Search - Warren Zevon :: Headless In Boston

Hard-drinking, hard-living Warren Zevon (1947-2003) was one of Rock's most explosive characters. His incendiary, larger-than-life persona is awesomely displayed in the powerhouse performance captured in this live broadcast recording. In his formative years Warren zigzagged across the USA. He was born in Chicago, moved to California, and then - at age 16 - left L.A. for New York. There he honed his craft as a session musician and composer, and in 1969 released a rather forgettable album, 'Wanted Dead Or Alive'. It wasn't until the mid-70s that Zevon really hit his stride as a performer in his own right. In the autumn of 1975 he returned to L.A. to record a new 'debut' album - this one for a major label. Released in 1976, 'Warren Zevon' is stacked with great songs and a host of heavyweight musical contributors including most of Fleetwood Mac, some Eagles, and Bonnie Raitt; the album was produced by Asylum label-mate and friend Jackson Browne. His subsequent album, 'Excitable Boy' (1978) is even better and is widely regarded as the man's best record. Browne again produced the masterpiece which includes the irresistible Top 30 hit single, Werewolves of London. 1980's 'Bad Luck Streak In Dancing School' was another album stuffed with celebrity contributors and included a co-writing credit for The Boss himself on Jeannie Needs a Shooter after Springsteen had acknowledged Zevon's talents as a songwriter. Warren later returned the favour by including the rumbustious Cadillac Ranch in his live set. This live broadcast, from Boston's Metro, was made during Zevon's 1982 tour in support of his fifth album, 'The Envoy'. Warren Zevon went on to record another half-dozen albums in the late 1980s and 90s, before tragically, he was diagnosed with inoperable cancer in 2002 and died the following year. ""It's better to burn out, than to fade away"" sang Neil Young... and few epitomised that sentiment better than Warren Zevon. This live recording is a fine testament to a massive talent.