Farewell Larry Norman

“Farewell, Larry Norman
The man known as the Father of Christian Rock, whose health has been failing in recent years, played his last U.S. concert Friday night in his hometown of Salem, Oregon.
by David Sanford | posted 06/27/05



SALEM, Oregon—In what he called his last U.S. concert, 58-year-old Larry Norman came out of retirement Friday at the historic Elsinore Theatre and wowed a sold-out audience that included fans from England, Scotland, Ireland, Germany, and Australia.

Norman played his last U.S. concert on Friday night

"As far as I can tell, this is the last time I'll be able to play in America," Norman, known as the Father of Christian Rock, told the crowd, an enthusiastic and eclectic mix of all ages and styles of appearance.

Since suffering head injuries in an airplane accident 27 years ago and severe heart problems 14 years ago, Norman has been unable to tour regularly. He officially retired in 2001, the same year he underwent quadruple bypass surgery and was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.”


It is almost unbelievable that Larry Norman is still alive.  Unless you were a teen or older in the early 70’s, you would not know what a profound impact Larry had upon Christian rock.  He is the grandfather of it.  Now he is very sick, he has a hopelessly bad heart, he has no insurance and friends have basically enabled him to stay alive through their donations.  He is a gentle man with a huge heart for God.  Every day he lives is another miracle day.  jb