Last night I saw Jeff Mangum (Neutral Milk Hotel) perform, in an old church that has been converted into a concert venue. It was a sublime experience to see this man walk onto stage, sit down, and perform music. It was only his voice, 4 acoustic guitars that he interchanged, and a horn player that performed on a few songs.
He toured a bit in 2012, leading up to Coachella. Anyway, if you haven't listened to Neutral Milk Hotel, I would advise it.
What amazes me is how he is the most real musician/performer I have ever encountered. The power briefly went out after the very first song, and he ended up doing an unplugged version of The King of Carrot Flowers, Pt 1. He would chat with the crowd, just normal chatting, it wasn't even like most of it was particularly interesting, and that made it so much more...real.
I can't imagine not truly touring for 8-9 years, then coming back with the small tour this year, and now this one (supposedly his last). There is an immense talent, and after reading a few interviews he did back in the early 2000's, not much of a desire to write new music. He performed a song that he says he's never played live before, and asked afterwords if it was okay.
This is rambling, but I've never felt so inspired after a performance. Especially writing music, it seems there is a whole expanse that I have never touched, but will be soon enough. Seriously, Jeff Mangum, Neutral Milk Hotel, if you've never listened to them you should give it a try.
EDIT:
There is one more thing I would like to make note of. There was a no photography, no videography policy in effect, that was actually enforced by security. It was so everybody could just take in the moment, and enjoy the music and each other. I've never been in audience so calm, and overall friendly to each other. It was weird at times though, there was very little singing along to the songs even though (I'm assuming) most of us knew the words to all of the songs. As for myself, I was almost afraid to sing and make myself part of something so out of the ordinary and in a way, special. If people felt like myself, then the lack of singing was out of fear of detracting from the experience.
I recently noticed that Jeff Mangum is playing near me in about a month. Until reading this I was totally on the fence about seeing him, because he's had lots of issues, and it's been years since NMH were a thing, and above all because I didn't want to be let down. But your post completely turned me. So I just wanted you to know that writing it had an actual effect on someone on hubski. Thanks.
That's the last thing I expected to come from this. He sounded great, and seemed to genuinely be enjoying himself on stage. I hope you enjoy the concert and that he puts on as good of a show for you!