Power to the People!!
by MelKate on 4/14/18State Theatre - PortlandRodriguez put on an amazing show. He is a true artist. He’s real and down to earth and I loved that he was so open about his political views.
No more results on this page
RODRIGUEZ IN CONCERT:
Forgotten '70s folk hero Sixto Rodriguez finally has the audience he deserves. Enjoying a renewed interest in his music spurred by acclaimed Academy Award-winning documentary Searching for Sugar Man, Rodriguez released his first music in nearly 30 years in 2012, delighting fans around the world who thought his story ended with 1971 cult favorite Coming From Reality. At his 2013 shows, Rodriguez stunned with new songs from the documentary soundtrack alongside his classic '70s material, proving he's more than worthy of his belated stardom and building excitement for a new album and tour in 2014.
BACKGROUND SNAPSHOT:
Born in Detroit to Mexican immigrant parents, Sixto Rodriguez was named after his position as the sixth child in his family. Dropping out of high school at 16, he focused instead on playing shows in Detroit's various bars and clubs, attracting the eye of producer Harry Balk for his debut 1967 single "I'll Slip Away." Signing to Sussex records a few years later, Rodriguez released his 1970 debut album Cold Fact, quickly following it up with 1971 sophomore album Coming From Reality. Neither album sold well in the US, resulting in his dismissal from the label and retirement from music, but by the mid-‘70s the albums had become hugely popular in Australia and South Africa —completely unbeknownst to Rodriguez. In the late '90s, two South African fans documented their search for Rodriguez, who was rumored to be dead, resulting in 2012 documentary Searching for Sugar Man. The film took home the Oscar for Best Documentary Feature, leading to a flurry of media attention and a renewed interest in his music. With new material and tour dates scheduled for 2014, fans will have the opportunity to see Rodriguez soak up his second act as he hits the road for a series of highly anticipated concerts.
FANS WHO BOUGHT TICKETS SAY:
"Rodriguez is amazing! His voice, guitar playing, and song writing are superb. So much respect for this artist."
"Rodriguez was better than expected, and I expected a lot! He played some amazing guitar, sang his heartbreaking poetic lyrics, and surprised us all with some incredibly well-timed corny jokes."
"Rodriguez has perfect pitch!! His music was enjoyable, loved how he mixed it up playing other artists too!! Fun show."
Rodriguez put on an amazing show. He is a true artist. He’s real and down to earth and I loved that he was so open about his political views.
Amazing to see the legend. Waited a long time to hear him in person.
Amazing night! Amazing guy! Hope I’ll see him again, somewhere, anywhere!
Rodriguez was personable and played some good music. But the sound was terrible; guitar too low and voice muffled & low. One mic and one guitar should not be so hard to max. Very disappointing.
It was awesome to see Rodriguez in person after learning of his background. He has aged but still has his wit and an incredible ability to express himself with current events. The place was packed with a great audience, and it was a pleasure to see how much admiration he draws from all ages. The music was wonderful, and it was heartwarming to hear how many people sang along. The only drawback was that there were two poor opening acts, and the main event did not happen for an hour and a half. It should have been publicized that there were opening acts. Also, our seats were in the balcony near the entrance, and the noise level from the bar was distracting. There should be doors that shut to keep the noise level outside the venue.
I was really excited to see him play . Not sure if it’s his age or something else , but it was like going to a bad high school play . Very disappointing .
Not since I saw Dylan and Baez at Newport many moons ago have I enjoyed a concert like this one. I found myself wishing I had heard this gentleman play when we were younger men. His voice is clear and quite strong still. His stage presence is incredible and his entourage does a brilliantly gentle job assisting him. The lead female vocalists that sang before Rodriguez brought back years of sitting on a lawn in Newport at the folk fest. This is a great concert for anyone. See it while you can.
I have seen Rodriguez 3 times before this and each time has been worse than the last. He clearly has a drinking problem and it isn't funny anymore. I won't waste my money on his shows again.
I saw him in Michigan and then again at the Akron Civic Theatre. This was a far superior show , the Akron venue is classic , the sound quality was superior.
I truly enjoyed the performance from Sixto Rodriguez. He is such a great musician and songwriter!!! He knows how to communicate and interact with the audience. I am thrilled to have seen his performance!
Gritty, Raw and Real!!! Perfect venue. The fans were all true fans!
Humble, elegant, political, and with it. Loved his show. Pure and mesmerizing. Will never forget. Thanks Sixto
Sadly Rodriguez's voice doesn't hold up anymore but his guitar playing is still fantastic. We were a little disappointed by the show but still think his story is remarkable and wish him the best.
Rodriguez has a great life story and he is a fine song writer but I've seen better performers at local clubs. There was no back-up band and the concert lacked energy. I guess I expected too much but it was not worth going to see Rodriguez. Listening to his records or watching the DVD is much more entertaining.
Taking center stage at over 70 years in age was none other than the Sugar man himself. Complete with laughter, music and hat changes-- Rodriguez wowed the crowd playing his classics. The venue was set up with balcony and lower level seating creating a space for everyone to enjoy a laid back show.
A sensational opening act by Victory, then a interesting transition act. Rodriguez is a legend and the crowd was appropriately enthusiastic to see a legend live,. But the enthusiasm was for that legendary status not the current state of his music. It was great to see him, but not musically as good as I had hoped, but then he is 76 and seems to have significant sight impairments. Go for the experience, listen to the records.
Rodriguez was disappointing, but opening act, Victory Boyd, was amazing!
My first time seeing Rodriguez and Victory! What amazing talents!! The drummer Taylor Moore was an added bonus to enhance Victory’s sensational sound.
I always wanted to go see him after watching the documentary several years ago. He's really past the age where he can sing anymore, and his mumbling on stage is pretty annoying. Sorry, but didn't enjoy it.
Sixto Rodriguez had a great time on stage and most likely an even greater time backstage. Not referring to his being helped on stage by 2 people (daughters? gf?) as that is mainly due to his glaucoma. But this was more than eyesight afflictions. He slurred words, started songs & forgot words abandoning one and tried to finish some, told his usual jokes & commentaries. No band accompanied him so it was SHORT 1-2 minute versions of his great songs from 2 albums plus a good amount of other famous songs from his favorite artists. The rhythms of his right hand, left hand & vocals were not in sync at all but improved as he sobered up. BUT HIS VOICE SOUNDS GREAT AND EXACTLY THE SAME AS 40+ yrs ago! Crowd worshiped him. Strange drunken crowd/artist commentary back & forth tho. He was really sloppy but we're still glad we went. It was fun & interesting. Everyone has off nights, on nights & in between nights. Crazy contrast of a ROWDY crowd in a plush beautiful fancy theater with wide rows & a smooth slope. Venue has diverse acts: Paul Anka, 70s soft rock, comedy, world etc. Refreshments include a few beer choices and A LOT OF HARD LIQUOR in DOUBLE SIZE not just singles. The crowd downed many drinks. Many talked through the opening act Victory Boyd (great VOICE!). They got restless w/long intermission. LOUD, SHOUTING! Whoo hoo! Then lights dimmed & Rodriguez' daughter(?) bought some time w/3 "songs" and limited vocal delivery to delay his intoxicated entrance to stage. Note to venue: take a page from sports & close the bar earlier, do not offer "doubles" on the booze.