"My first complete introduction to the Statlers was their Nashville TV Show that ran for 7 years. It was a great variety hour that showcased many new and veteran entertainers and unique acts with jugglers, magician's, etc. But the famous singing group got started with a Johnny Cash tour.
The concert was filmed live in West Virginia, October 2002. Unfortunately, it is not in stereo, but monotone. Picture and sound are crisp and clear.
Anymore, a Farewell Concert doesn't imply complete retirement. The Statlers will continue to make music and some will be writing books, as a memoir is due in 2006. They have just simply retired from touring.
What I like about the Statlers performing live is that they always keep the songs true to the original recordings. Each man lends a different voice that harmonizes so well. And as corny as Harold can get, he is always funny to me. His humor is interjected. The men pay tribute to the All American Band, their families, the office staff, road crew etc. They didn't leave anyone out.
They included wonderful hits from their gospel side with "How Great Thou Art, "This Old House" "Thank You World" and "Amazing Grace".
The Statlers have either written or chosen, very good music with meaningful lyrics. Each time your listen to these storytelling songs, you hear something more, something refreshing and the lyrics are vivid and memorable, such as the endearing classic "Do You Remember These"; "Class Of '57"; "Randolph Scott"; and "Susan When She Tried"; "Elizabeth" and "More Than a Name on a Wall."
I have loved their version of "Memories Are Made of This"; "Moments to Remember" and "The Great Pretender." They sang their first hit, "Flowers on the Wall"; and a beautiful song, "Too Much On My Heart", plus "Bed of Roses".
Also included are "Do You Know You Are My Sunshine"; "Oh Baby Mine"; "I'll Go To My Grave Loving You", and "A Place On Calvary."
This is a keeper DVD for a night of great music.....Rizzo "
A Sad Goodbye--A Tremendous Concert on DVD
Loren W Sutherland | Portland, Or | 10/30/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"From the first time I heard the Statlers Brothers back in the late sixties early seventies they have and always will be my favorite group. This DVD is their final concert before going into what has to be considered an early retirement. Their remarkable 40 year career is capped off with perhaps their best performance ever. Harold and Phil were approaching their mid-sixties, Don 57, Jimmy a young 47-but it was as if they were still all in their twenties. They left their hearts and souls out on the stage that night, and everyone who was there at the concert and anyone who watches this DVD are left wanting more and believing they still have another 40 years to give. I said earlier they have always been my favorite "group", not "country group", because their music transcends the often muddy borders of the different musical genres, something clearly brought out in this concert. If you are at all a fan of the Statler Brothers, do not miss out on this one. Buy this DVD, there is no way you will be sorry."
Must Have Concert
Harry V. Spencer | 01/01/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is a really must-have concert. Covers the remarkable career of this group. Get the CD too, for your road music. You can't go wrong."
Excellent
rjones2818 | Somewhere in Indiana, United States | 07/10/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The DVD, which was recorded in Salem, Virginia, is the good-bye to touring performance by the legendary Statler Brothers. If you like the Statlers, this is a must buy. If you don't, consider the purchase, for it gives a very good introduction to the group, which is one of the most decorated in country music history, and may well be the best four part harmony group in recording history.
All-in-all, a great presentation from four great American entertainers.
Highest rating possible from me."
Viva Statler Brothers
Harry V. Spencer | Greensburg, PA | 04/19/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"We've been a Statler Brothers fan thru the days of the LPs, 45s, 8-Tracks, Cassettes, TV show on TNN, CDs and now the DVDs. We will always have their music and get a good feeling from it. The only "criticism" of the DVD is that it is MONO audio, not even stereo. We were all prepared for sitting back for 5-speaker "surround sound" but just got the output from the basic two speakers up front. Still a concert we'll play over and over."