Yes John’s voice was a shell of what it was, but the awesome thing was seeing him, Joe, Steve and (especially) Zal playing together. That’s good times.
@@CritterElectronics We get old and we lose the ability to do certain things, it happens to the best of us. I'm just happy we had a chance to hear him in his prime.
John has acknowledged voice issues as he's aged....but I've seen him solo, twice, and he can deliver. The thing is, he has adjusted all his songs to better accommodate his voice by doing them in lower keys. It gives his voice a smoky, but interesting maturity. The problem here was that the band doesn't live anywhere near each other now, so they don't play together, and with no rehearsal time, the band couldn't re-learn songs in a different key for a one-off performance. Steve Boone even said in his book that they questioned whether they could---or would---do a live performance on this day, so there was some initial hesitance from the band knowing it was risky. Ultimately, they just decided to go for it, and this is what we have. John thought he was up for it, so imagine his horror early in the song when his voice didn't cooperate. To say John "can't sing" or that he should "hang it up" is extreme. He considers himself a songwriter first, an instrumentalist second, and a vocalist third. So he's not deluding himself that he's going to win any awards as a vocalist. If he comes to your town, I suggest you see the show---the R&R HOF night is not representative of an enjoyable and interesting show he does now. He approaches the songs with a little more subtlety, tells stories, and often brings along a partner or two to help deliver songs that are his first love, folk and jug-band.
I saw him live somewhere around 2004- I had the impression he sang everything an octave lower, but his guitar playing was fantastic. Well worth seeing live.
i was 11 years old in 1965 and The Lovin' Spoonful, as much as, or maybe more than, the Beatles, was the soundtrack of my youth. They called their music Good Time Music and nothing could be more appropriate! Even with JS's voice problems, this misted up my 66 year old eyes.
that's quite a compliment coming from Rick Nelson. Thank you for all the years of great music, Rick! The Spoonful were clearly influenced a lot by your early records.
Wow, this is great! Joe’s still got it on drums, Steve rockin the bass, and Zallie on guitar. But John, man, it’s SOOO good the see you delivering on the song again. Love you guys!
I still pull out their greatest hits CD from time to time - still love it. Went to see John Sebastian solo around 1973, he didn't show up. Promoter came on stage, said he had no idea where John was, couldn't reach his management. Kind of soured me on him, personally.
Lovig Spoonful music has been introduced to me through the movie 'You are the big boy now'. Great songs, as for the movie...so, so, as far asI remember..
I remember being very young and not really remember a lot of things then but the songs that were coming out of the radio I remember some , it was a few months before we moved I heard this song on the radio and it sent a sensation from my spine to my head and some years later I found out is was Daydream by the spoonful & it still does it 54yrs later.
I saw them live a few years after this. Without Zak who had passed. John wasn’t with the band neither. They sounded really good. Having seen this I see why John wasn’t singing. Really sad about his voice, but wow what great songs they recorded in the 60s. Great group.
Performers vocal chords can become damaged over the years. Barbara Mandrell had an issue with her vocal cords along with Julie Andrews. It all depends how much they used them. Smoking can effect the cords ad well.
Poor Julie Andrews went in for a simple procedure to remove nodules on her vocal cords. The doctors ended up permanently damaging her voice. Such a shame to rob us of one of the greatest voices.
I don't know if it's gone, as much as it sounds like he hasn't been keeping up his chops? The whole band kinda sounds like they maybe play a VFW once in awhile. Now, I haven't researched to see what each individual has been up to, but I dont think its age-just lack of playing live.
Lovin' Spoonful drummer during their 1960's popularity Joe Butler (seen in the video with the white hair and beard) now carries the Lovin' Spoonful's lead vocals most of the time. But for the R&R HoF performance it was best to have Sebastian giving it his best shot, despite the strain. Although Butler's voice is now technically much better than Sebastian's, John was the original singer and the songwriter - it had to be him at the HoF. He has a distinctive voice, and at times you can still hear it for what it once was. Interestingly the 3 remaining members reunited earlier this year (2020) and Joe sang lead vocals on "Summer In The City" while standing next to John, who played guitar: ruclips.net/video/mp-M6pfiODw/видео.html
@David Hinkle Not true. A singer never loses his sense of key but the question is whether his vocal cords are healthy or damaged. In the case of John Sebastian he damaged his vocal cords. And I read a book that John Sabastian damaged his vocal cords ruining his singing voice. Sorry for tearing down your comment: If you listen to Zal Yanovsky who sang accompany vocals in this video he's on perfect key, and he hasn't toured or sang in years. Since he left the Lovin Spoonful he went off to Canada an opened a restaurant. With an easy search you would of found this: In the early 1990s, John Sebastian has struggled with throat problems that eventually affected and changed his singing voice, but he has continued to perform and tour.
