BELOW ARE NEWSPAPER ARTICLES AND 'FANS' ACCOUNTS OF PAUL WILLIAMS CONCERTS IN ARGENTINA ON 5TH, 7TH & 8TH NOVEMBER 2000
Band member Lothar Struff's account of what it was like to be 'Up There On Stage' with Paul.
This was the first time in about eight years that this band has worked with Paul and I think I can speak for all of us when I say that it was and has always been a labor of love.
Last Updated
23rd November 2000Last Updated
9th November 2000Full track listing for Paul's show at Theatro Coliseo on 7 November 2000
Last Updated
14th December 2000Ale's account of meeting Paul after the show
Now it´s 10:30 AM, November the 9th. I´m in the office and I really can´t explain all my feelings and emotions....Yesterday night I went to the concert. What can I tell you guys ....IT WAS GREAT !!!!!!!
Last Updated
23rd November 2000
Miriam's
memories of Paul's concert
With a repertoire that is the envy of any songwriter - he certainly included some songs of the Phantom of the Paradise - he made two foreseeable but emotive concerts, full with nostalgia and very good melodies.
Last Updated
13td December 2000
SOME MORE REFLECTIONS
TENIA UNA VIDA DESEQUILIBRADA
by GABRIEL SENANES
Last Updated 6th November 2000
(When you click on the red/green below you will be taken to a page with more detailed information. If you click on the song titles mentioned, you will be taken to a list of Paul Williams albums/singles/TV shows where that song appears.)
The following is a rough translation of an article which appeared in Spanish in the Clarin newspaper in Argentina on 5th November 2000. Thanks to Alice for telling me about the article and to Alice and my wife Ann for helping with the translation. The Clarin web page where this article can be seen in Spanish appears here. (If anyone notices any inaccuracies in the translation I'd be glad to hear about it.)
Thanks
David
HARDLY ARRIVED AT ARGENTINA, CLARIN INTERVIEWED PAUL WILLIAMS Paul Williams returned to Argentina after 20 years. Tonight he will be performing in Mar del Plata and Tuesday and Wednesday in the Coliseo of Buenos Aires. Time passes and Williams is older, but happy. With 60 full and colourful years to his name, this famous composer of songs that exploded in the 70's, and have since become claccics, has returned. In all senses. He is now free from the drugs and the alcohol, that badly affected him at the height of his career. Even though economic circumstances would allow him and his family not to work, Paul knows what he likes. Like returning to Argentina because he likes both making connections and he holds a warm memory of the wave of local public support from his tour of 1980. He arrives from Los Angeles, a limousine takes him to airport Jorge Newbery to take a plane to Mar del Plata. It is a long pull from home, but I am contented. To perform with my band of musical friends is like walking in old shoes. Before I became sober, without drugs or alcohol, I was not certain I could continue making music. It was as if the passion had gone away. How it is that the passion went away? When I left the alcohol and drugs behind it was as if an important part of my life had disappeared. I had a very unbalanced life. Alcoholism is a very serious disease. I concentrated on learning to live without addictions, and to being part of the community. I have an economic position that allows me to help every day in a hospital, and never have I felt more useful in my life than today. One of the reasons that I must act is indeed to speak of these subjects. It is not a crusade, but an opportunity. Because people say to me: Hey, Paul Williams, you disappeared . I say yes, I disappeared in the alcohol and drugs. That is my present message: you can leave all that shit behind. It is then that Paul Williams asks how is it here, and how it affects certain stars of pop & rock. In my case, music and addictions were part of the same unbalanced life. I lived completely isolated, alone. But now I am doing songs and connecting, and it's far better than before. I am one more voice in my band, and enjoy the process of creating songs with somebody. Also my relationship with my children, a son of 19 and a daughter of 16, is completely different. Are you happy... Yes, I was practicing with the band and I returned to feeling that everything is easier now. I do not have expectations nor as much pressure. Of course, I want people to come and the production to go well. But what matters to me most is the music. And the fame? Well, it is not the favorite part of my life. The love of people is wonderful. For example my songs have animated millions of marriage celebrations. But twenty years ago it was terrible. The fame was transformed into a drug, and instead of writing songs, I showed off. In addition, when I was at the top of my career and they saw me high, it appeared that I was well, and the drugs made things seem that way. Are you interested in Politics? Yes, I am democratic and I will vote for Al Gore. For example, because I am in favor of the social programs and of the freedom for women to choose abortion, and Bush isn't. © Copyright 1996-2000 Clarin.com All rights reserved
