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The Tribe has spoken, Buffett still a Survivor!

by Brian Pearson

Jimmy Buffett & The Coral Reefer Band
July 29th, 2000
World Music Theatre


      As the rain fell even harder & harder, it did not diminish any of the thousands of among thousands of Parrotheads who had waited for this weekend. Coconut bra's, brass skirt's, Hawaiian shirts & lei's were the garb of choice. It looked as if 20,000 of us had shown up to apply for the next season of SURVIVOR! Many had come to seek their tribal leader, that leader being Jimmy Buffett and his Coral Reefer Band.

     I was curious to see this NEW version of Jimmy and his CRB as longtime member Greg "Fingers" Taylor and accomplished singer songwriter Mac McAnally
decided not to tour with Jimmy this year. Though bummed I wouldn't hear Fingers wailing on his harmonica I did approach this show with a positive attitude. Fast forward some 2 1/2 hours, and some 26 songs later I can honestly say this was indeed one of the best Buffett shows that I have ever attended. Sure allot of people say, you're going to see Jimmy Buffett?

      And with that they think of the commercialized "Margaritaville Inc.," Buffett. Yes, times change and Jimmy and his people are marketing geniuses, but that's another story.

      The 2000 version of Jimmy saw a more refreshed and energetic Buffett. He seemed happier and his songs of choice were a far cry from his "Songs You Know By Heart" CD. As many in the crowd were loyal Parrotheads from the mid- '70s Key West days, we did see Jimmy go back to his roots. Sure the standard hits were in place but Jimmy really shined on "First Look," "Tryin To Reason With Hurricane Season," "Island" and  "Treat Her Like A Lady."

    What most fans do not own is the back catalogue that Jimmy has created. He is a great songwriter and it was indeed a nice suprise to see him dust off some of these treasures. With a smaller band and less of a stage set, the overall experience made you feel like you were right up there on stage. Buffett and crew were very close to the audience and the band had as much fun as Jimmy did. Peter Mayer is an exceptional guitar player who really is a monster talent while Robert Greenidge continues to nail down that caribbean groove with his steel drum playing.

    Through all the bad weather Mr. Buffett once again brought the sunny Caribbean to 20,000 rain-soaked midwestern Parrotheads. This was indeed one of his better Chicago shows. The tribe has spoken and Mr. Buffett is a true survivor.