Not true, man. It wasn't because of the bon-bons nor acid trips. LOL E-gawds people get affected by their assumption just because John Sebastian was from the 1960's (great music). Fact checking would be a good remedy for you. Peace. Happy Holidays. 😃
I've heard John sing more recently and, true, he can't sing like he did in the 60s but he still sings okay. This was obviously a bad night and probably trying to sing in too high a key because of a lack of rehearsal time. You'd think the R & R HOF people would try to see that these people sound as good as they can but they really don't care. They're just putting on a TV show.
This comment section is depressing as hell yeah he doesnt sound as great as he did but it was the act of just re singing something they had done before it wasnt about doing it better i think everyone missed the point
Zally is playing one of those stupid looking Mark Wein guitars. Somebody has filed off the finger so it looks a little more like a regualr guitar. But it has that godawful metal body with the yellow mesh. You'd think Zally would have something better. He still had his Guild until he died.
Even the old doo wop groups that got in sounded better. This is definitely bad considering that got inducted to the hall of fame. Makes it ironically funny
Yes John’s voice was a shell of what it was, but the awesome thing was seeing him, Joe, Steve and (especially) Zal playing together. That’s good times.
They’re human beings, remember this.
@@CritterElectronics We get old and we lose the ability to do certain things, it happens to the best of us. I'm just happy we had a chance to hear him in his prime.
A shell?? There is definitely something wrong with his voice, other than age!
Actually, given the lyrics, I think this rendition is fantastic. It adds a majestic sense to the song.
John has acknowledged voice issues as he's aged....but I've seen him solo, twice, and he can deliver. The thing is, he has adjusted all his songs to better accommodate his voice by doing them in lower keys. It gives his voice a smoky, but interesting maturity. The problem here was that the band doesn't live anywhere near each other now, so they don't play together, and with no rehearsal time, the band couldn't re-learn songs in a different key for a one-off performance. Steve Boone even said in his book that they questioned whether they could---or would---do a live performance on this day, so there was some initial hesitance from the band knowing it was risky. Ultimately, they just decided to go for it, and this is what we have. John thought he was up for it, so imagine his horror early in the song when his voice didn't cooperate. To say John "can't sing" or that he should "hang it up" is extreme. He considers himself a songwriter first, an instrumentalist second, and a vocalist third. So he's not deluding himself that he's going to win any awards as a vocalist. If he comes to your town, I suggest you see the show---the R&R HOF night is not representative of an enjoyable and interesting show he does now. He approaches the songs with a little more subtlety, tells stories, and often brings along a partner or two to help deliver songs that are his first love, folk and jug-band.
I saw him live somewhere around 2004- I had the impression he sang everything an octave lower, but his guitar playing was fantastic. Well worth seeing live.
but they ARE doing the song in a different key here - a lower key. Maybe they just all tuned their guitars down a step.
Great to see the four originals together again.
Bummer that John can't really sing this song anymore, but the drummer sure had good background vocals.
yeah ;(
I’ve seen some newer videos of them with that drummer singing lead and playing the auto harp.
Too bad. But he's trying, for that we are glad. Rock on !!!!
wow...RIP Yanovsky..he had only two years in front of him. I love these people.
He was a GREAT guitar playr too.
i was 11 years old in 1965 and The Lovin' Spoonful, as much as, or maybe more than, the Beatles, was the soundtrack of my youth. They called their music Good Time Music and nothing could be more appropriate! Even with JS's voice problems, this misted up my 66 year old eyes.
That's for share that. I always thought that the beatles was all in 60's. It's great to find other bands with good music
that's quite a compliment coming from Rick Nelson. Thank you for all the years of great music, Rick! The Spoonful were clearly influenced a lot by your early records.
Great song, and wonderful to see all the original members! Thank you for sharing.
Very happy to see them all in good spirits. No youthful Zal antics, and he actually plays his guitar.
Such a wonderful band who made many glorious records - thanks for everything guys!!
Wow, this is great! Joe’s still got it on drums, Steve rockin the bass, and Zallie on guitar. But John, man, it’s SOOO good the see you delivering on the song again. Love you guys!
