Bob Dylan paid him the ultimate compliment: "His songs were so good you wished they would go on forever..."

This man wrote the score of my life... From my days in Ontario, then Alberta, then across the globe... His music reflected my life times that likely mirrored his in a way... From my first GF in 1970, to my battle with cancer in 2024... RIP Gord, see you soon I think ... somewhere near Jesus ....

He was out by his gate, as I passed by his house last year on my "Elliptigo" bicycle, and I had a brief conversation with him. He came across as so genuine, incredibly intelligent, and modest. Probably the most memorable 4 minutes of my life.

I will sometimes grab a Scotch, sit by the fire on a winter's night and watch this concert end-to-end. Such an incredible song writer and performer. Rick Haynes, the bassist, still tours with Gordon. Unfortunately, Red Shea, his extraordinary guitarist, has passed on. So glad we have these videos and recordings to listen to.

In MHO this is when Gord was at his absolute best. Top of his game. And Red was still with him to add to the sound of that period. Great, great stuff. No drums, no keyboard, no harmony singers, no dancers, no flashing lights or big screens, no autotune. Two guitars, one bass, one singer. That'll do. Thanks to BBC for recording this marvelous, excellent quality concert for posterity.

The way he sings is incredible a true storyteller stunning voice , R.I.P. Gordon Lightfoot

Back when musicians actually had to have talent. So incredibly great.

My wife and I saw him perform in 2015 in Tacoma, Washington. We lucked out with 4th row seats, almost center to the stage. It was one of my all-time favorite concerts and I've been to over 100 in my lifetime and seen many of the great bands (Zeppelin, Who, Journey, Queen, etc.). I love this man's music.

rest in peace gordon lightfoot, one of the greatest to ever do it. thank you for being generous enough to share your songs with us. i'll be forever grateful.

This is going to sound weird but my black and white tuxedo cat loves Gordy. He mellows out and gives the phone love eyes. His name is Lightfoot with his four white feet and love of great music. R I P Gordy.

RIP Gordon. My neighbor to the North....your music has embodied the Humanity of the Canadian Spirit. I listened on my small transistor radio tuned to 1020 CHUM, the artificial border unable to contain the radio air to the Canadian side, Gord, your tunes wafted to my transistor radio and very young ears and were then projected out my mouth as I sang along. That vibrato in your voice riding perfect melodies against perfect poetry. We passed briefly and nodded to one another at Mariposa last year and over the years I've been fortunate to attend a show or two. Thank you for everything. Your memory will be treasured.

Gordon is a big part of the musical fabric of my youth. What a stunning, iconic minstrel.

We saw him on his 80th birthday, Hershey Pa. Was fortunate to see him live. A Canadian treasure forever.

My immigrant ancestors landed at Ellis Island NY and rode the rails across Canada to the inland northwest in 1910, where they worked in the mines and the mills and on the railroad. Every time I hear this song it evokes such pride and love I'm moved to tears. One of the best songs ever written. RIP Gordon Lightfoot. You were the best.

00:00 Summer Side Of Life 04:19 Saturday Clothes 07:49 For Lovin' Me 09:33 Did She Mention My Name 11:29 Affair On 8th Avenue 15:15 If You Could Read My Mind 19:26 Intro to Red & Rick 20:42 Steel Rail Blues 23:58 Your Love's Return 28:03 10 Degrees & Getting Colder 30:49 Early Mornin' Rain 34:04 Farewell To Nova Scotia 37:55 Miguel 42:07 Me & Bobby McGee 46:50 Nous Vivons Ensemble 50:40 Minstrel Of The Dawn 54:07 Talking In Your Sleep 57:30 Canadian Railroad Trilogy

Amazing to hear just how well these three men play live. The comment section is full of superlatives, all deserved. So many beautiful songs and everyone seems to have a memory attached. Thank Gordon - Red - and Rick.

Every time I watch this concert I have to hit the pause button after the first five songs. Simply breathtaking. Will we ever see such a masterful performance from anyone else? I doubt it.

Gordon Lightfoot is one of the greatest Canadians of all time from Orilla Ontario, a native Canadians who is a hero to all Canadians.Your music will live forever! Rest in peace Mr. Lightfoot 🙏😢 ....from Texas

Rarely in life do we get to see perfection. Here is one of the examples of perfection.

