Check out a pro shot video of Red’s final show at the Marquee Theater in Tempe, Arizona.
Scott Bernstein January 3, 2023 • 7:10 am
keyboardist Andrew “Red” Johnson I played my last show as a member of Spafford on New Year’s Eve. Saturday’s concert concluded her two-night home run at the Marquee Theater in Tempe, Arizona.
Johnson announced his decision to leave Spafford in November in a note stating his desire to spend more time with his family. Red’s first show as a full-time member of Spafford took place on his December 31, 2011, so Red thought it fit to end the act on New Year’s Eve. Spafford has named Cory Schectman (The New Motif) to join the band from 2023.
johnson, guitarist Brian Moss,bassist Jordan Fairless and drummer Nick Tachik He paid tribute to the keyboardist by opening with the expansive “Red’s Jam,” which spans over 30 minutes. Her improvisation-heavy first set of five songs continued with adventurous takes on “People” and “Slip And Squander.” Spafford then crammed a cover of The Who’s “Eminence Front” into his beloved original “Leave the Light On” to close out the frame.
The recently debuted original “Diesel Driver” kicked off the final set of Red’s tenure. After nearly 20 minutes, “My Road” appears, and eventually to “Alternate Ending”. Spafford capped off a seamless opening run with a rendition of Van Morrison’s classic “Into the Mystic.” His 14-minute stand-alone “Backdoor Funk” is followed by a wild take on his 2022 LP, “To The Nest,” simple mystery, concluded the year. A particularly spacey jam started the countdown, giving way to the traditional “Auld Lang Syne” and filling the venue with balloons. Spafford wrapped up the set with a fan-favorite ‘Electric Taco Stand’.
At the beginning of the encore, Red appeared on stage alone. Addressing the audience, Johnson thanked those who watched his stream live from his home for their support over the years. “Thanks to all of you, all my dreams have come true,” added Andrew. “I will always be grateful and very excited about the future of Spafford.” He then performed his solo “Beautiful Day” before his bandmates joined him to discuss the night and his tenure. concluded with a powerful “All In”.
Check out the pro shot video from Saturday’s show below.
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Spafford kicks off the Cory Schectman era on Friday in Crested Butte, Colorado.
Set 1: Red Jam, People, Slip and Spender, Eminence Front > Leave the Light On
Set 2: Diesel Driver > My Road (My Road) > Alternate Ending > Into The Mystic, Backdoor Funk, To The Nest > Auld Lang Syne > Electric Taco Stand
Encore: Beautiful Day, All In