Everybody’s happy and Zal is there. Couldn’t want any more. Thank you.
Holy shit they tried awesome effort thankyou.The only thing that won't lose its voice is the music you will leave behind
Joe Butler never got enough credit. Great time, great feel, totally plays for the song. Talented man.
And an excellent singer as well!
I was a preteen when this song was so popular. I'll be seventy one in January. They have always been my favorite band.
I still pull out their greatest hits CD from time to time - still love it. Went to see John Sebastian solo around 1973, he didn't show up. Promoter came on stage, said he had no idea where John was, couldn't reach his management. Kind of soured me on him, personally.
Lovig Spoonful music has been introduced to me through the movie 'You are the big boy now'.
Great songs, as for the movie...so, so, as far asI remember..
What a joy seeing the original lineup of The Lovin´ Spoonful play again.
John: I am not where I once was, even close. I am about to perform, do you guys want to go with me?
The Lovin Spoonful: FUCK YES!
Good that his fellow bandmates can help out with the vocals
So great to see Zal! And of course one of the greatest American rock n roll songwriters Mr. John Sebastian!
That song still gives me chills.
Damn, the original band.
Who brought the onions?
Thanks for uploading. Great to see the original members of the band performing together once more.
I seen them at Our casino... was amazing...
adoro a estos tipos
I will always love these guys!
amazing band and song, feel bad for lead singers voice
Just Perfect! Love that Song!
This is the only song from the late 60's that I really like.
seriously? No Dock of the Bay, Homeward Bound, Hey Jude, Lay Lady Lay or Wichita Lineman for you?
I remember being very young and not really remember a lot of things then but the songs that were coming out of the radio I remember some , it was a few months before we moved I heard this song on the radio and it sent a sensation from my spine to my head and some years later I found out is was Daydream by the spoonful & it still does it 54yrs later.
I saw them live a few years after this. Without Zak who had passed. John wasn’t with the band neither. They sounded really good. Having seen this I see why John wasn’t singing. Really sad about his voice, but wow what great songs they recorded in the 60s. Great group.
Performers vocal chords can become damaged over the years. Barbara Mandrell had an issue with her vocal cords along with Julie Andrews. It all depends how much they used them. Smoking can effect the cords ad well.
Poor Julie Andrews went in for a simple procedure to remove nodules on her vocal cords. The doctors ended up permanently damaging her voice. Such a shame to rob us of one of the greatest voices.
Sounds great mature love it
It's so sad that John Sebastian's voice it's gone 😢😢😢
I don't know if it's gone, as much as it sounds like he hasn't been keeping up his chops? The whole band kinda sounds like they maybe play a VFW once in awhile. Now, I haven't researched to see what each individual has been up to, but I dont think its age-just lack of playing live.
You're right! Thank you!
Lovin' Spoonful drummer during their 1960's popularity Joe Butler (seen in the video with the white hair and beard) now carries the Lovin' Spoonful's lead vocals most of the time. But for the R&R HoF performance it was best to have Sebastian giving it his best shot, despite the strain. Although Butler's voice is now technically much better than Sebastian's, John was the original singer and the songwriter - it had to be him at the HoF. He has a distinctive voice, and at times you can still hear it for what it once was.
Interestingly the 3 remaining members reunited earlier this year (2020) and Joe sang lead vocals on "Summer In The City" while standing next to John, who played guitar:
ruclips.net/video/mp-M6pfiODw/видео.html
John had throat surgery...not lack of skill...just ruined his voice.
@@andrewfurst5711 Makes sense - the drummer did a great job - both on drums and b vocals.
Love that autoharp!
I missed this 😊
John must have a sore throat - but the show must go on 🎭🎼
I've seen more recent videos on this site where the drummer, Joe Butler, is singing lead on this song. John just plays his autoharp.
Good to see Zolly back with them!
Love these guys!
Say what ya wanna, but dude's kept an amazing hair line.... Just saying!
Hahahahahahahahahaha! Your comment made my day-- March 10, 2024!
Sabastion sounds beyond awful, yes, he's in his 60's or so, but my God, hang it up already. Too many past acid trips and bon-bons...E-gawds..help us..
@David Hinkle Not true. A singer never loses his sense of key but the question is whether his vocal cords are healthy or damaged. In the case of John Sebastian he damaged his vocal cords. And I read a book that John Sabastian damaged his vocal cords ruining his singing voice. Sorry for tearing down your comment: If you listen to Zal Yanovsky who sang accompany vocals in this video he's on perfect key, and he hasn't toured or sang in years. Since he left the Lovin Spoonful he went off to Canada an opened a restaurant.