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HAPENAS
LLEGADO A LA ARGENTINA, CLARIN ENTREVISTO A PAUL WILLIAMS
En la mañana del mismísimo día de ayer, Paul Williams regresó a la Argentina luego de 20 años. Esta noche actuará en Mar del Plata y el martes y miércoles en el Coliseo de Buenos Aires. El tiempo pasa y Williams se va poniendo viejo. Pero feliz. Con 60 redondos y flamantes años a cuestas, aquel famoso compositor de canciones que explotaron en los 70 y se instalaron como clásicos desde entonces, está de vuelta. En todos los sentidos. Por lo pronto, de las drogas y el alcohol, que lo tuvieron a mal traer en el apogeo de su carrera, y de los que zafó. Con un pasar económico que le permitiría no trabajar a él y a varias generaciones de sus descendientes, Paul se da sus gustos. Como regresar a la Argentina porque cada tanto le gusta eso de tocar y porque tiene un cálido recuerdo de la onda del público local en su gira de 1980. Viene de Los Angeles. Una limusina lo lleva de Ezeiza a Aeroparque y todavía falta un avión de Aeroparque a Mar del Plata. Es un largo tirón desde casa, pero estoy contento. Tocar con esta banda de músicos amigos es como caminar con zapatos viejos. Cuando logré estar sobrio, sin drogas ni alcohol, no estaba seguro de seguir haciendo música. Es como si la pasión se hubiese ido. ¿Cómo es que se fue la pasión? Cuando dejé atrás el alcohol y las drogas fue como si hubiese desaparecido una parte importante de mi vida. Tenía una vida muy desequilibrada. El alcoholismo es una enfermedad muy seria. Y me concentré en aprender a vivir sin adicciones, y a ser parte de la comunidad. Tengo una posición económica que me permite ayudar todos los días en un hospital. Y nunca me sentí mas útil en mi vida que hoy. Y una de las razones que tengo para actuar es precisamente hablar de estos temas. No es un cruzada, sino una oportunidad. Porque la gente me dice: Hey, Paul Williams, desapareciste. Y yo le digo que sí, desaparecí en el alcohol y las drogas. Ese es mi mensaje actual: podés salir de toda esa mierda. Y es entonces que Paul Williams pregunta cómo está el tema por aquí, y como afecta a ciertas estrellas del rock & pop. En mi caso, música y adicciones eran parte de la misma vida desbalanceada. Vivía completamente aislado, solo. Pero ahora estoy haciendo canciones y tocando, y es mucho mejor que antes. Soy una voz más en mi banda, y disfruto el proceso de crear canciones con alguien. También mi relación con mis hijos, un varón de 19 y mi hija de 16, es completamente diferente. A mi actual esposa la conocí en la única cita a ciegas de mi vida. Se te ve feliz... Y sí, estuve ensayando con la banda y volví a sentir que todo es más fácil ahora. No tengo expectativas ni tanta presión. Por supuesto, quiero que venga gente y que al productor le vaya bien. Pero lo que más me importa es la música. ¿Y la fama? Bueno, no es la parte favorita de mi vida. El amor de la gente es maravilloso. Mis canciones han animado millones de fiestas de casamiento, por ejemplo. Pero hace veinte años era terrible. La fama se transformó en una droga. Y en lugar de escribir canciones, me la pasaba haciendo show. Además, cuando estaba en la cima de mi carrera y me veían high, podían creer que si parecía que me iba bien, ellos también podían hacer cosas así. ¿Te interesa la política? Sí, soy demócrata. Y votaré por Al Gore. Por ejemplo, porque yo estoy a favor de los programas sociales y de la libre elección de la mujer sobre el aborto, y Bush no. © Copyright 1996-2000 Clarin.com All rights reserved
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A VIEW FROM THE STAGE
Last Updated
23rd November 2000
(For full track listing for the show on 7 November 2000 go here)
- We had no idea that Waking Up Alone (Java 'PopUp Lyrics' here) was a single in Argentina but learned it before the second show because of the many requests.
