Reader comments
Celebrating the Pioneer spirit

59 comments   |   Read story

Ross | 5:33 a.m. July 23, 2008
It is wonderful that after so many other entertainers have performed with the Tabernacle Choir and the Orchestra on Temple Square we now get our own Osmonds on stage, its about time, should be wonderful.
Susy | 5:42 a.m. July 23, 2008
Unfortuately the whole event is on air, after midnight, our time.
So I`ll probably miss it.
Nevertheless wish you a great celebration.
Camille | 5:59 a.m. July 23, 2008
I have to agree what a great place to end their 50th anniversary tour - here where it all started. Wish I could be there to see it all. The Osmomds have always played an important part in my life and I still admire them for staying clean-cut and morale as Alan Osmond said. Congratulations Osmonds and keep moving forward.
Comments continue below
humor | 6:08 a.m. July 23, 2008
I love the humor of the Osmond family. They have not had an easy life, yet they've stuck together and had a lot of fun. I am glad they are a part of our society.
Life Long Fan | 7:15 a.m. July 23, 2008
It would be so awesome to be in the Conference Center to see this amazing experience! Thank you, Osmond Family & The Mormon Tabernacle Choir, for the wonderful roles you have taken part in my life.
Disappointed | 7:38 a.m. July 23, 2008
Sad to say there are alot of fans mostly who were unable to get tickets for this. So if you couldn't get a ticket for the small audience in Lasvegas, didn't live somewhere in all those countries overseas, or get a special ticket to this event, you'll never be able to see the whole family on stage ever again. I wish they wold have thought about the U.S. fans who have been there every step for all these decades. Im happy their going out the way they want to but sad for all of us who deserved at least one fair chance to see them all on stage one last time in a real concert.
Catherine | 7:52 a.m. July 23, 2008
How fitting that their world tour would end this way. They deserve all the accolades they've received and more. As role models for me growing up, I couldn't thank them enough.
Lisa-Massachusetts | 7:53 a.m. July 23, 2008
CONGRATULATIONS and thank you Osmonds!! Enjoy your concerts in the Conference Center!!! What a beautiful hall to perform in and finalize what has been an amazing ride! 50 years of entertaining....can't say anything but thank you for continuing as you have so that we, your fans, could enjoy the ride with you! It's been just as fun for us, too!!! God Bless You All!!!
Lynn | 7:56 a.m. July 23, 2008
They are such a great family and I am blessed to have had them in my life. I was lucky enough to get tickets to these shows and it should be a good one. Thank you Osmond's for all these great years!
54321 | 8:04 a.m. July 23, 2008
Disappointed - I agree with you.
Michele | 8:45 a.m. July 23, 2008
Thank you Osmonds. You have been a big part of my life for 38 years. I wish, like many, you would have thought of your US fans and played more concerts here. If we couln't get tickets or attend the few shows in the US we were out of luck. You have many fans here who would have loved to see you all one more time. I'm disappointed and heartbroken. The US fans are an important part of your 50 years too. Congratulations on your success.
Anne | 8:53 a.m. July 23, 2008
I hope some consideration will be given to rebroadcastng this event at a time more viewer friendly to we fans outside the US, who have followed the family for their entire careers. For those privileged enough to attend, enjoy.
Beth McGlashan | 9:05 a.m. July 23, 2008
How I wish I could be there to witness such a wonderful event and what a fitting ending to the Osmonds 50th celebration. I was unable to make it to one of their concerts due to being out of the country when they were peforming in my area. I feel a very deep and profound gratitude to this amazing family who have influenced my life and have played a major part in my conversion to the gospel. They have been such great ambasadors for the Church and continue to be so. Keep up the great work. Your parents must be looking down and feeling so so proud of you. I am so proud to be an Osmond Fan and have followed their carears from the very beginning and have been amazed at all they have accomplished.
ANOTHER BITTERSWEET FAN | 9:38 a.m. July 23, 2008
I agree with everything here... mostly that the US fans were snubbed by our favorite family. We had ONE fleeting chance to be able to see the amazing family and sadly MOST OF THE US fans were unable to ever see this family perform together again.
Anonymous | 9:54 a.m. July 23, 2008
I look forward to watching the broadcast of these shows! I have been an Osmond fan since 1971 and I will continue to be a fan for the rest of my life. I was able to see their performance in Vegas, and it is awsome to see them still performing together after all these years.
April Haubert | 9:59 a.m. July 23, 2008
I would love to be present for this event..but I live in Wisconsin.
But would love to get a cd if one is produced.
I love this family alot..their wholesome music and loving family is something that our country will cherish forever.
George and Olive smiling down from heaven at what their kids are doing.
June | 10:08 a.m. July 23, 2008
WONDERFUL FAMILY! Have to agree with Dissapointed and Bittersweet-I live in the South and we NEVER get to see our favorite family here.It's not like we don;t have entertainment venues.Not everyone can travel across the country with families and cost of living.
I'm sure it will be a beautiful experience with the choir, breathtaking I'm sure; and knowing how this day means so much to their families. If all families would take their cue, think how many children would have a happier upbringing and make happy and productive adults.
God bless the Osmonds!
oh , donny | 10:09 a.m. July 23, 2008
thank goodness for Bonafuse!!!
Ali E. | 10:29 a.m. July 23, 2008
God Bless the Osmonds! They have been the music of my life for 45 years! I was able to see one 50th show in Vegas and if I could would see them in SLC as such a fitting place for them to end their tour with the MTC. It will be a glorious blending of heavenly voices.
I am sure Mother and Father Osmond are looking down with such Love and Pride.
Trixie | 11:00 a.m. July 23, 2008
How I wish I could see them perform live in concert one last time! The last time I saw them in concert was in Tx in 1982, but Jimmy was in Japan so the entire family wasn't present. Also Tom & Virl did not get up on stage with them at that time.
It would have been nice if they had also thought to tour the United States for their World Tour.
Knowing how much they love the gospel it is very fitting that they perform with the MTC. It would be nice if the concert would be available on dvd or cd for theose of us that can't make it to Salt Lake to see it live.
I have been an Osmond fan since the age of 4 in 1968 and have been a member since 1983. Often I get ask if I joined because of the Osmonds, my reply is yes due to their example. I wanted to learn more.
Thank you for sharing the gospel and being a part of our lives for over 50 years.

