Kris KristoffersonIt would seem that to be in the presence of Kris Kristofferson is enough in itself. As tonight we are prepared to forgive him anything. He's been a trooper and gone on stage despite illness. Tonight he blows his nose a lot and apologises for being in less than good health. But he's showed up – so have we, let's get mutually appreciative.
However it should be less easy to forgive the shambolic nature of his performance. Songs meander to an end… actually, sometimes they don't even bother ending, they just slowly go silent. Kristofferson forgets lyrics, stumbles over chords and even chats where song-parts should be.
But it's Kristofferson. He's here. He's alone (although his daughter joins him on stage after interval). It's just him and his guitar. It's just him and his voice. And somehow, the forgotten lyrics, the misplaced chords and the nose-blowing just add to the every-drifter image this performer has maintained over the years despite the superstar status he has achieved in the past.
If you aren't moved by the sound of his lived-in voice over stark guitar as he delivers true classics such as Me And Bobby McGee and Help Me Make It Through The Night, you aren't meant to be here.
