Larry Norman Message Board

First of all, I just can't believe he's gone. I had the privalidge of seeing him in concert many times over the years, starting in the 70's when I was in High School.

A couple memories stand out. One was a concert he did in the late 70's in San Jose. It was a "day on the green" outdoor event. Blazing hot sun, no shade for the performers. The promoter had hired a couple flat bed truck trailers to act as a stage.

Larry was backed by a full band... the "Solid Rock Blues Band" which included Tom Howard on keys, Mark Heard on guitar and a really funky looking dude playing a clear plastic bass. The band got the audience warmed up doing a blues tune for a while and then out walked Larry in black jeans and a black leather jacket. I was surprised he didn't suffer heat stroke! Anyway it was my first real rock and roll show and he was great. Rocking out with the drummer and then diving to the mic in the nick of time to sing.

There were at least a couple other bands that played that day, but I have no memory of them. Larry's show was so much more passionate and engaging than anything else on that stage.

Another time I got to see him with a band was in the mid 80's at Biola University. They played in the Gym and though the band was not as tight or as loud, his personality really came through.

This was at a time in the christian culture when the topic of God's will was en vogue... books being written on the subject... Anyway, Larry says something like... "So many people write me and ask me 'what's God's will for my life? I would do it but I don't know what it is?'" He went on about this with an increasing level of whine in his voice. People started to laugh. In his usual dead pan delivery and with a perfect pause, he said "Well, I'm here to tell you I know God's will for your life" Now there's nervous laughter. What the heck is he going to say? Another dramatic pause..."that's right, I know God's will for your life".

He had us on the edge of our seats now. Finally, "God's will for your life is to clean your room". Much laughter. "And if you do that real good, maybe, just maybe He'll give you something that takes a little more responsibility"

I loved that. Such a great lesson told in such an accessible and funny way. I saw him a few more times than those. Every time was so enjoyable. What a great guy. I look forward to seeing him again someday.