The acclaimed Chicago-born folk/country performer, who died of leukemia at age 36 in 1984, is spotlighted in a turn on the popular PBS concert series. Among the Goodman-penned faves performed are "City of New Orleans," "You Never Even Call Me by My Name," "Men Who Love Women Who Love Men," "Banana Republics," "Souvenirs," and others. 122 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital stereo; interviews; documentary.

Average Customer Review: ( 21 customer reviews )
Write an online review and share your thoughts with other customers.

The DVD captures a couple of Austin City Limits shows where Steve was in good form, high energy in the first half, lower energy in the second half, sapped a bit by the chemo and the disease that killed him. Between those two halves, there's an interview from an apartment overlooking Wrigley Field. Even the poor editing can't take away from the heart-wrenching Q&A, or diminish the "Dying Cub Fan's Last Request" as Steve sings it, with Wrigley in the background, a few months before his death.

This is the closest you can come in this life to seeing a Steve Goodman concert. For those of us who are fans - and I am an unabashed fan - it is a rare and precious treat. For those who don't know Steve and his wonderful songs, this is a great chance to experience a Steve Goodman show.

Highly recommended. Simply delightful.

39 of 39 found the following review helpful:

What You All MissedMar 19, 2003
By mark munger
First, as always, a couple of confessions. Number 1, I am a Steve Goodman fan. Number 2, I am an author. Words matter. Steve Goodman, while a fine vocalist and a stunning guitarist, was, first and foremost, a lyricist. ...

Now for the review:

This is as good as you're gonna get now that Steve is playing with the angels. I had the chance to see him live in the late '70's and that concert remains, without a doubt, the single most beloved musical event I ever attended. This DVD does have a technical glich here and there in terms of an unforeseen pause or two. So what? The concert footage is priceless, the sound quality is good, and the interviews with Kris Kristoferson, John Prine, and others, are memorable. You can't watch Steve's interview about the Chicago Cubs, where it's clear he's battling the cancer that ultimately killed him, without shedding tears. Buy this DVD and buy any of Steve's CD's. Any CD. And you will be an immediate Goodman junkie. Guaranteed.

26 of 26 found the following review helpful:

They believe me now...Sep 03, 2005
By E. McGraw "elliebuttons"
I am a lifelong musician. I have a very musical stepson, aged 24. He's into folk music, plays banjo, mandolin, fiddle. I have a husband, he likes John Prine. As an old lady of 44, I tell nostalgic stories of doing stage lighting for the most incredible live performer and his rag-tag band of scraggly folk singers, mandolin wizards, and celebrity drop-ins. I mention the name, Steve Goodman, and rattle off a few of his more well-known songs... City of New Orleans, You Never Even Call Me By My Name, etc. I used to get knowing nods and shrugs, the occasional eye roll. Imagine my joy at finding this tape - finally being able to visually demonstrate the indescribable energy and wit of this charming treasure of a guy. Watching him shake a rather listless and stuffy Austin City Limits crowd out of their patchouli haze and leave them cheering for encores was a treat well worth the investment. Seeing those unforgettable facial expressions, and the guitar licks - MAN. He was so much fun to watch, to listen to - to be in the same room with. My family has a new-found respect for me and my stories now! And my 24-year-old is practicing some of those incredible guitar licks. A new generation of Steve Goodman fans is born. The interviews are heartfelt, moving, and lovely. If you have ever seen Steve, you'll laugh and cry. If not, you will become a fan.

9 of 9 found the following review helpful:

A True DelightMar 19, 2006
By B. Mark Christian "Diagonally Parked in a Parallel Universe"
I got the DVD and have truly enjoyed recalling the energy, wit, insight and virtuousity of Steve Goodman.

As a guitar player I have been watching exactly what Steve did in some of his blues runs. They were (and still are) distinctively his.

As I watch the live footage I get the sense that every second was an adventure for Chicago Shorty!

The DVD is worth it alone for "Men Who Love Women Who Love Men."

The performances of Steve on this DVD are not necessarily the best takes of his performances. Some of the live takes on other CDs and LPs are technically smoother--but these are absolutely essential for any Goodman fan.

He's gone to watch the angels now

We're stuck here with the DVD

I'm glad to have at least that much!

7 of 7 found the following review helpful:

SurprisedJan 13, 2004

I have been a fan of Steve Goodman for years, but I knew him only as a gifted songwriter and recording artist. I now realize that the recordings I have are somewhat sterile and never captured the essence of this guy. He was a truly talented and wonderful performer with amazing energy and imagination. The DVD gets it and you should too!

See all 21 customer reviews on Amazon.com