Donovan Is An Original Rocker
He connects his audience at the Pabst Theatre to the golden era of British pop music, through song and story.
Donovan at The Pabst Theater June 8, 2017. Photo by Erol Reyal ©
The British troubadour, Donovan strolled into the Pabst Theatre Thursday night and gave his devoted fans a night of stories, laughter and melody. Celebrating the 50th anniversary of his best-selling record Sunshine Superman, the 71-year old Rock n Roll Hall of Famer and influencer to generations of folk singer-songwriters delivered articulate stories by weaving together dozens of songs. Songs included some deep cuts such as “The Alamo,” and his biggest hits including “Hurdy Gurdy Man” and “Mellow Yellow.”
The highlights were his candid recounts of making music during the golden era of British pop, and playing and playing around with The Who, The Kinks, Herman’s Hermits and the Beatles. The story of Keith Moon and Roger Daltry squirting him in the eye with a water gun during a performance was particular funny and reminded the concert goers that Donovan was one of the original rockers, right there in the mix.
He closed with “Atlantis.” The melody of the song wafted through the crowd long after the music stopped. Concert goers were humming it as they exited the Pabst Theatre, reminding them how sweet it is to get a quality dose of the essentials – the song and the singer.
Photo Gallery. Photos by Erol Reyal ©
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That was a great show!. Just him and his guitar, singing and chatting. Totally comfortable. Great entertainer!
My brother and I were there, and it was an enchanting experience (since Donovan really is charming and tells such interesting stories, and his Gibson SQ29 sounded great!). Everyone left feeling enriched as he presented himself as a person with many life experiences, not just a well-known musician and singer. And imagine having a hit at age 16! The crowd knew all of the lyrics, too, and often sang along.