8-12-07 Daniel Johnston, Keith Kozel & The Lovesick, Pink Kodiak at Savannah Smiles – Savannah, GA

Daniel Johnston loves pop culture icons. His songs are littered with references to Marilyn Monroe, Captain America, and Casper the Friendly Ghost. Like his cultural heroes, Daniel Johnston is a legend. Through all the adversity of his life Daniel has triumphed to become the rock star he always aspired to be. Admittedly I just discovered him this year after renting the exceptional documentary “The Devil and Daniel Johnston.” Seeing him achieve his dreams and stay positive regardless of his bipolar disorder gave me strength in a recent difficult time in my life. His stark honest song writing is imaginative, captivating, and original. Since the 80’s people have worshipped and emulated the man and his songs with good reason.

Last Sunday night I caught him live in my hometown of Savannah, GA. I hadn’t seen a concert there since I saw White Zombie years ago when I was in the 8th grade. I am pleased to see Tiny Team Concerts booking such eclectic and amazing shows in a city that lacks them. I waited in a long line to get into the show but once inside had easy access to the front of the stage because not a soul was waiting there! A huge crowd was at the bar and everyone else was seated around tables. The opener Pink Kodiak was a one-man project playing self-described “Death Pop.” After a few songs he counted the people standing in front of the stage: Eight. He tried to coerce more to the front by exclaiming” I can count well into the thirties.” The songs were entertaining and catchy. He played a bass while the other parts were pre-recorded. Later I asked about his lack of band (thinking he was misunderstood by the local scene) and he told me the concept of the band involved it being a solo project. It was much easier to tell the second band was local. Keith Kozel and The Lovesick were a typical bar band in a city full of them. The band had all the movement and talent of the “The Rock-afire Explosion”. Keith Kozel did his best Mick Jagger impression. Later “The Lovesick” served as an unnecessary backing band for Daniel Johnston.

By the time Daniel Johnston came out people were standing and ready. He opened with a few songs on electric guitar. Sadly this was the only time Daniel would play an instrument all night. After those songs a friend accompanied him on acoustic guitar, which was very nice. Together they did a few songs including a cover of The Beatles’ “You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away.” During the night Daniel performed old favorites like “Grievances” and “Walking The Cow” and more recent songs such as “Rock This Town.” His performance was great considering he read his lyrics and was very nervous (an apparent fact due to his shaking). I would have loved to see JUST him for the entire concert, especially playing piano but perhaps he didn’t possess the will power for such an intimate performance.

(Click for larger photos)

Pink Kodiac

Keith Kozel & The Lovesick

Daniel Johnston

Some Miscellaneous Daniel Johnston Videos:

“I Live My Broken Dreams”

“True Love Will Find You In The End”

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One Response to “8-12-07 Daniel Johnston, Keith Kozel & The Lovesick, Pink Kodiak at Savannah Smiles – Savannah, GA”
  1. Keith Kozel Says: October 8th, 2008 at 3:15 pm

    So I guess I got a bad review. Darn.I was asked to do this show by the promoters and was happy because I love Daniel’s music.
    I am also a solo songwriter who was also backed up by the Lovesick. I was excited to see what it would sound like with this group, guess it wasn’t right. oh well. I sometimes play with an over the top garage band too, but that would’ve been too loud and those guys from Lovesick wanted to showcase my solo songs.
    Well, I had fun, and I’m glad Daniel Johnson got to play in my town.
    Thanks for writing a review even though…well you know.
    Keith

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