Time stamps for each set number: 0:00 Summer Side of Life 4:19 Saturday Clothes 7:49 That’s What You Get for Loving Me/Did She Mention My Name 11:30 Affair on Eighth Avenue 15:14 If You Could Read My Mind 19:27 (Band Introductions) 20:43 (Song Introduction) 20:58 Steel Rail Blues 23:58 Your Love’s Return 28:04 Ten Degrees and Getting Colder 30:47 Early Morning Rain 33:58 Farewell Nova Scotia 37:25 (Song Introduction) 37:57 Miquel 42:08 Me and Bobby McGee 46:48 Nous Vivons Ensembles 50:36 The Minstrel of the Dawn 54:07 Talking in Your Sleep 57:30 Canadian Railroad Trilogy

nobody sings or writes like Lightfoot

I listen to Gordon Lightfoot when I was younger and there's always been something magical that touches the soul Thank You Gordon for beautiful magic 😊

The BBC replayed this episode of their 'In Concert' series in tribute to Gord in June 2023, a month after he had passed away at the age of 84. Unlike the original broadcast it was aired in prime time, as befits a world-class musical legend. The 1971 concert, with Gord backed by the classic duo of Red Shea on lead guitar and Rick Haynes on electric bass, is a historical treasure-trove of Canadian country-folk music in its own right - yet at time of recording he still hadn't released a host of memorable songs like Beautiful, Sundown, Carefree Highway, The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald, and Endless Wire! Gord was a tremendous songwriting talent and I feel his loss deeply.

15:07 When he sings that song If you could read my mind,, you can see his mind is flashing back to his wife and it still affects him. Beautiful song. I'm discovering Gordon in 2022. Never too late to discover good music.

Red Shea was such a great player and person. So many great musicians have left us in the last few years. These were real artists who delivered the goods...live. Gordon is still one of my all-time favorites. What a voice. What a talent for songwriting. RIP, Gord.

Gordon has been the greatest influence on my songwriting life since 1970. He says more in one line than others say in a whole song. How lucky we are that he chose to share his incredible talent with us for so long. If music is eternal, Gordon Lightfoot's legacy will endure forever.

One of the greatest to ever do it rip

Wow, one of the best singers, songwriter, ever! Thanks Gord. John P.

I’m 70 and of all the great songs written and sung by the great bands….Gordon would always bring you back to center !

The man is a songwriting genius.

This BBC performance is the gold standard for me. Gordon in his prime, and he is completely locked in! As a live acoustic performer, I could only hope to sound as good for 5 seconds as my man sounds for over an hour straight. And every song he plays from his ridiculous catalog is an absolute chestnut. Close your eyes and you would swear you were listening to his actual studio recordings. Gordon Lightfoot will always be the best singer/songwriter these ears will ever hear. His lyrics and melodies are so special to me.

This concert is a gem!

Been a Gordie fan since his first album. Never heard a Gordie song I didn't love. Saw him live when he was young and then when he was old. He was great from beginning to end.

I’ve been fortunate to see Gordon Lightfoot live 5 or 6 times now. Such an incredible artist singer songwriter. This is such a treasure of a live performance! I can’t believe this is the 1st time I’ve seen this one. Once in a lifetime do you find someone so talented…

All I can say, Gord, is thank you for all of the music you gave us during your incredible life.

Rest in peace you legend. Cannot believe he is gone 😢 ...from Fort Worth, Texas

I grew up on Gordon Lightfoot. My mom had all his albums on vinyl and we used to listen to him together. I lost her last August and now he's gone too. Both are gone, but not forgotten. Thank you Gordon for the great songs and better memories.

Probably Canada's greatest troubadour, GL's body of work is staggering. Not crazy about being old but growing up in the sixties I had the pleasure of discovering his music as it was released. He's simply part of the fabric of my life. Whenever I'm sad, I play his music. Thanks for posting.

He had this audience in the palm of his hand.

My favorite Gordon song is Beautiful. I love all his music but this one is truly aptly named.

Gordon, in 1967, wrote "Canadian Railroad Trilogy", to acknowledge Canada's 100th anniversary. The fantastic song is on his 2nd album (1967), as well as a live album, from 1969. It's one of the greatest songs ever recorded. - Peter

A heartfelt thank you Gordon for the incredible music, there will never be another like you, Rest in Peace you absolute legend, was very blessed to see you over here in the UK a few years back. Your music is timeless. You will be sorely missed.

When in a bad mood I put in Gordon's music and it takes me to a better place. Many times I start my day with the Canadian railroad trilogy I love the way it flows. Such an incredible talent

This brings back many memories to the surface when Lightfoot recorded the original songs. Another time , another place and another era - Thank you Gordon for a wonderful legacy and a collection of songs I will always treasure.

