When Memory Breaks Through the Spotlight: Jackson Browne at Shoreline Amphitheatre, October 10, 1992
On October 10, 1992, Jackson Browne took the stage at the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, California, delivering a performance that captured both the reflective depth and emotional precision that have long defined his songwriting. Among the highlights of the evening was “Here Comes Those Tears Again,” a song that has occupied a distinctive place in his catalog since its original release in 1977 on the album The Pretender.
Written by Browne and Nancy Farnsworth, the mother of his then wife Phyllis Major, “Here Comes Those Tears Again” is a work shaped by personal loss and emotional reckoning. Major’s death in 1976 cast a long shadow over Browne’s life and music, and the song stands as one of the most intimate expressions of grief and complicated remembrance in his body of work. By the time of this 1992 performance, the song had matured into a concert staple, its resonance deepened by years of touring and reinterpretation.
At Shoreline Amphitheatre, Browne performed lead vocals and guitar, supported by a seasoned band that underscored the song’s layered arrangement. Scott Thurston contributed piano textures that anchored the harmonic structure, while Mark Shark added electric guitar lines that complemented Browne’s acoustic foundation. Jorge Calderon handled bass and backing vocals, providing rhythmic stability alongside drummer Chad Cromwell. Wally Ingram’s percussion added subtle dynamic shading, enhancing the song’s emotional contour without overwhelming its lyrical focus.
The concert also featured notable guest appearances. David Lindley, a longtime collaborator known for his expressive slide guitar work, joined on guitar during the show, adding tonal color that longtime fans would immediately recognize from earlier tours and recordings. Bonnie Raitt, whose own career has paralleled Browne’s within the American singer songwriter tradition, appeared on later tracks in the set, contributing guitar and vocals that enriched the evening’s collaborative spirit.
The 1992 performance of “Here Comes Those Tears Again” reflects Browne’s commitment to emotional clarity over theatrical display. His delivery is measured, allowing the narrative to unfold with quiet intensity rather than overt dramatics. The arrangement remains faithful to the original structure while benefiting from the expanded sonic palette of a live ensemble.
Recorded live at Shoreline Amphitheatre, this official release documents more than a single song. It preserves a moment in Browne’s early 1990s touring period when his work bridged the confessional style of the 1970s with the seasoned perspective of an artist who had spent decades on the road. For audiences in attendance and viewers revisiting the performance today, the song stands as a testament to Browne’s enduring ability to translate private sorrow into shared experience.