When an apology is needed I always wonder whether to put it first or last.

Both have problems. If it comes at the end it's possible that those of y'all who object to a rambling prose style that inserts random Americanisms will have given up by then and will thus never see the apology.


But put it first and it risks derailing the column's actual subject. Busy readers may just say 'screw this, life is too short for apologies; don't bore us, get to the chorus”, give up on the whole paper, hurl it to the floor in frustration, forget about it, trip up on it later, accidentally land heavily on the cat breaking its leg, get charged $800 in vet bills causing you to miss the payments on your new ultra-HD television, have your TV repossessed, sink into an alcoholic stupor from long nights of television-deprived boredom, drunkenly try to light the stove but carelessly set fire to the cat instead, get charged another $800 in vet bills...

Don't laugh – it could happen to you (and your cat). Clearly, as this example illustrates, where to put an apology is an important matter. So I'll do it ...now. It's not actually an apology from me. After writing in last week's column about the Bay of Plenty Symphonia's free family concert, about 500 people turned up at Otumoetai College. Past president of the Symphonia Maggie Gething told me, 'It was such a great afternoon, unfortunately it had a downside – a good number of people had to be turned away because the hall was full.

We were really sorry that they missed out on the concert, but this was the first time we have presented a free concert and we were overwhelmed by the interest.”
Sometimes there's not a lot you can do.

I reckon it's wonderful that so many people are coming out for the Symphonia and hope this doesn't put off anyone in the future.

As Maggie says, 'Our President, Robert Shelton, would really like to pass on the Symphonia's sincere regrets to everyone who missed out.

We know there were some very disappointed children, so would it be possible for you to say how sorry we are in your column?

We'll make sure that we have the problem fixed next time!”

Apology done. So, the gig I wanted to write about. It's kinda amazing. I don't know if you've heard yet but they're doing The Last Waltz Fortieth Anniversary Concert in New Zealand, and Garth Hudson is leading it!

OK. That may mean nothing to you. But pretty much every musician I know – and most music fans – over the age of 45 have seen ‘The Last Waltz', the film of The Band's final legendary concert, where they played alongside the likes of Dr John, Eric Clapton, Joni Mitchell, Muddy Waters, Neil Young, Van Morrison, Bob Dylan and a whole bunch more.

It was a helluva show and, as filmed by Martin Scorsese, one of the all-time great music films. Back in the seventies on one of my first trips to New Zealand I went to see it in downtown Auckland.

The next day I went to see it again. I know many others who did the same.

And this November The Band's untouchably brilliant keyboard player, the venerable, inimitable Mr Hudson, is coming to New Zealand, along with John Simon, the original show's musical director. They're going to recreate the concert in Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland along with an astonishing cast of Kiwi performers and special guest from the US, Sister Maud Hudson.

Yep, there's a lot of them and more are still to be confirmed. I think I might as well just go with a list: Kevin Borich, Tami Neilson, Barry Saunders, Delaney Davidson, Adam McGrath (The Eastern), with backing from The Bads (Brett Adams, Dianne Swann, Dave Khan, Mike Hall, Wayne Bell) and world-renowned blues piano player Paddy Miller.

Wow! I'll say it again backwards – wow!

The three shows are November 22, 23 and (in Auckland) 24. I mention it because the pre-sale is on now and general tickets go on sale on Monday morning. Have fun!


watusi@thesun.co.nz