Harry Chapin-The Venue Victoria 09/02/1981

Harry Chapin was one of the great concert performers /  story tellers of his generation. The Venue was in Victoria Street and had a cabaret type layout with tables and waiter service. This gig was hastily arranged because Harry’s other London date was sold out and started at 11:00 p.m. His tour was promoting the album ‘Sequel’ which was one of his finest albums.

I have no recollection of the set list, Harry like Bruce Springsteen made up the set list as the show progressed and all I remember is that across the two London dates very few songs were sung twice. These were the last two London dates Harry ever played as he died five months later on July 16th in a car accident.

Harry’s concerts were journeys. His songs were stories and many lasted over 5 minutes. He played acoustic guitar and his band usually had Doug Walker on guitar, John Wallace on bass, Howie Fields on drums, Yvonne Cable on Cello and brother Steve Chapin on keyboard. John Wallace sang BV’s and his baritone came to the fore in one of Harry’s greatest songs ‘Mr. Tanner’

This show lasted two hours and Harry then rushed to the foyer to chat to fans and sign merchandise, the proceeds of which were all given to his WHY charity (World Hunger Year). Roughly 50% of all Harry’s gigs were benefits for WHY. He used to say that every year was a World Hunger Year.

I was a massive fan of Harry and own all of his albums. In my eyes he was one of the greatest live performers I have ever seen and only Springsteen surpasses him. He wrote and performed so many great songs. My favourites include: ‘Taxi’, ‘Better Place to Be’, ‘Sniper, ‘Bummer’, ‘The Mayor of Candor Lied’, ‘Story of Life’ and ‘Remember When the Music’.

37 years later Harry’s music still moves me and when I listen to his live albums they bring back some great memories.