It was with great sadness that I learned of Larry Norman's
passing. I knew he had been seriously ill for some
time but the news of his death still came as a shock.
Larry's music had been part of the soundtrack of my life.
Growing up in the sixties I had a soundtrack of the Beatles,
Stones, Who and Dylan amongst many others. This was no
background muzak but influenced and shaped my young life.
On becoming a Christian in 1971 there didn't seem to be
anyone equivalent in the 'Christian world' until
Larry Norman came along.
I
went to a concert in March 1972. I had only been a
Christian a few months. Larry came on stage and people
seemed genuinely shocked. Here was someone with real
long hair, dressed in denims, with a guitar. At that
time being a Christian and looking like a hippie just didn't
equate. He stood on stage for a while - the audience,
bemused, whistled, cat called and applauded, but with
humour, charm and of course lots of talent he soon won
everyone over.
That would mark the beginning of a lifetime of listening to
Larry Norman, on record, in concert and even a few rare TV
appearances.
I
saw him at the Royal Albert Hall, a venue he sold out twice
in one day, at Greenbelt a few times and in many other
places around the country. The last time was in 2001
in West Bromwich.
A
Larry Norman concert was a unique experience, usually begun
by asking for the mike to be turned up, some funny stories
and of course lots of songs. He was articulate,
intelligent, witty and gifted. Many people have been
influenced by his music, from other rock artists to many
ordinary people who have attended concerts, listened to his
music or met him in person. Many have come to faith in
Jesus because of him. However, being a Larry Norman
fan was also deeply frustrating. He had problems with
record companies, eventually producing his own records.
It meant that at times it was hard to get hold of his stuff
but the advent of the internet helped to solve that problem.
It
would be true to say that he was at times somewhat eccentric
and in recent years released a number of albums, mainly of
old songs rehashed or alternative versions. It became
almost impossible to keep up. When you longed for one
decent new album it didn't appear. Well there were
some classics along the way though. 'Only Visiting
This Planet' was voted the best 'Christian' album of all
time. Then there was 'So Long Ago the Garden' and 'In
Another Land' which completed a trilogy of classic Norman
music. In addition 'Something New under the Son',
released late, because the record company thought it was too
bluesy and different from his previous records.
'Stranded in Babylon' and 'Tourniquet' completed probably
his 'best of'' works but there are many others, some of them
real gems including some 'live' albums worth seeking out.
Larry Norman 'appeared' at the right time - the
Jesus People Movement was
happening in the late sixties, early seventies. Many
thousands of young people including hippies were beginning
to follow Jesus. We needed those who could articulate
faith in Jesus in a way understood by the culture of the
day. Larry was perhaps the most talented singer to
emerge in that context. His voice and his music became
a soundtrack for many of us.
Thank you Larry for the music and for being faithful and may
you now rest in peace - HOME AT LAST.
Colin
Marriott
09.03.2008
You
can access Larry Norman's web site by clicking on the
link below:
Larry Norman
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