Here is a wonderful performance of ‘A Man Like Me’ that will have you tapping your feet and singing along. Richie Furay remains an incredible, energetic live performer with a powerful, melodic voice that lifts a song and an audience. This live recording is notable for the explosive guitar work and Dave Pearlman’s exquisite pedal steel. Furay told AUK about writing the song: “‘A Man Like Me’ is a song about a strained relationship – there was trust that was broken between two parties and how it affected the writer. We introduced the song for the first time on our DeLIVErin’ album. When we had recorded a studio version of it, the band was pretty sure it had potential. But the record company turned it down because the producer [Richie Polodor], who was well-known and had hits with other groups, was not in the ‘company stable’, so we abandoned the song from a recording perspective.”
‘A Man Like Me’ first appeared on Poco’s well-regarded, classic 1971 live album ‘DeLIVErin”, which was released fifty years ago. This cover, performed with the Richie Furay Band, celebrates that landmark album. Along with this video premiere, today also sees the physical release of new live concert double-album and DVD, ’50TH Anniversary Return to the Troubadour’. It includes a complete live performance of ‘DeLIVErin” and an entirely new set of Buffalo Springfield, Poco and solo material called ‘Still Deliverin”, which has the feel of a ‘best of’ retrospective. For these powerful performances, Furay returned to the iconic LA venue where Poco performed back in 1968. Always known as a dynamic live act, Furay also remembers touring the UK with Poco fondly and told AUK: “The trip we made to England had many special moments but of course playing the Rainbow Theatre would be the standout – jammed packed audience with us the whole way…” If any of our readers have memories of those shows, let us know in the comments below.
An inductee of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and much-revered for his work with Buffalo Springfield and Poco, Richie Furay pioneered the southern-Californian rock sound that influenced so many bands. As a measure of Furay’s influence, Glenn Frey once pointed him out in the audience at an Eagles gig, saying: “If it wasn’t for you, we wouldn’t be here.” These new shows echo and honour the creative glory of those early days and Richie Furay demonstrates that he is clearly still delivering. Enjoy.
I’ve raved on about these two Rainbow shows ever since. After nearly 50 years and hundreds of other gigs these remain right up there amongst the very best I’ve ever attended. Poco were simply brilliant in every way: the songs, the playing, the singing, the enthusiasm all superbly led by Richie Furay. Paul Cotton had recently replaced Jimmy Messina on guitar and it’s a couple of his songs that really stick in my mind as highlights; ‘Bad Weather’ and ‘Railroad Days’, the latter a fairly standard rocker but delivered with great power to a backdrop projection of an old steam train forging its way across America.
The Rainbow at this time was the best London concert hall (I’d seen The Byrds there only the previous month, January) with a great atmosphere, helped by the light show. I always felt I was among “my people” there (‘A Good Feeling to Know’) and I recall feeling euphoric as I left after the Poco shows. An aspiring musician myself I remember thinking if I could make people feel half this good I’d have achieved something. I ‘Keep on Tryin’ in that regard. Poco were inspirational.
Thanks for everything guys and RIP Rusty.