A Canadian treasure. At 64, I still remember the "Summer Side of Life" like it was yesterday. I also remember the song too.

Rest in Peace, Gord. Thank you for the music, and for helping in shaping the Canadian Songbook.

So sad to hear that he passed away on May 1st. His music was such an integral part of the soundtrack of my life for so many years. This is a wonderful tribute to his talent. Glad that it's up for everyone to enjoy.

R.I.P. Gordon Lightfoot , you will be truly missed but as long as we have your music you will always be with us

Gord's Gold!

I don't think you'll find a better Gordon Lightfoot better live concert than this one! Wow!

This is absolutely the best concert ever !!! ❤

Nobody in the audience dares make a peep. This is folk hallowed ground.

I saw this when it was first on BBC and saw him at the Royal Albert Hall in London in 1970, 1971 and 1972. All quite wonderful. (Saw him many times after that too in London and here in Canada) As much as I enjoyed and appreciated Lightfoot and his songs both lyrics and tunes, what I didn't realize were many intricacies of the musicianship. Lots of little things that contribute so much to the songs. A couple notes ... a guitar slide ... an extra bar pause in a verse that may not be in other verses. These draw emphasis in such subtle ways that you don't hear them until you actually listen to the music with an unusually critical ear. A modern folk style musician beyond compare in all senses of the genre.

The poet of the Canadian soul

RIP Gord. A maestro here at the heights of his prowess.

Why do I come tears listening, me, 73? Every song touches a me to run a memory movie.

Rest Easy Legend.

Red Shea's guitar playing on Saturday Clothes is sublime.

The first time I heard of him was more than 50 years ago when he released If You Could Read My Mind. Beautiful melody and haunting lyrics. I was hooked. It is still my favorite song. I have almost all of his albums and then I ended up buying the same recordings when they came out on CD. In the past 50 years, I have probably spent more time listening to to his music than all of the other artists combined. I frequently watch this video on my phone while working at my computer. Gordon in his prime. Seems like I have lost an old friend - but we still have his music!

Now that Gordon has transitioned...thiis concert will remain stellar for me.Thank you Clear Skys for posting....I will return and return....though I am Canuck and slightly younger than Mr. Lighfoot ...never saw him in concert....but he will remain such a fave...such an icon...such a heartfelt treasure....OX OX

he wrote many what I would call masterpieces

Stunning !

I discovered Gordon's music in my late teens, and it had a huge impact on me as I grew into a young man. Thank you Mr. Lightfoot for all of your great works, your signature is etched onto my heart forever.

RIP Gordon. Thank you for comforting me in tough times.

I'm a newcomer to Gordon's music; I'm a college student who loves oldies music. I heard his songs on the radio and Alexa every now and then, and I hid from Gordon for a while, until yesterday when "The Wreck Of The Edmund Fitzgerald" came on Alexa and I really listened this time. I saw a documentary about the tragedy of the ship with Gordon singing the song in the background. It gave me goosebumps, and then one of my friends who is a radio DJ and also plays in a Beatles tribute band in New York, one of his favorite artists outside of The Beatles is Gordon. He likes to sing Gordon's songs occasionally, and "If You Could Read My Mind" has become our love theme song. We live two states away from each other, and I have not seen him since before the pandemic happened. He used to drive down to see me when he was performing in my state of PA and I would go see him perform with my parents. He gave me a CD of him singing covers, and one of them was "If You Could Read My Mind!" He actually got to see and meet Gordon many years ago, and he told me what a great performer Gordon was. When he and I reunite soon, I want a Beatles song or any Gordon song to be playing in the background! Miss you, Dave! Gordon, I'm ready for you now!

GL looked just like this the first time I saw him in concert... it was love at first sight, and first chord!

Wonderful, Gordon Lightfoot was one of the all time greats

Awesome! I have grossly underestimated this man's talent. For the younger generation this performance is simple, not autotuned and a demonstration of pure talent.

Gordie has transitioned to the other side. RIP Gordie - thanks for all the music and teachings you left us….

Thank you for everything, Gordon. Your legacy will live on forever.

Peak Gordon Lightfoot…Godspeed on your journey home Canadian Troubadour and THANK YOU for your many gifts.

Gosh, those acoustic guitars sound so frikin' gooood. Timeless

This performance should have million views! Such a legend Gordon ❤️

Perfection

The BBC "In Concert" series was fantastic. I was 10/11 yrs old and watched them all with my family - Gordon, Neil Diamond,;Joni, Neil Young; Nilsson; Crosby & Nash & there were many others. All creating immortal music. I was on at about 7pm. The BBC then (not now) was a miracle.

