Crystal Palace - Bakersfield, CA on July 12, 1999

First Show

Bakersfield, CA should have been named Bakersfried. Oh my, was it hot and humid there. Air conditioning at the motel wasn't all that great. We arrived (The Western Girls) there about 1:30 p.m. Checked in and decided to rest before the shows. Got ready and walked next door to the Crystal Palace. Like Sherry said the decor was great. And the old Bakersfield sign that was being torn down Buck is having put up on the street next to his Palace. He bought it to preserve it. Had decent seats, but now that we have been there we know which seats to request for next time.

The Rock & Roll Cowboys come onto the stage and the lights dim and Marty is there. Dressed in black pants and black shirt. Goes into a great version of "Rocketship," "High On A Mountain Top," "Doin' My Time." Then does "Whiskey," when Marty starts talking about Travis we are surprised when he starts talking about Travis having a baby boy. Marty says, "Tristan stands about yeah high with hair down to here." Then Marty does his impression of Travis. Then talked about Johnny Cash and does "Blue Train," "Tempted," "Dark As A Dungeon," "Burn Me Down."

He talked about the album. Again saying everyone needed to go buy two copies. Haven't we all done that? Starts off with "Sometimes The Pleasure's Worth The Pain," "Red, Red Wine and Cheatin' Songs," "Hobo's Prayer." Then he does "Now That's Country," "Hillbilly Rock." Goes off stage and returns to do "The Pilgrim." After all the times I have heard that song live, it still gets me every time. A fabulous show. It was nice to hear the new stuff, but also the old favorites that it would not be a Marty Party without them!

Til the next road trip, Take care!

Review by Deanna Stevens