Kris Kristofferson To Release Vintage Live Album From 1981 Gilley’s Show

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Photo by Scott Newton

Kris Kristofferson is releasing a previously unheard 15-song set, Live at Gilley’s – Pasadena, TX: September 15, 1981, on September 2 via New West Records.

The previously unreleased collection was taken from the final date of Kristofferson’s 1981 tour, and was recorded at the legendary Pasadena, Texas honky tonk best known for its role in the 1980 film Urban Cowboy.

Exclusive liner notes for the album were written by Gilley’s co-owner Mickey Gilley, with additional pieces written by the legendary George Strait and Billy Swan.

Kris Kristofferson Live at Gilley’s – Pasadena, TX: September 15, 1981 will be available digitally, on CD, and on standard black vinyl. A limited to 300 White Vinyl Edition will be available exclusively at Texas Retailers, while a limited, foil stamped and numbered to 750, Opaque Metallic Silver Vinyl Edition will be available via Vinyl Me, Please. A limited Opaque Red with White Marble Vinyl Edition will be available at independent retailers and available for pre-order.

From his liner notes written three months before his passing in May, Gilley offered, “Gilley’s could hold several thousand people, but the club was very intimate. You were right there on the stage with people all around you. You could bend down and shake hands with people.” He continued, “Right next to the club was the recording studio, and we recorded everything that was done onstage. We could record onto the 24-track machine that we had in the studio, then we would do the mixing…We booked a lot of shows around that time, including some people I didn’t think would want to play the club. We got some acts that made me think, ‘Are you kidding me?’…Kris Kristofferson was one of those artists that I didn’t think would want to play Gilley’s, because he was such a big name and a tremendous talent.”

“What a great album this is! Classic Kristofferson songs throughout, and live!! Kris was in his prime and his vocals were outstanding and very soulful as always. I got to play Gilley’s a few times back in those days and this record takes me right back there,” shared Strait in his note. “You can tell the crowd is loving him and he’s loving them right back. That’s what it’s all about. It was an exciting time to say the least. So close your eyes and listen to this record. Imagine you’re right there standing in front of the stage with the man himself looking right at you. I think you’ll get a really good idea of what Gilley’s was like back then when Kris played there. What a treat that must’ve been.”

Live at Gilley’s – Pasadena, TX: September 15, 1981 Track List:
1. Me And Bobby McGee
2. Here Comes That Rainbow Again
3. Casey’s Last Ride
4. You Show Me Yours (And I’ll Show You Mine) / Stranger
5. Nobody Loves Anybody Anymore
6. Darby’s Castle
7. If It’s All The Same To You
8. The Pilgrim
9. For The Good Times
10. Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down
11. The Silver Tongued Devil And I
12. Smile At Me Again
13. Same Old Song
14. Loving Her Was Easier (Than Anything I’ll Ever Do Again)
15. Why Me
Lorie Hollabaugh
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