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radioThese are reader comments for the article 'Larry Norman - 1947-2008'
Reader Comments
Posted by dave watts in stapleford @ 20:16 on Mar 1 2008
Larry was a true legend in christian music.
He helped me through his music remain in touch with God when I could have easily drifted away, especially the album Only visiting this planet, which is still up there with the best.
I saw him in 1977 at Birmingham Town Hall with Nutshell (remember them!) His music was so powerful with just an acoustic guitar and when he spoke you could hear a pin drop.
He really is now in another land. God bless Larry.
Larry was a true legend in christian music.
He helped me through his music remain in touch with God when I could have easily drifted away, especially the album Only visiting this planet, which is still up there with the best.
I saw him in 1977 at Birmingham Town Hall with Nutshell (remember them!) His music was so powerful with just an acoustic guitar and when he spoke you could hear a pin drop.
He really is now in another land. God bless Larry.
Posted by Mark V in Rochester, N.Y. @ 06:19 on Feb 29 2008
I've seen Larry Norman twice in concert. Once at a local Wesleyan college, the other at a High school in St Catherines Ontario w/ Randy Stonehill. He alway s seemed both standoffish yet inviting and approachable, a dichotomy in the truest sense yet totally like the Jesus of the gospels, always apprehending those from the edge of their precipice while never mincing the needed words to thrust us over that same very edge into the risk of darkness to the death of self in order to really enter the light of life!
His music is like that too, like the gospels, one minute your drawn in, the next, frightened for fear of too much exposure to the naked truth of our wearing fig leaves the whole time while telling God we're innocent of the crime. He had a way of using understatement in shouting from the rooftops the truth at hand, as in songs like "Pardon Me" regarding casual sexual fulfilment or ones poor self esteem in "Baroquen Spirits" in the end he taught by reaching out as a vulnerable soul "Lonely by Myself" and as one who carried the scars of a wounded soldier in brokenness, not laying the blame on others more deserving of the crimes of their sins. [Shot Down]
It seemed to me that Larry was more intent to allow people at his concerts to feel more relaxed and in the company of a Christian brother than as some distant rock star's perpetual vanity by the way he promoted group singing and casual banter at his concerts. In the end I'm sure we'll all have to admit that our lives are much richer for the friendship he has given us through his songs, and we can know that "When this good life ends, a better one begins.
I've seen Larry Norman twice in concert. Once at a local Wesleyan college, the other at a High school in St Catherines Ontario w/ Randy Stonehill. He alway s seemed both standoffish yet inviting and approachable, a dichotomy in the truest sense yet totally like the Jesus of the gospels, always apprehending those from the edge of their precipice while never mincing the needed words to thrust us over that same very edge into the risk of darkness to the death of self in order to really enter the light of life!
His music is like that too, like the gospels, one minute your drawn in, the next, frightened for fear of too much exposure to the naked truth of our wearing fig leaves the whole time while telling God we're innocent of the crime. He had a way of using understatement in shouting from the rooftops the truth at hand, as in songs like "Pardon Me" regarding casual sexual fulfilment or ones poor self esteem in "Baroquen Spirits" in the end he taught by reaching out as a vulnerable soul "Lonely by Myself" and as one who carried the scars of a wounded soldier in brokenness, not laying the blame on others more deserving of the crimes of their sins. [Shot Down]
It seemed to me that Larry was more intent to allow people at his concerts to feel more relaxed and in the company of a Christian brother than as some distant rock star's perpetual vanity by the way he promoted group singing and casual banter at his concerts. In the end I'm sure we'll all have to admit that our lives are much richer for the friendship he has given us through his songs, and we can know that "When this good life ends, a better one begins.
Posted by Dale in Hemet, CA @ 16:25 on Feb 28 2008
Thanks Larry for all the great music. In high School I was listening to Larry Norman while other kids were getting high and drunk. When I bought my first car, a 1974 Chevy Monte Carlo 'In another land" was this first 8 Track tape I played on my new stereo in the car. My friends and I would drive around and Rock Out with Larry Norman. We're all just visiting this planet and someday I'll be able to tell you in person what an influence you had on a teens life. Larry, Go Rest High on That Mountain your work here is complete. Love you!
Thanks Larry for all the great music. In high School I was listening to Larry Norman while other kids were getting high and drunk. When I bought my first car, a 1974 Chevy Monte Carlo 'In another land" was this first 8 Track tape I played on my new stereo in the car. My friends and I would drive around and Rock Out with Larry Norman. We're all just visiting this planet and someday I'll be able to tell you in person what an influence you had on a teens life. Larry, Go Rest High on That Mountain your work here is complete. Love you!
Posted by Steve in Milton Keynes, United Kingdom @ 15:16 on Feb 28 2008
I only found out the sad news this morning and I was stunned... as I still am now. Okay, it was really little surprise as Larry had been suffering for many years from many things, each of which could have seen us lose him long before.