With an easy search you would of found this: In the early 1990s, John Sebastian has struggled with throat problems that eventually affected and changed his singing voice, but he has continued to perform and tour.
Not true, man. It wasn't because of the bon-bons nor acid trips. LOL E-gawds people get affected by their assumption just because John Sebastian was from the 1960's (great music). Fact checking would be a good remedy for you. Peace. Happy Holidays. 😃
@@pern1044 why did the Hooker cross the road?
Even though with damaged vocal chords, it still sounds good to me. It's sort of a unique sound, not unlike Ray Charles.
@@jasoncarpenter7488 to hop into your car. :)
in a word? brutal.
Unfortunatly, John obviously had laryngitis or a major sore throat issue here.
Zally was on fire!
Wonderful performance and great to see the entire band together.
Of course I have always liked John S. but I did see him about 45 years ago at a free concert on the Green. His voice was shot then. Oh well.
Now we do
Much respect. I don't believe in magic.
I had no idea JFK, Jr. sang in the Lovin Spoonful!
Why did they sing this in the key of D ? - - - WHEN THE ORIGINAL WAS A STEP LOWER IN C !
Probably was to accommodate for the singers voice in some way
Is his voice permanently this way -?😮😢
The elephant in the room... it's pretty sad to hear John struggling to sing this.
I've heard John sing more recently and, true, he can't sing like he did in the 60s but he still sings okay. This was obviously a bad night and probably trying to sing in too high a key because of a lack of rehearsal time. You'd think the R & R HOF people would try to see that these people sound as good as they can but they really don't care. They're just putting on a TV show.
God, getting old is terrible. This hurts to watch
This comment section is depressing as hell yeah he doesnt sound as great as he did but it was the act of just re singing something they had done before it wasnt about doing it better i think everyone missed the point
I wish they sang Welcome Back.
Wasn't the original band. Just John Sebastian's song.
John's dad said where did you get that
painful to watch
How sad when people don't know when it's time to stop and retire. I'm embarrassed for him.
woops - ah well
Where is Zal's crunchy guitar? I guess John has vocal problems. Great song, done MOR down.
Oh nooo john sounds so bad idk why he even sang. Should have let somebody else
Holy crap what happened to Sebastian’s voice?
He got old, man. It happens.
Sounds like Bobby Kennedy Jr is singing.
His voice is shot
I wonder if John has a health issue that affects his voice
Meet the Pyro
John sounds like Randy Newman
Good grief ! What's wrong with John's voice ? Beyond awful !
Cat sounded gassed from the first bar. This is the only way I can hear this song now. Should have let the Foo Fighters play it for you, respectfully.
It's a shame he literally can't sing anymore. He must have blown his voice out.
He should NEVER have tried to sing lead on this song at this Induction Ceremony.
Wow John can’t sing no more
He's trying hard, but it just isn't happening.
Am I missing something here that lead singing guy sounds terrible
Empty
Sad. Why do they do something that can’t be equaled or even come close.
Yikes!
Incredible..whole band sounds AWFUL, time to hang it up when your past your prime, especially Sabastian, Robert at 65.
Drummer kicked butt - on drums and background vocals.
When they were rehearsing, did someone tell the singer that he sounded like shit?
They should give them a year to practice but what ya gonna do
Zally is playing one of those stupid looking Mark Wein guitars. Somebody has filed off the finger so it looks a little more like a regualr guitar. But it has that godawful metal body with the yellow mesh. You'd think Zally would have something better. He still had his Guild until he died.
Awful.
This is a tragic performance.
Pitiful singing
Sucks 😮😂
WTF happened to his voice?! =(
Decades of pot smoke.
Imagine a man in a gasmask bust in there
And showed a handmade flamethrower
And then pulled a trigger
no bigger spoonful fan than me but that was SHAMEFUL and embarrassing! how could he get up there sounding like that?
have some dignity, man!
Do you believe in retirement 👎🏿
LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!
I think He is beyond his prime. He sounds horrible.
This was so freaking bad lol
No it wasn't. What the hell are you talking about.
Horrible
Theory: he's singing terribly on purpose because he can't stand singing this song anymore. The band agrees.
Even the old doo wop groups that got in sounded better. This is definitely bad considering that got inducted to the hall of fame. Makes it ironically funny
The magic of his voice died long ago