We got dressed up. I wore a three-button suit jacket and a pair of old high-waters. My shoes were painted and shiny. I never thought this night would happen. I guess you should never say never.

People were drinking champagne on line waiting to get in. I saw a kid drinking whiskey from a pickle jar he pulled out of his shirt pocket. The place was packed. He hadn’t played Atlanta in 30 years. I heard a Puerto Rican singing In the Neighborhood as she brushed her hair. We found a nice spot next to the bar about 40 feet from the stage, perfect view. We drank Heineken’s from a can at $6 each. That wasn’t too cool. A girl next to me ordered a double shot of bourbon, it was $18. I saw a drunk girl cause a scene and get carried out by security. Everyone else was pretty respectful. At certain points you could hear a pin drop.

He walked out, took his hat off to the crowd, and went into “Make it Rain.” I almost cried when he did “Shore Leave.” I never thought I’d see that performed live. My highlights were “Blue Valentine” and “Tango ’til they’re Sore.” I got chills up my spine when he did “Whistlin’ past the Graveyard,” then I ordered another beer.

For his first encore he did “Singapore” and “Goin’ out West,” amazing. He closed the show with “Day after Tomorrow” and “Heartattack & Vine.” It was close to perfect. It would’ve been nice to hear something from Frank’s Wild Years and more songs from Swordfishtrombones and Rain Dogs, but I was gonna take whatever he had to give.

The band was tight and it was a good night. It was cool to see his son (Casey) playing drums with him. I had a good buzz on, but not too much, I remember the whole show. I had six Heineken’s and spent $42 including tips.

The show was everything I expected. He was a great performer and a comedian. His voice sounded great and he looked like he was having a good time. I have to say it’s been a pretty good year. I saw The Pogues on St. Patrick’s Day in New York City and now Tom Waits in the middle of summer. Who’s better than me? We went to back to the office (El Myr) for some liquor. Everyone was in the best mood and the drinks were a bit more affordable. Someone put “Downtown Train” on the jukebox and everything felt just right.

Tom Cheshire is the publisher of Dry Ink. Write to him at tom@dryinkmag.com