I am glad to say that I saw him in 2001 after 24 years (the last time was at the "Friends on tour" gig at the Dominion in London). I also have the memory of seeing him at the Royal Albert hall in the early 70s, and speaking to, and videoing him at his Greenford gig in 2001.
To say I shall miss him is an understatement, he meant so much to me on so many levels. I fully believe that he has left the world a better place for his having been here.
Larry, you are finally Home At Last. My family will miss you immensely.
I only found out the sad news this morning and I was stunned... as I still am now. Okay, it was really little surprise as Larry had been suffering for many years from many things, each of which could have seen us lose him long before.
I am glad to say that I saw him in 2001 after 24 years (the last time was at the "Friends on tour" gig at the Dominion in London). I also have the memory of seeing him at the Royal Albert hall in the early 70s, and speaking to, and videoing him at his Greenford gig in 2001.
To say I shall miss him is an understatement, he meant so much to me on so many levels. I fully believe that he has left the world a better place for his having been here.
Larry, you are finally Home At Last. My family will miss you immensely.
Reply by paul dean harris in brisbane australia @ 05:46 on Mar 10 2008
Steve, can you put your video on youtube so we can have look PAUL
Steve, can you put your video on youtube so we can have look PAUL
Posted by Andy Long in Newport @ 12:45 on Feb 28 2008
I was gutted to hear about Larry's death. I wrote a short blog about it at www.myspace.com/sleepingplanet
I was gutted to hear about Larry's death. I wrote a short blog about it at www.myspace.com/sleepingplanet
Posted by Rob in Coventry, United Kingdom @ 10:12 on Feb 28 2008
Only Visiting this Planet is one of the finest albums recorded by a Christian I've heard.
We don't see many pioneers like Larry now and it's sad. Larry was nothing like the squeaky clean image of the Christian music industry, he messed up, was broken and carried on loving God. That's what inspired me about him. I regret never meeting up with him. It nearly happened but now I have to wait...
Only Visiting this Planet is one of the finest albums recorded by a Christian I've heard.
We don't see many pioneers like Larry now and it's sad. Larry was nothing like the squeaky clean image of the Christian music industry, he messed up, was broken and carried on loving God. That's what inspired me about him. I regret never meeting up with him. It nearly happened but now I have to wait...
Posted by Clem Jackson in Eastbourne, UK @ 09:53 on Feb 28 2008
Larry Norman got me into Christian Rock. Seeing him at a concert in Leeds in 1972 made me realise it was possible to be a Christian and make music relevant to the culture I was a teenager in. As a result of seeing Larry I joined a Christian rock band and found the joy of doing something I loved for the only One who matters. Thank you Larry for encouraging us all to ensure that not only does the Devil not have all the good music he doesn't have much - if any!
Larry Norman got me into Christian Rock. Seeing him at a concert in Leeds in 1972 made me realise it was possible to be a Christian and make music relevant to the culture I was a teenager in. As a result of seeing Larry I joined a Christian rock band and found the joy of doing something I loved for the only One who matters. Thank you Larry for encouraging us all to ensure that not only does the Devil not have all the good music he doesn't have much - if any!
Posted by Keith Rycroft in UK @ 08:28 on Feb 28 2008
I was in a group named Parchment in 1973 and had the experience of touring with Larry Norman. He was a talented if not a somewhat enigmatic individual. I am not sure what UK christians made of him. He was a larger than life very blond californian christian singer, not singing hymns, but singing 'songs'. Songs they thought they liked but weren't sure they should. He, like us at the time ,was attempting to inject a contemporary musical agenda into 'christian music'. I am sure he will be missed but not forgotten.
I was in a group named Parchment in 1973 and had the experience of touring with Larry Norman. He was a talented if not a somewhat enigmatic individual. I am not sure what UK christians made of him. He was a larger than life very blond californian christian singer, not singing hymns, but singing 'songs'. Songs they thought they liked but weren't sure they should. He, like us at the time ,was attempting to inject a contemporary musical agenda into 'christian music'. I am sure he will be missed but not forgotten.
Posted by Randy Sanchez in TEXAS @ 06:08 on Feb 28 2008
Larry was doing relevant recording and writing long before Christians were concerned with such things...
Larry was doing relevant recording and writing long before Christians were concerned with such things...
The opinions expressed in the Reader Comments are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms.
So sad to hear of the passing of Larry.I too have been a great follower of Larry for many years and love to listen to his contemprary music through-out my christian walk over the last 35 years. I have seen him perform at many gigs and festivals here in England and the U.S.A. The last time I saw him was when he came on stage after Randy Stonehill`s perfomance when larry and Randy had a reconcilliation which was well over due.but what a man.what an icon and what a performance on main stage apperance at the 01 Cornerstone. Glad to have experance such a legend and his insight into biblical truths and his love of his Savior in Jesus.The world will be a sadder place without him.Now joined with the saints gone before him. As he said "we are only visiting this planet" till Jesus returns. "Stand beside us/ take His hand/ he will guide us/in anther land".bless you bro. "one way"to heaven.from keefy.