Gene Clark - Your Fire Burning (Final Concert - April 13, 1991)

While much has been written about Gene's last concert stand at the Cinegrill in April 1991, I would like to counter the general consensus that the event was a disaster. As proof, here is a live recording of "Your Fire Burning" from Gene's very last concert on April 13. I can honestly say this version is my favorite Gene Clark performance, bar none. The emotion is off-the-charts, both in his vocals and musical accompaniment. When I hear it, he isn't just singing to a lover, he is singing to all of us, his fans and those who loved him. This isn't the sound of a man down for the count. It is the emotional cry of a man giving it his all, every last ounce of strength and passion left in his soul.

Sadly, Gene passed less than 6 weeks later. Yes, the Cinegrill was far from his best moment, and certainly not the triumphant comeback he was looking for. Reports were that there were some pretty bad shows during the 5-night stand. I think one thing that contributed to the negative opinions was just how bad Gene looked. He normally was very well groomed, and he looked really rough.

However, on the last two nights, 4/12 & 4/13, some excellent music and performances did going down. The 4/12 show is OK with a few highlights, but he does seem pretty spaced out. However, the first 4-5 songs on 4/13 are really great with the exceptional "Your Fire Burning" and a stomping, Rolling Stones-style "She Darked the Sun." His band was really cookin' and featured some very fine players, especially the keyboardist. I think when they got in sync, they really pushed Gene.

What is so very meaningful to me is that in his very last concert, Gene Clark was at his best, the best he could possibly muster, even if it was for only 25-30 minutes to start the show. Musically, he went out strong. There is no denying that his voice wasn’t the same instrument it had been back in the glory days. But can you deny his still great ability to sing straight into your heart as if he owned it? This is as impassioned as one can get. Of course, there are those who will never be able to embrace anything related to the Cinegrill, and I can’t blame them. It is all too sad. But I just ask, close your eyes, think of Gene as you best remember him, and hear his voice, these words, and this performance. You might be surprised.