Disco de Waylon Jennings: “Never Say Die: The Complete Final Concert [2CD/1DVD]”

Few performers, in any genre, have had as much sheer charisma as Waylon Jennings, and that comes through loud an clear on this poignant set, recorded live at the Ryman auditorium in January, 2000, when Waylon's health was starting to fade. He's backed by his hand-picked Waymore Blues Band, who put as much heart and soul into the performance as ol' Waylon himself. Waylon, who had to stay in a chair during the show, knew he was on the way out, but he had a great attitude about it, cracking jokes about being "a cripple" and even singing his on gentle epitaph on "Might Be A Good Time." He threw himself fully into each and every song, and graciously shared the limelight with buddies like John Anderson, Travis Tritt and Montgomery Gentry, as well as with his wife, Jessi Colter, who leads on a few tunes and sings some heart-rending duets with Waylon.

This edition expands the original Y2K release into the full concert length -- two CDs worth, plus a concert DVD that covers the same material. The concert film is a mixed blessing: on one hand, in technical terms, it's pretty poorly produced -- great sound quality but the cinematography and editing are both pretty rough. But as a document of Waylon's waning years, it's simply invaluable. You see what his road band was like, how they mixed showmanship and honest emotion, and of course you see Waylon, vigorous and vital, though also clearly wounded and with a real weight on his shoulders. Musically, it's all very solid -- most of the songs are oldies, but none of them are played by rote, and the sincere feeling these folks put into their performances comes through loud and clear. If you're a Waylon fan, you'll wanna check it out. (DJ Joe Sixpack)

It's great to hear and see this final concert of one of country musics greatest legends. The CDs and the DVD are of exellent quality. A must have for every fan.

I bought the "Never say die Live" cd when it first came out and really enjoyed it. Even at that time I wondered why there was no video. Now there is video, and its even better.

I have been a Waylon fan for as long as I can remember (I am 44) but have only had the pleasure of seeing him in concert one time, at Opryland in '85, or maybe '86. Jerry Reed was there, John Anderson, and guest appearence by Hank Jr. And, of cource, Jessie. That was a great concert, but my wife mentioned he didn't really talk to the audience, and she was right.

Now I know he was just coming off drugs without rehab, totally Waylon style, at the time we saw him. He is one strong dude. I have his book where he says he got out of debt with out filing bancruptcy. He has always lived life on his terms. Honesty, perserverence, and a good heart are lessons to be learned from him. He's never shy'd away from his drug problems, he has written songs about them. He cut back his operation when the money was tight. Got rid of the freeloaders. He came full circle in life. I hope I can do that.

Bottom line: If you are a fan, you will love this set. If you are new to Waylon, you will be looking for more.

Fantastic CD and DVD.

If you're a Waylon Jennings fan, this 2CD and DVD set is a must have!!

Do yourself a favor and add this to your collection. It, is, outstanding!!

For Waylon fans, this final recorded effort from him is the closest thing we'll get to seeing him alive again. The duets with Jessi Colter are haunting. If you don't have this CD, you are missing an essential piece of Waylon's legscy.