Video: Gil Scott Heron Live At El Rey Theatre [Final L.A. Concert]
From videographer Theo Jemison comes this historic footage of Gil Scott Heron's final concert in Los Angeles, recorded October 4th, 2009 at The El Rey Theatre. This clip includes "Winter in America"; "We Almost Lost Detroit" and "The Other Side," all performed in an intimate setting for a crowd that included Gil's daughter Gia. Watch above and read the firsthand account from DJ Jeremy Sole (KCRW) below:
Gil was never a brother to take the power of words lightly, and this monumental night was a shining example of his affective and explosive concoction of humor, intellect, wit and humility. It was one of my highest honors as a DJ to open up for him that night. We all knew we were being treated to an especially intimate show, a candid experience that turned the El Rey theatre into family time around his kitchen table. Perhaps it was the fact that his daughter Gia was in the crowd. The night was a future memory in the making. Little did we know that that would be the last time Los Angeles would have the honor of hearing, learning from, and laughing along with Gil. He passed shortly after this concert, but if bodies are temporary, words are eternal – and as a man of words Gil Scott-Heron is now a man of eternity. Rest In Peace, Gil. – Jeremy Sole (KCRW)
spotted at HB
