, but my favorite has to be the live cut from the Nils' Back It Up! LIve album. It rocks!

[scottishy]

I just checked out the Dusty Springfield version of this. Sorry, I still prefer Nils' version. What can I say, nils is the man.!

[docludi]

I was recently reminded of Dusty Springfields version.. which I also love.. however, of the many takes of this song it has been Nils' which touches most deeply.

[rca88]

I worked at a record store in those days. His first solo album was a favorite of the staff, on the turntable a lot. I saw him at Neil Young's first Bridge School benefit concert years later (no trampoline there :-). Always cool, magical too.

[DiggermanNo1]

I have to say this is not what I expected when I clicked on the thumbnail, Mr JR Rabies hits the nail square on the head with his comment. I'm sure I remember Nils playing a better version of this classic song with as Eric Morcambe would say - all the right cords in the right places.

[RabiesJr]

I think this is an interesting interpretation of this song, but completely ignores the chords which make the song what it is - a piece of musical genius! I'd recommend the Dusty Springfield version.

[kestrel61]

Took your advice and listened to the Dusty Springfield version, since this is the only one I know. I can't say I agree with you. I like this a whole lot better.

[pbr2424]

Found a favorite I almost forgot. Don't know if it matters though.

[genegeener]

he play piano good but a shitless guitar player

[scottishy]

Then why was he voted one of the best by Fender. Surely they would know, being guitar makers since 1946. Or are you just bitter and disrespectful, because that's 'shitless'.

[zardozreed]

By shitless, he meant not shit, lacking shit, Nils is a great performer, do they have "if i say it its so" that is a great track. Peace Brothers !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[scottishy]

oops, apologies to all.

[SirRoastalot]

Your rudeness, is only exceeded by your musical ignorance.

[discomadame]

awesome. He's so underrated. Love it.

[scottishy]

Nils is the man, he's the nicest guy and he deserves everything, talent certainly not wasted. Brilliant, well done Nils.

[DoubleWonderful]

does anyone know who the drummer is?

[dubbaday]

Yep - the great Mike Zack. Played with Nils' band around and after the release of the '75 debut album. Also on the '75 official bootleg too - a brilliant live album....never bettered.

[DoubleWonderful]

wait whats the bootleg called? no records? hes so much nastier than the guy who plays on the reco.

mike zack is nast.

[groover1958]

we need you BACK

robnliz Willbarston

village hall PLS,....

[SFCBenny1957]

Nils is the personification of the image Springsteen was always given. Working-class hero...That's Nils!

[geoffroy49]

saw nils in cocert onr man show [ plus friend] uk ... 4 th time i have him over the years .. never better ..... great ..

[rixmix76]

Saw him in concert this year in D.C. while I was a junior in high School and then again 2 years later. I wore a button of this very image of him (with the shades) on my jean jacket. See you at Birchmere in my hometown of Alex, VA in January, Nils...again!

[ctgross]

Yes. Gotta love Nils. I saw him several times in concert but don't remember him being such a natural pianist. (I will never, however, forget the trampoline.) I love this video (and this era of his tunes . . . . "Take you to the movies . . . ") is this from a concert that's available on dvd?

[monkeyguitarist]

This guy should be on the rock'n roll Hall of fame 10 times.

[sweettwinkies]

To add about this video, it gives me faith that in this screwed up country right now that still if you pay your dues and work hard you can make it. This guy deserves to be standing next to Bruce or all the right reasonsas they both worked their butts off and made it. Hell maybe you can even be Pres and fix this mess.

[sweettwinkies]

Nils came from this area,used to play HS dances with grin and is one of the worlds greatest best kept secrets not so much as the great guitarist that he is thanks to Bruce and Neil but for his own overlooked song writing I used to see him at this 3,500 seater called Painters Mill. This is wonderful and makes me feel really old. The great thing is that he's a guy who paid his dues, stuck with it and achieved at least some of the recognition he deserves.bunka

[connopv]

anyone who doesn't own any of nil's music is an idiot.

[springsteenbruce]

He can play the piano like a pro too !!! Crazy skilled man !!!!

[dylanboby]

He is a pro. ;)

[blairh1966]

Michael, thank you so much for posting this!

[Herioter]

Saw Nils and the guys on '75 and (I think) '77 tours in Edinburgh. One of my all time favourites. Bring on the trampette!!

[maxquadband]

Mike Zack, Thanks so much for your reply. I remember you also played on the subsequent Nils Whistle Test appearance - an entire show and had a sublime version of 'Cry Tough' One of my first gigs was a trip across the Irish Sea to see Nils supported by Tom Petty at Liverpool Empire with you again on drums. The best ever. By coincidence I saw Nils here in Dublin last week play a 'solo plus one' gig - very good and he did play 'Goin ' Back' just like here, arpeggios and all.

[Peter2f2]

A superb arrangement of a Carol King song previously massacred by the Byrds.

This is from vol 2 of the Old Grey Whistle Test compilation.

[maxquadband]

Great I had never seen this before. From the tour for the first solo 'fatman' album. Who's in the band apart from brother Tommy on guitar? Thats ol' whisperin' Bob Harris in the chair at the end.

[eikels]

Wow...wait a minute..are you THE Mike Zack ????

There are three drummers on this planet:Charlie Watts,Mighty Max and Mike Zack !!!!

[whiskee233]

What are you up to these days? Still in the music bus?