Railroad Earth Honors Jeff Austin In Asbury Park

Railroad Earth paid tribute to the late Jeff Austin this past Friday night at Asbury Lanes in Asbury Park, New Jersey. The group performed Austin’s “Even Fade,” which featured special guest Mike Robinson on lead vocals. Jeff Austin passed away last month in Seattle.

The concert was the first of two for RRE at Asbury Lanes. Robinson played pedal steel, guitar and banjo throughout the night, while Matt Slocum was on keys. Railroad Earth frontman Todd Sheaffer took a moment in the middle of the second set to point out Robinson would “sing one for ya” and noted Robinson was previously a member of the Jeff Austin Band. “We’re all deeply saddened by what recently happened and Mike’s gonna sing one of Jeff’s tunes for you tonight.” Mike then led the group through their debut rendition of Austin’s “Even Fade” and pointed skyward at the end of the song.

Watch fan-shot video of “Even Fade” captured by David Sussman:

Here’s an audience recording of Friday’s concert taped by Tom The Taper:

Setlist (via RRE FB)

Set One: Monkey, 420, When The Sun Gets In Your Blood, Bread and Water, The Cuckoo > Like A Buddha > Just So You Know, Donkey For Sale

Set Two: Grandfather Mountain, Dance Around Molly > Dandelion Wine, Crossing the Gap, Said What You Mean, Even Fade*, Mighty River > Spring-Heeled Jack > Birds Of America, Long Way To Go

Encore: Powderfinger

*First time played, written by Jeff Austin, with Mike Robinson on lead vocals

Notes: This entire show featured Matt Slocum on keys and Mike Robinson on pedal steel, guitar, and banjo