Petter Alvestad – On Kristofferson’s Bus

Petter was at the Kris Kristofferson and the Strangers gig in Haugesund, Norway. It was his first-ever Kris Kristofferson live show – and Kris’ second tour this side of the pond with Scott Joss and the guys.

First Gig

It was my first concert with Kris and it could not have been better. There he was, just in front of me singing all the good songs that I’ve heard so many times over the years. He signed the guitar in his bus after the show. So thankful.

Petter Alvestad

Yes, you read that correctly. Kris actually signed Petter’s guitar on the bus, after the show. Most fans know that Kris seldom does “meet and greets” after shows these days – It is a gruelling schedule, after all. Getting an autograph from the man himself is a privilege indeed, but for Petter, there was even more to make the evening special.

Scott Joss and the Strangers were virtually unknown to most European audiences who turned out to see Kris. This changed after the European Tour of 2018. Like many fans, I had grown to love watching Kris play solo – Sometimes with Kelly joining in. Many of us were uncertain quite what to expect with Kris touring with some of the Strangers.

2018 EuroTour

2018 happened, and fans were delighted. I never heard one complaint or negative comment. Kris’ fans can be tough at times. They know what they like. Fans loved the Scott Joss, Doug Colosio and Jeff Ingraham lineup. The 2019 tour had fans filling up venues again, with many having followed Scott through the release of his album.

Scott Joss – How Far to Jordan

Kris AND the Band

Petter was delighted to add signatures from all of the band, along with Kris’.

Scott was a true Gentleman and spent some time with me after the show. Noel and Ben Haggard had already signed my guitar, along with Norm Hamlet and Jim Christie – So this completed my collection.

Petter Alvestad

What a night! What a delight. Petter ended by telling us that Scott’s song, Footlights, is currently his No.1 song. Listen out for Kris Kristofferson.

"Footlights" - Scott Joss

Footlights

Footlights is a Merle Haggard song, but it is a song that every songwriter and music man will relate to. The song is very personal to Scott. He performed with Merle for around 15 years, so NO stranger to either life on the road or Merle Haggard the man, songwriter and performer.

Footlights – Merle Haggard lyrics

I live the kinda life most men only dream of, I make my livin’ writin’ songs and singin’ them
But I’m forty-one years old and I ain’t got no place to go, when it’s over

So I hide my age and make the stage and try to kick the footlights out again I throw my old guitar across the stage and
Then my bassman takes the ball and the crowd goes nearly wild to see my guitar nearly fall
After twenty years of pickin’, we’re still alive and kickin’ and kickin’ down the wall
Tonight we’ll kick the footlights out and walk away without a curtain call

Tonight we’ll kick the footlights out again and try to hide the mood we’re really in
Might not put on our old Instamatic grin tonight we’ll kick the footlights out again

I live the kinda life most men only dream of and I make my livin’ writin’ songs and singin’ them
But I’m forty-some years old and I ain’t got no place to go when it’s over
So I hide my age and make the stage and try to kick the footlights out again

Musicians in Need

The theme of Footlights is a serious issue. Many musicians get up on stage with toothache, boils, aching joints, migraines and the list goes on. They often skip basic health checks because no play means no pay. Many performers have suffered serious illnesses that might have been managed or even cured if they were detected early enough. Kris Kristofferson is one of many artists who supports the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund.

There are other initiatives, and a shout goes out to all musicians and performing artists to take care of themselves. Guys and girls, you are too precious to lose so please look after yourselves.

Fans, please consider that artists are human beings. If they don’t do an encore, sign an autograph or even cancel a gig, there is always a reason. No play, no pay is a tough enough taskmaster.