Buffett delivers the goods
File Photo 2004
At Jimmy Buffett’s Charlottesville stop tonight—one of the last dates of his current tour—the 62-year-old Peter Pan of the beach rolled through nearly 30 songs in 2½ hours.
Published: November 17, 2009
Updated: November 18, 2009
These days, Jimmy Buffett is more a brand than a musician.
The restaurants, the beer line, the newly renamed Miami Dolphins stadium after the beer line, the upcoming casino in Biloxi, Miss. - it all induces a bit of nausea.
But say this for the ol’ guy, when it’s time to hit the stage, he works it.
At his stop at the John Paul Jones Arena on Tuesday night - one of the last dates of his current tour - the 62-year-old Peter Pan of the beach rolled through nearly 30 songs in two-and-a-half-hours, giving this nearly sold out crowd of 12,000-plus exactly what they required: escapism.
Nothing about Buffett’s music even hints at artistry. Every song, from “Changes in Latitude, Changes in Attitude” to “Cheeseburger in Paradise” to “Volcano” follows the familiar pattern of steel drums tinkling behind breezily strummed guitars and the occasional pedal steel guitar.
In other words, every song sounds like “Margaritaville,“ even his version of Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl.“
But his fans aren’t looking for artistry. They’re looking to get plastered, enjoy what is, for many, their only concert outing of the year, and scream along to “Fins.“
Considering the thousands of times Buffett has played these songs, give him credit for performing them with youthful gusto.
Throughout the show, the silver-haired sailor exhibited a jocular personality, frequently cracking jokes and making sure to work in references to the University of Virginia Cavaliers and Charlottesville’s Downtown Mall.
Though the sight of Buffett performing indoors - definitely not his natural habitat - remained a strange one, he and his 10-piece band and two backup singers perfectly executed a tropical vibe on a stage decorated with bamboo fencing, palm trees and a 3-D video screen that rotated through scenes of rippling water.
It also made for a comfortable environment for his Parrotheads, most of whom were clad in more Hawaiian shirts and leis than seen at a “Magnum P.I.“ convention.
But it’s good to remember that early in his career, Buffett was more than a surf-and-sun cowboy peddling his goodtime Fantasy Island.
When the singer pulled out “Come Monday” on Tuesday night, one of his earliest hits from 1974, his weathered voice imbued the ballad with a poignancy that is rare at a Buffett party.
A little more of that guy and a little less of the one flanked by beer posters wouldn’t be such a bad thing.
Melissa Ruggieri can be reached at (804) 649-6120 or .
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Reader Reactions
Was this reviewer even at the same concert I was? This concert was awesome and Jimmy still rocks me as much as he did when I first saw him 30+ years ago.
In her little ‘brand’ tirade, she left out that Jimmy is also a best selling author.
And, ‘A Pirate at 40’ sounds nothing like ‘Margaritaville.‘
Jimmy does what a lot of musicians don’t - engages his audience, provides fun and escapism and leaves us Parrotheads wanting more.
And by the way - not all of us were plastered, but having a good ole time jamming out with one of the best!
I take this bitter review with a grain of salt - on a margarita, naturally.
Seen Buffett at least 20 times. Jimmy delivers what the fans want - no question about that! And the shows are a lot of fun.
The only thing is, the fans want to hear the same 20-25 songs, so that’s what he plays…EVERY TOUR.
Yawn.
David—Excellent!!
Melissa,
I suggest you mix up a margarita, put on some tunes, have sme fun and lighten up a little! The man writes great songs and puts on a fun show..you just gotta go with it. If you can’t have fun at a Buffet show then that’s your loss.
An unlikely witness, however, has recently come forth and testified on behalf of Buffett’s value as a songwriter. It was Bob Dylan, who made news back in April when he named Buffett as one of his favorite songwriters. (Those better qualified than Dylan to talk about songwriting should now speak up with their opposing arguments.)
David
And another thing, one does not “scream to Fins”, one places both hands over your head in a fin shape, make a circling motion, then fins to the left, then fins to the right…any Parrothead worth their salt would know that!!!
This is the same “review” posted on the RTD site, different title though, with basically the same comments from readers. Obviously she is not a fan and does not know the history of the Parrothead Nation. I have seen Buffett more times than I can remember and the show is always good, if not great! He is not flashy, not a lot of stage antics. Just basic musical storytelling that all fans can relate to in one way or another. Fortunately, I don’t need her to validate what I, and others, already know. Buffett is one of the most successful entertainers ever and puts on a great show that you can feel comfortable taking your kids (all ages) to.
I think it would be more helpful, and more appreciated, if the person doing the review was as least somewhat of a fan. What is the point of a review by someone who doesnt like the act?? I agree with the other posts - I had a fantastic time as did everyone around me.
Also, maybe next time you could show a photo from the actual event.
Wow that was a sweet way of insulting most of the attendees and the performer (Melissa makes it clear she doesn’t view him as an artist).
I’m no Parrothead and didn’t attend last night but that was one of the more condescending, self-serving reviews i’ve read in a while. Not sure if you’re looking for an internship with Pitchfork media, but if so you’re well on your way to making a good impression with the hipster crowd. You probably ought to take a swipe at the Taylor swift crowd when she comes through, and by all means make sure you attend the upcoming Phish show; you’ll get another opportunity to paint with broad strokes. Based on how you characterized the above, you can probably write that article now, and not even attend the show.
I agree with Edie that this article seems as much of a criticism of Mr. Buffett’s business savvy as praise of the quality of show he put on! So he’s a brand…pick someone in that business who isn’t! Why does the article seem to use undertones of a bashing of a 62-year old icon for making a business of his ‘lifestyle’? An article about a great night of entainment, people coming and almost filling an arena in this economy, a positive night out versus the horrific happenings at the last event would have sufficed! Parrotheads had a great time…brand and all!!
I’m not sure whether this article was a compliment to last nights performance, but it was one of the best concerts I have been to at JPJ. Jimmy Buffett’s voice is still clear and strong and he captures his audience of both young and “old”. I attended with my 21 year old son who has been a Buffett fan since at least the age of 3. Jimmy certainly delivered “the goods” as the article was entitled!
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