Kris Kristofferson & The Strangers, Auckland NZ, 2019

Kris Kristofferson & The Strangers

13th October 2019
Logan Campbell Centre, Auckland, New Zealand.

Review by Sarah Kidd.

Like a bird on the wire
Like a drunk in a midnight choir
I have tried in my way to be free

Kris Kristofferson once said that he wanted the first three lines from Leonard Cohens’ song ‘Bird on the Wire’ on his tombstone; words something that have always held such great importance in the life of the former Rhodes scholar with a degree in English Literature.

Indeed, Kristofferson has long been renowned for not only his affection for the English language but his mastery of knitting it together, his song writing a prime example of this. His compositions have been covered by some of the greats; from Johnny Cash, to Jerry Lee Lewis right through to the man he calls his hero, Elvis Presley himself; Kristoffersons’ originals were hitting the charts long before the world was ever formally introduced to him as an artist in his own right. Who could ever forget Janis Joplins’ version of ‘Me and Bobby McGee’?

Of course, it wasn’t long before Kris Kristofferson was soon gaining recognition for singing his own songs; even if he did believe he sounded like “a frog” he would still go on to become a member of the infamous supergroup The Highwaymen in 1985 alongside Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash, the quartet, key members of the Outlaw Country music movement.

Throw in an acting career that saw Kristofferson awarded a Best Actor Golden Globe for his portrayal of John Norman Howard in the 1976 version of A Star is Born alongside Barbra Streisand and it is easy to see why the Logan Campbell Centre was last night full of adoring fans.

There is something quite wonderful about watching an artist of such longevity perform; certainly, the edges around Kristofferson’s distinctively rumbling voice have softened, but the twinkle in his eye has never dulled, the knowing and at certain points throughout the show appreciative smile, still curling the corners of his lips upwards from time to time. Yes, Kris Kristofferson graced the stage last night with an air of both aptitude and charisma along with a set list positively littered with hits.

Accompanied by the late, great Merle Haggards band The Strangers featuring Scott Joss on violin and vocals, Doug Colosio on keys and Jeff Ingraham on drums, the four-piece opened with ‘Shipwrecked in the 80’s’, Kristofferson pausing briefly to both thank Auckland for their welcoming reception and to introduce the band.

From there it was straight down to business, track after track rolling through the venue with little need for conversation in between, Kristoffersons lyricism – as it always has done – saying all that needed to be said. That of course isn’t to say that the foursome wasn’t having any fun up on stage, the grins, nods and occasional finger gun from Kristofferson to Joss, illustrating quite clearly that these musicians were having the time of their lives.

The Strangers were hands down a class act, and the perfect accompaniment for someone of Kristoffersons’ calibre. Complimenting, but never overpowering, they too had their moments to shine during several Merle Haggard covers that featured throughout the evening, including magnificent renditions of ‘That’s the Way Love Goes’ and crowd favourite ‘Okie from Muskogee’; Scott Joss not only displaying great prowess on the fiddle but in the vocal department as well. Occasionally taking the lead throughout the evening, Kristofferson would harmonise alongside him, Joss every so often leaning in as Kristofferson would then throw in a little harmonica, like the cherry on top.

Moving through the first act, intermission arrived swiftly, Kristofferson wryly informing all that they had just fifteen minutes to go do whatever it is that they needed to do. Kicking off the second act with ‘Just the Other Side of Nowhere’, the audience began to get a little more boisterous, sing a longs spontaneously occurring while vocalized declarations of their love for Kristofferson interjected the minute gaps between songs. ‘Sing Me Back Home’, ‘Jody and the Kid, and ‘Jesus was a Capricorn’ all received enthusiastic rounds of applause, but it was ‘Sunday Morning Comin Down’ that saw not only the fans go wild, but Kristofferson for the first time allow himself to briefly bathe in their adoration, his smile genuinely conveying his appreciation for theirs.

The last few tracks came and went quickly, each one glistening like stars in the cool night air, the finale of the Kris Kristofferson and Rita Coolidge classic ‘Please Don’t Tell Me How the Story Ends’ for many coming all too soon. Dressed in his trademark black, his now grey mane swept back from his face, Kristofferson took one last look at those seated before him whilst gently beating his fist against his heart and bid all a goodnight as he left the stage. There was to be no encore, for none was needed.

Yes, these may be Kris Kristoffersons’ twilight years, but he is still living them as he always has done; his way.

Were you there at the Logan Campbell Centre to witness this Outlaw Country star of music and screen? Or have you seen Kris Kristofferson perform live somewhere else before? Tell us about it in the comments below!

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