John Lee Sanders, Chris Caswell and Bob Terry working our some last minute changes in my hotel room
(Thank you Lothar for your account of what it was like to be up there on stage, and thanks for some great pictures. NB I have added the text in white)
TEATRO COLISEO CONCERT
NOVEMBER 7, 2000
Last Updated
8th November 2000Hi Dave!!!
I´m Anita From Argentina. I´ve just found your web page, and I think it´s amazing.
Amazing, as the concert, Paul gave yesterday!!!! It was GREAT!!!!!
I´m 26 years old, and I´ve never thought that I would see him playing live.
I´ve got 5 sisters and a brother much older than me, so when I was a little girl they used to play Paul´s records. I grew up listening his songs.
Yesterday I have the best of times. The show lasted 2 hours an a half aprox. and he played ALL of my favorite songs. Evergreen, Rainbow Connection, The Hell Of It, Just An Old Fashioned Love Song, You and Me Against The World, Nice To Be Around, We´ve Only Just Began, Loneliness, Inspiration, That´s Enough For Me, Won´t Last A Day Without You, Bugsy Malone´s theme.. he played some new songs, that I didn´t know, and he even sang "The Love Boat"(after singing it, he said, that you must have guts to sing that song in front of an audience... :O)).
When he and the band (By the way THE BAND WAS FAB!!!!!!) made the final bow, all the Theatre stood up and start clapping, and singing, (ole, ole, ole, ole, ole.... Paul... Paul....) and we didn´t leave, we wanted more... the lights went out again, and the was Paul and the band with more songs!!! My boyfriend, Pablo, and I shouted out loud that we wanted "Waking Up Alone" and HE PLAYED IT!!!!!!!!!!!
WOW!!! What a Night!!!!!
When the show was over, Pablo and I get to know him, and he was really warm and
friendly. We thanked him for singing "Waking Up Alone" and told him that we were celebrating our engagement, so Paul congratulated us and signed up our CD!
Unfortunately we didn´t take a picture with him but I´m sending you the autograph and
ticket.
IT WAS THE BEST OF TIMES!!!!!! Everyone was smiling and enjoying the great time Paul and his band made us live!!!!
Well, Dave, hope you like my comment about the show.
See you!!!
Anita
P.S He also sang "It´s All Been Said Before", "This Is Making Love", a song he wrote for the Monkeys in 1968 (Someday Man), and 2 new songs that I can´t remember their names.
Best Regards.
Anita
Thanks Anita for a great report...and a very happy Anniversary to
you and Pablo. Thanks also for the concert photos below
I thought that everyone might be interested in the lyrics to the beautiful song 'This Is Making Love':
(Lyrics & Music Paul Williams/Jim Photoglo)
There have been times in my life
When I thought I'd found the one
The missing part
Matching heart
to mine
But I never felt this much
The power of your touch
A feeling I'm just learning to define
This is making love
This is something higher
A perfect blending of
Devotion and desire
I thought heaven was above
'Til I found it in your kiss
This is making love
There is a sound to your voice
That holds me like a child
Face to face
The safest place to stay
And when I hold you near
I know you always hear
The truth behind the words I try to say
This is making love
This is something higher
A perfect blending of
Devotion and desire
I thought heaven was above
'Til I found it in your kiss
This is making love
I thought heaven was above
'Til I found it in your kiss
This is making love ...
This is making love
More reports will appear as I get them.
