John Prine at the Beacon Theatre

Nathaniel Rateliff & John Prine

Born and raised in Maywood, Illinois, John Prine learned to play the guitar at age 14. After serving as a soldier in West Germany during the late 1960s Vietnam War era, he relocated to Chicago, Illinois, where he worked as a mailman. He attended open mic evenings, reluctant to perform, but eventually did so in response to a "You think you can do better?" dare made to him by a performer. Prine became a central figure in the Chicago folk revival until Kris Kristofferson discovered and promoted him nationally. Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan and dozens of songwriters revered Prine's craft, but Prine never became a household name. Prine released his first new album of original material in 13 years, The Tree of Forgiveness, on April 13, 2018; debuting at number 5 on the Billboard 200 chart, it became Prine's highest-charting album ever. Prine currently resides in Nashville, Tennessee, but also has residences in Gulfport, Florida, and Galway, Ireland.

John Prine tonight headlined WVUV's 15th annual Holiday Cheer concert at the Beacon Theatre, a show that also featured performances by the Lone Bellow and Shannon Shaw. Seemingly enjoying a career renaissance, Prine appeared with a full band, something he rarely did in the past, and performed a 17-song set that highlighted songs from his first album, his most recent album, and several collections in between. Prine is a two-time cancer survivor, overcoming squamous cell cancer on his neck in 1998 and lung cancer in 2013, yet he appeared hearty and robust, even unstrapping his acoustic guitar and dancing to the band's music towards the end of the performance. Otherwise, however, the concert was low key and delicate in its simplicity, commanding attentive listening to comprehend the genius in his lyrics. For the finale, Prine and his band were joined on stage by Nathaniel Rateliff, the Lone Bellow, Shannon Shaw and WFUV on-air staff.

Visit John Prine at www.johnprine.com.

Setlist:

1. Picture Show
2. Six O'Clock News
3. Knockin' on Your Screen Door
4. Bruised Orange
5. Your Flag Decal Won't Get You into Heaven Anymore
6. Caravan of Fools
7. Crooked Piece of Time
8. Egg & Daughter Nite, Lincoln Nebraska 1967 (Crazy Bone)
9. Grandpa Was a Carpenter
10. Hello in There
11. Summer's End
12. I Have Met My Love Today
13. Ain't Hurtin' Nobody
14. Angel from Montgomery
15. Lake Marie

Encore:

1. When I Get to Heaven
2. Paradise (with Nathaniel Rateliff, the Lone Bellow, Shannon Shaw and WFUV on-air staff)