Home » Mary Irvine: Writer and Philhellene » Mary Irvine’s blog: A contrast in humility – Donovan and Randy Newman

Mary Irvine’s blog: A contrast in humility – Donovan and Randy Newman

Donovan, Pavilion Theatre Glasgow 3rd October

I am rarely rendered speechless but on Saturday, 3rd October (this year!), at the end of the Donavon Concert at the Pavilion Theatre, I truly was – after watching his finale when he appeared to lip sync as a recording of one of his biggest hits was played. This was not only my opinion but that of genuine fans sitting around me. I say genuine as I don’t count myself a fan of Donavon but have enjoyed many of his songs, especially the social/protest ones. I was there as I believed it would be enjoyable, hearing live music, and was quite prepared to accept his voice may not be as pure as in his heyday.

During the concert he made much of the fact that he was a local boy and had insisted he start this tour in Glasgow. My feeling was that the packed house of fans deserved at least one curtain call. I did hear stronger comments than mine made as disappointment was expressed including one man who quietly said, ‘He’s happy enough to take my money.’

I am reminded of the late Richie Havens who always acknowledged his audience, ‘It’s you out there who keeps me up here.’ (sic)
Similarly Leonard Cohen always acknowledges his fans ‘for keeping my music alive’.

Maybe Mr Donavan should take a leaf out of the books of people of this humility and wisdom. As the unknown man suggested it is we who pay the entertainer’s wages and we are entitled to good service. The concert was fine, enjoyable, but spoilt by the patronising tone/attitude displayed. I was near enough the stage and at the correct angle for seeing the derisory gesture indicating the curtain should go down! Such arrogance and lack of respect for the audience.

Thunderous applause slowly faded into disbelief. The show was finished. Donovan had turned his back and walked off the stage, giving one cursory wave with ne’er a backward glance. The house lights went on. There was to be no curtain call. He sold his fans short.

Maybe they will forgive him and go again to see him should he return to Glasgow. Personally? I won’t be doing either.

Randy Newman – Royal Concert Hall 23rd October

Three weeks later, Friday 23rd October to be precise. The Royal Concert Hall. A packed auditorium. People of all ages, not just the ones who were with him at the start!

What a contrast! Maybe the contrast was in confidence? The confidence to interact with his audience, to be self deprecating, irreligious at times, satirical. He knew his fans weren’t there for his voice! We were there for the quality of his music and the words, the meanings. There was mutual respect.

We laughed with him. We showed our appreciation of old favourites and his new work. Most importantly he showed his appreciation of and for the people who gave him his living – and a good one as he wryly commented, making reference to his success with Pixar.

Far from ignoring us he took time at the end of his performance to shake hands with many fans who had gone up to the stage. I didn’t get to shake his hand but I certainly appreciated the fact that others were given the opportunity. A great evening by a great performer and musician. Hope he’s here next year and I’m there to hear him again.

November, 2015

This section: Mary Irvine: Writer and Philhellene