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“Only the lonely know the heartaches I’ve been through
Only the lonely know I cry and cry for you…”

His voice is unmistakable and his songs are timeless. Even years after his passing, there hasn’t been anyone that has come close to filling Roy Orbison‘s shoes. Orbison’s sweet, operatic voice combined with those haunting melodies are his and his alone. And thanks to Eagle Rock Entertainment, we can all continue to celebrate his legacy by listening to his last live performance on the newly released CD titled, The Last Concert: December 4, 1988. All the hits are here including “Crying”, “Only the Lonely”, “Blue Bayou” and “Oh, Pretty Woman”. Contrary to what you might think, Orbison sounds energetic and in good spirits during this historic performance. Even at the age of 52, he still had command over his four octave voice, hitting those spine-tingling high notes with ease.

No one knew Orbison would pass away two days after this concert so we’re very fortunate to have a high-quality soundboard recording of this show. I’m pretty certain this isn’t a multi-track recording so the sound mix that was captured onto tape that night can’t be changed in post-production. So there are some issues with levels being a bit uneven at times. For instance, the backing vocals are a bit too upfront on “Only the Lonely” and “Blue Bayou”. But that might be just me being a little nitpicky. Ultimately, the sound level issues are just minor quibbles. Orbison and the band gave a great performance that night in Ohio and this recording is a must have for any Orbison fan.

retroGrade: A

Roy Orbison – The Last Concert: December 4, 1988
Eagle Rock Entertainment
released August 2010

Tracklist:
1 Only the Lonely 4:32
2 Leah 3:16
3 Dream Baby 2:56
4 In Dreams 3:28
5 Mean Woman Blues 3:17
6 Blue Bayou 3:27
7 Candyman 3:45
8 Crying 5:43
9 Ooby Dooby 5:57
10 Go, Go, Go (Down the Line) 5:52
11 It’s Over 3:29
12 Working for the Man 1:50
13 Lana 2:48
14 Oh, Pretty Woman 5:23
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Eagle Rock Entertainment recently announced that they’ll be releasing Roy Orbison’s Last Concert on CD on August 10th, 2010. The December 4, 1988 show at the Front Row Theater in Highland Heights, Ohio was sadly the last for this legendary performer. Orbison died of a heart attack two days after the concert at the age of 52. Orbison was in the midst of a comeback at the time due to the popularity of his work with producer Jeff Lynne and The Traveling Wilburys.

Here’s the official press release:
ROY ORBISON: THE LAST CONCERT
An Intimate Experience – Live, Untouched, In Concert for the Last Time
Instantly recognizable in vocals, songwriting and style, Roy Orbison was a musical pioneer. One of the few artists to have worldwide recognition in all forms of music – pop, rock ‘n’ roll, spoken word, and country – he received Grammys in all categories, as well as a Lifetime Achievement Award. On August 10, Eagle Rock Entertainment will pay homage to Roy Orbison upon the release of The Last Concert CD [MSRP $13.98].

Originally released as a limited run via iTunes in 2008 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of his passing, The Last Concert is now available on CD for the first time. Recorded on December 4, 1988 just two days before his sudden death, this was the last time Roy ever performed. This collection of fourteen songs, including seven top ten singles, is the exact order of his show that evening. This includes one of the most loved Rock ‘n Roll songs ever, “Oh, Pretty Woman,” as well as his Grammy-Award Winning “Crying” and “Dream Baby.” This historic performance is untouched by mixing and enhancements – it’s pure, honest, unmistakable Roy.

Following Roy’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987, in 1989, Roy became the second singer to ever simultaneously have two posthumous Top 5 albums (King of Hearts, Mystery Girl) on the Billboard charts (the first was Elvis Presley). In addition to his inductions into the Nashville Songwriter’s Hall of Fame and Nashville Walk Of Fame, Orbison was recently honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In 2008, the Library of Congress added “Oh, Pretty Woman” to the National Recording Registry.

The Last Concert CD is a rarity in these days and times because it is historically correct—it is a trip down memory lane, capturing one of the best rock ‘n roll singers of all time. You don’t really get to know an artist until you go to a live performance, and this particular concert, on December 4th, 1988 was the very last time that Roy Orbison performed. It is an incredible example of Roy’s on-stage presentation, in which he always gave stellar, near-chilling performances. It is a must-have in any record collection.
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