The cover of the Dave Edmunds album, “Live at the Capitol Theater, May 15, 1982.”
Dave Edmunds is now seriously ill; according to multiple reports, he recently suffered “major cardiac arrest” and is in critical condition.
To remember him in better times — and remind people what a fiercely great rock ‘n’ roll artist he was in his heyday — I am sharing the video below, professionally filmed (for later broadcast on MTV) at The Capitol Theatre in Passaic at May 15, 1982. Edmunds had recently released his seventh solo album, D.E. 7th, and was touring with a tight band of like-minded rock purists (guitarist Mickey Gee, bassist John David, drummer Dave Charles and pianist Geraint Watkins).
“We’ve got another five weeks of the tour to go. I hope we get audiences like you,” Edmunds tells the crowd before the final encore, “Let’s Talk About Us.”
Watkins sings lead on two songs; Gee, on one. Those interested in hearing Edmunds perform Bruce Springsteen’s “From Small Things (Big Things One Day Come)” — which Edmunds released on D.E. 7th, marking the first time anyone had recorded it — can fast-forward to the 11:50 mark.
The concert was released in album form by Renaissance Records in 2023.
Edmunds is now 81 and living in a town near the city in which he grew up (Cardiff, Wales).
Here is the setlist for Edmunds’ Capitol Theatre set (the show also featured opening performances by NRBQ and Marshall Crenshaw), with the embedded YouTube video below it:
“Crawlin’ From the Wreckage”
“Dear Dad”
“Your True Love”
“Nobody” (sung by Geraint Watkins)
“From Small Things (Big Things One Day Come)”
“Sweet Little Rock & Roller”
“Girls Talk”
“You Ain’t Nothin’ but Fine” (sung by Geraint Watkins)
“Me and the Boys”
“Queen of Hearts”
“I Hear You Knocking”
“It’s My Own Business” (sung by Mickey Gee)
“I Knew the Bride (When She Used to Rock ‘n’ Roll)”
“I Believe I’m in Love With You”
“Ju Ju Man”
“Down Down Down”
Encore:
“Stagger Lee”
“Let It Rock”
“Let’s Talk About Us”
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