OH man I can listen all day----sometimes I do! Thanks Gordon and his guitar and bass guy are fabulous as well.

❤️ watching this show , it never grows old ! Pure and simple some the best Guitar playing you'll ever see 🎶🎶

I was so lucky to see him, in this time period, at the Massey Hall in Toronto. A tremendous , timeless, memory all these years later. A Legend. RIP .

It's been a week now since I first watched this video. Still on replay cause I simply can't believe how good he is. Thanks for posting, this is GOLD!!!

simply the best ever

Thanks so much, I LOVE watching and listening .... All Canadians, especially the Martime famiies wish Gordon a happy etermal transitition

Eternal rest grant onto Gordon Lightfoot, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen

Rest in peace, one of the greatest artists of all time.

*Saw Gordon at the Hollywood Bowl July 11th, 1975 a classic Act then and now!*

Rest in peace Mr.Lightfoot . We still love and miss you! ❤ ....from Texas

So sad he has passed .This man and his music will live on through generations . I grew up with his music in the 60's, My Dad brought his music into our home and we were hooked from a very young age , just beautiful writing playing . Thankyou Gordon !!

I liked him when I was an 11 yo boy. My mom took me to see him at the Garden State Arts Center and I always loved her for that. I was bright but learning disabled and she saved me from depression so many many times. I miss her. I hope she is looking down on me.

Wicked opener.

If you could read my mind may be one of the greatest songs ever written.

I first saw Gordon at a new folk club, in Vancouver, B.C., called The River Queen, in 1968, named after The Riverboat, in Toronto, where Gordon, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, Bruce Cockburn, Ian & Sylvia, and Tom Cochrane began their careers. In 1971, my wife (ex) and I saw Gordon at the Queen E. Theatre, in Vancouver. We had tickets in the first row. I remember Gordon got pissed off, when he broke a string on his 12-string guitar. We saw Gordon four more times. The last time, in 1975, Gordon and his band, played at the Pacific Coliseum. Lightfoot's classic song "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" had just been released, and was a hug hit. It's the only song that mentions all five Great Lakes. Gordon had read an article in NEWSWEEK, about the sinking of the cargo ship, in Lake Superior, with the tragic death of all 29 sailors. Every year, in Detroit, a ceremony takes place, with the families of the sailors, and a bell rings 29 times. Gordon has attended the ceremony several times. Gordon (81) has been friends with Bob Dylan (80) ever since the '60s. Several years ago, Gordon was finally inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. In 1985, Gordon was inducted into the Juno Hall of Fame, and Bob Dylan came to TO to induct his good friend. I'd love to see Gordon perform again. He was scheduled to perform at a casino in Richmond, B.C., but because of COVID-19, all casinos in B.C. were closed. Now they're open, so hopefully Gordon will come to Vancouver. I live in nearby Abbotsford, and am going to see Santana, with a friend, at the Abbotsford Arena, on March, 31. I'm also going, with my grandson, Kaden Whitmey, to see ZZ Top and Cheap Trick, at the Abbotsford Arena, on April 23. I actually bought the tickets two years ago, when the bands couldn't get in Canada. Now they can. Maybe Gordon will come to Abbotsford. Thanks for reading my comments. - Peter Whitmey - peterwhitmey10@gmail.com

one of the greatest songwriters ever..

it is mind blowing to realize the huge catalog of hits gordon has given to us, saw him at the Wolftrap venue in Vienna, Virginia, he asked if anyone could make the sound of the bird in one of his songs, I made the sound by blowing in my hands,....then he had me to come in at the correct time in the song,....it was GREAT. thanx for posting this footage, its fantastic.

saw him live yesterday. Very good

" If You Could Read My Mind " This song.. my boyfriend in 1982, learned how to play it on his acoustic guitar, and I sang. And we went on to be engaged but marriage never happened. So this particular song brings back a lot of bittersweet menories; my new boyfriend, he & I both 57 now, have coffee and listen to Gordon every Sunday morning.... 😀

I have vivid memories of seeing this go out in 1972? 15 years of age and trying to master the guitar, alone at night you watch and hear this..

my god. he was so talented. thank you to my mom, gone now for almost 20 years, who raised me on his voice and songs of life, and love. rest in joy, Pony Man.

There goes the last thing left of Canada that was still any good. 😢 RIP to a national treasure.

RIP Canadian Legend

Thank You for posting this ClearSkys

The best. God bless… 😔