Hi, how are you? Actually, wait. Before you answer that, I’ve got some bittersweet news to tell you that’ll probably tug your mood in all kinds of disparate directions: Austin DIY legend Daniel Johnston has just announced what’s being called his final set of live shows ever.
As Pitchfork reports, the 56 year old Johnston (whose last official release was the 2012 comic book/video game soundtrack Space Ducks) will beneficently visit each major hub of North America before bidding farewell to live performance.
The final tour will consist of exactly five (count ‘em, FIVE) tour dates spaced throughout this fall, with each show being backed by band “he has influenced” that is particularly significant to that city — i.e. Jeff Tweedy (“& Friends”) will support in Chicago, Built to Spill in Portland and Vancouver, the Preservation All-Stars in New Orleans, and the Districts and Modern Baseball in Philadelphia.
In addition, Johnston’s backing band will create a fresh setlist before each night’s performance, and each night will open with a screening of the 2005 documentary The Devil and Daniel Johnston.
Check out the itinerary below, and remember that, even if this marks “the end,” that hopefully only means that true love will find you all the sooner. <3
Ladies and gentlemen, Daniel Johnston:
09.28.17 - New Orleans, LA - The Joy Theatre !
10.04.17 - Philadelphia, PA - Tower Theater @
10.20.17 - Chicago, IL - The Vic Theatre $
11.08.17 - Portland, OR - Revolution Hall %
11.10.17 - Vancouver, British Columbia - Venue Nightclub %
! Preservation All-Stars
@ The Districts and Modern Baseball
$ Jeff Tweedy & Friends
% Built to Spill, others