Countrypolitan legend Glen Campbell was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Grammys in February. In one of the most memorable moments during the telecast, Campbell sang his signature hit "Rhinestone Cowboy" as a goodbye.
What he is calling the "long goodbye" continues this summer on a national tour, and Campbell, with three of his children joining him in his backup band, will headline the Sandy Amphitheater Monday.
In June 2011, Campbell said he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease six months earlier, after enduring memory problems for years. Last August saw the release of his final album, "Ghost on the Canvas," with collaborators including Paul Westerberg, Jakob Dylan, Chris Isaak, Rick Nielsen and Billy Corgan.
In a rare interview, Campbell, 76, answered e-mail questions submitted by The Salt Lake Tribune to talk about saying a final farewell.
This is called "The Goodbye Tour." Does it feel odd to say goodbye?
It really hasn’t been odd to say goodbye to fans because I’m too busy doing shows to think about it. I’ve been touring for almost one year straight. I’ve been all over the U,S, and even toured the U.K. I’ll be in Australia in August ... Then there are many more concerts booked. I guess this is the long goodbye. I am really enjoying it.
Your band includes many family members. What does having them onstage mean to you during this tour and time?
I love having my kids in the band. I’m very proud of them. They are excellent musicians. Cal plays drums. Shannon plays guitar and Ashley is on keyboards and banjo. She recently did a video for Rascall Faltts and performed it on the CMT Awards in Nashville. Ashley and I play dueling banjos. My wife Kim also travels with us. It’s just wonderful having the whole family out on the road with me.
What would you like fans to get out of your show?
There is so much joy in making music. I have loved it as long as I can remember. I have been so blessed to have recorded so many hit songs. I’d like my fans to enjoy the evening with me and my family. I want to entertain them one more time.
What do you think about when you hear the word "Utah"?
Utah is a beautiful state. I’ve always enjoyed my visits there. Over the years I have been well-received by the people. They are my kind of folks — they enjoy good music.
How do you want to be remembered?
I’d like to be remembered as an entertainer who knew a good song when I heard it. I always knew when a song was right for me. I am so lucky to have found so many songs that have stood the test of time like "By the Time I Get to Phoenix," "Wichita Lineman," "Rhinestone Cowboy," "True Grit," and "Gentle on My Mind," among others. I hope fans will remember me for these songs.
Glen Campbell
When • Tuesday, June 26 at 8 p.m.
Where • Sandy Amphitheater, 9400 S. 1300 East, Sandy
Tickets • $30 to $49 at SmithsTix