See you
David
PAUL WILLIAMS IN BUENOS AIRES 2000
TEATRO COLISEO CONCERT
NOVEMBER
7, 2000Last Updated 23rd November 2000
TEATRO COLISEO CONCERT
NOVEMBER
7, 2000Last Updated 14th December 2000
I Won't Last A Day Without You Java 'PopUp Lyrics' here
You And Me Against The World Java 'PopUp Lyrics' here
Anything Less (Than You)
Evergreen (From The Film: "A Star Is Born") Java 'PopUp Lyrics' here
Old Souls (From The Film: "Phantom Of The Paradise") Java 'PopUp Lyrics' here
The Hell Of It (From The Film: "Phantom Of The Paradise") Java 'PopUp Lyrics' here
This Is Making Love Java 'PopUp Lyrics' here
Love Dance Java 'PopUp Lyrics' here
The Family Of Man Java 'PopUp Lyrics' here
You're Gone Java 'PopUp Lyrics' here
Out In The Country Java 'PopUp Lyrics' here
Rainbow Connection (From The Film: "The Muppet Movie") Java 'PopUp Lyrics' here
Rainy Days And Mondays Java 'PopUp Lyrics' here
Someday Man Java 'PopUp Lyrics' here
We've Only Just Begun Java 'PopUp Lyrics' here
Love Boat Theme
With One More Look At You (From The Film: "A Star Is Born") Java 'PopUp Lyrics' here
Traveling Boy Java 'PopUp Lyrics' here
Loneliness Java 'PopUp Lyrics' here
Waking Up Alone Java 'PopUp Lyrics' here
Ordinary Fool (From The Film: "Bugsy Malone") Java 'PopUp Lyrics' here
That's Enough For Me Java 'PopUp Lyrics' here
Nice To Be Around (From The Film "Cinderella Liberty") Java 'PopUp Lyrics' here
Let Me Be The One Java 'PopUp Lyrics' here
It's All Been Said Before Java 'PopUp Lyrics' here
My Fair Share (From The Film: "One To One") Java 'PopUp Lyrics' here
Thanks to Marcelo Benveniste for providing me with this track
listing information
TEATRO COLISEO CONCERT
NOVEMBER
8, 2000Last Updated 23rd November 2000
Last Updated 28th November 2000
Last night I went to see Paul's show in Argentina, so I'm writing you with the magic still inside me. I was early in the evening so I got into a literature bar next door to the theater. After some minutes 2 boys came in and began to play "Evergreen" in the piano. When he finished, we all enthusiastically asked if there was more Paul for us, then we realize that we all were waiting there for the show.
Paul opened it at 21:20 with "Just An Old Fashioned Love Song" and in after little while there was no "need to bring it back, cause it was never really gone". I'm talking about the magic and the spirit that Paul print in the people who were always looking for his music.
Last Updated 13th December 2000
The following are reviews of Paul's shows from Argentinian Newspapers.
FROM "LA RAZON"
7th November 2000
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WILLIAMS, A
TRIUMPHAL RETURN Yesterday in Mar del Plata.
Today in Buenos Aires. With marvellous humbleness and 60 years over his back, Paul
Williams performed in Mar del Plata yesterday. He is a
little giant of international music and is celebrating eleven years of being
free from addictions. Today and tomorrow, at the Coliseo Theatre, he'll complete his
Argentina tour. The ovation was so big yesterday that he had to come back to stage
twice, at the only concert he gave at La Subasta Theatre, where he made those old
songs and introduced some others recently created. Then he sang the Phantom
of the Paradise movie leitmotiv,
perhaps his most recalled classic song, and he added We've
only just begun, Rainy days and Mondays,
among others. But his banner is to have recovered from his addictions. "At age 49 I had to learn how to live. Now I've been sober for a long time and I can say I'll celebrate my 11th birthday, because I came back to life", he said, in amazing sincerity.
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FROM "NOTICIAS MAGAZINE"
by Ricardo Salton
19th November 2000
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NOSTALGIA Paul Williams made a list of songs that are part of everybody's memories.
**** Time seems not to go by for Paul Williams. His huge list of ballads, many of them become popular through the movies whose soundtracks they belonged to, are still listened to as fresh and intemporal as when they were written and firstly performed. Carrying 60 years over his little humanity, he has gone through the madness of drugs and alcohol and he tells it to the four winds, and he celebrates with the audience that recovery he is dating eleven years ago. With
sometimes lack of vocal precision, with a repertoire that is the envy of any
songwriter - he certainly included some
songs of the Phantom of the Paradise - he
made two foreseeable but emotive concerts, full with nostalgia and very good
melodies.
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READ ALL ABOUT PEOPLES WONDERFUL EXPERIENCES OF SEEING
PAUL WILLIAMS
Go to Paul Williams - Personal Experiences Index Page
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Email me, David Chamberlayne, at:
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