Lynn_Key West,Florida | 12:02 p.m. July 23, 2008
Having been a longtime, loyal fan - I wish to extend my sincere best wishes to one of the most endearing families ever in show business! My heart is so joyful that they are returning "home" to perform practically where they began. They've come full circle and been exemplary role models for youth growing up in the 70's. Thank you for making us a part of your lives and being able to play a part of history with you. Your humble qualities have left an impression on my spirit for the rest of my life. Lastly, thank you for treating so many of us as friends!! God Bless The Osmond Family!
Tami | 1:42 p.m. July 23, 2008
I agree with Disappointed, I have also been a fan of the Osmonds with I was 8 years old! The last time I was lucky enough to see them perform was back in the early 70's at the Garden State Arts Center in Holmdel, New Jersey. How happy I would be to finally be able to relive those memories and see them perform live again here in the US!
Nancy, Norwalk-CA | 2:29 p.m. July 23, 2008
In everyone's life there comes many disapoints! We need just to be greatful - for what the Osmonds have done in each of their lives. I wish you all joy and happiness for the rest of your lives. And look forward to always hearing you sing as a family in the eternities. Thank you
Joan | 3:24 p.m. July 23, 2008
Llongyfarchiadau (Congratulations) - wishing you all the best and so grateful you brought the 50th concert to Wales - it meant so much to have all 7 of you here. We waited a long time to have an Osmond set foot in Wales and have to thank Donny for that as he was the first to come in 2003.

Wishing you all health and happiness for whatever the future hold but remember there'll always "Be a welcome in the hillside".
Amy | 3:39 p.m. July 23, 2008
I am glad not only to be a fan, but a friend...this is a great thing that you are doing...I have loved reading all the reviews of this world tour and looking forward to seeing some of the Osmonds in Branson again this year...might be all I can do, but hey I do get to see them...and get those wonderful hugs and Bless your Hearts.....
sunnykc | 4:36 p.m. July 23, 2008
The Osmonds are a blessing to this country and I
hope they'll continue to perform more often
in more venues, so fewer of us will be
disappointed.
Kathy | 4:46 p.m. July 23, 2008
I am glad to say that I am one of the lucky ones that has tickets to this concert and am so thankful and have been looking forward to it. I have been doing my homework on the Osmonds since the PBS broadcast of the 50th Celebration and I have to say that I am nothing but in awe of each and everyone one of them. They have all been through many hardships and their childhoods were very hard and still to be able to have accomplished so much with their lives you really have to admire them all! If you haven't ever read Merrill's testimony on his website you should. It spoke to my sole like no other ever has! They truely are an amazing, humble and honorable family. God Bless all the Osmonds you have served your Heavenly Father well!
Sheila | 4:53 p.m. July 23, 2008
Congratulations guys
i want to thank you all for a fantastic tour in May
You all mean such a lot to and i want to say thanks for everything and all the special memories

wishing you all good health and best wiahes for the future love you all

LOL Sheila xx
mom | 5:03 p.m. July 23, 2008
I remember seeing the Osmonds perform at Disneyland when I was a little girl. Can't believe how many years have gone by. As I don't much care for their style of music (I'm more into Classical), I wouldn't consider myself a fan, but I am grateful for the light they hold up in both good and bad times. I am glad that these fine, typical LDS people tried so hard to be the best they could be, behind closed doors and in front of millions of people. It wasn't too long ago that my husband and daughter saw Donny at the hardware store looking for home repair supplies. Isn't it nice to know that deep down, we're all pretty much a like--we have more in common than not.
Alison M, | 5:23 p.m. July 23, 2008
The Osmonds have not only been a real blessing in the entertainment field but also great missionaries to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints.
I am so looking forward to their their concerts on the Internet.
They have also been very instrumental in my conversion to the LDS church not only through their music and their fine example.
Karen Harding | 5:32 p.m. July 23, 2008
Their 50th really began in Vegas for the US fans & we in the UK were upset we couldn't make it, but then they surpassed themselves & did 1st a UK tour,then going around the world. It's fitting that these lifelong missionaries should close it in Utah.
They have been the greatest blessing of my life for 40 years & after covering the whole UK tour, I just wish I could be there at the end, but I'll be there in spirit.
God bless them for all the joy they've brought into so many lives.
Janice | 5:48 p.m. July 23, 2008
It has been a long career difficult at times but you have all hung in there together - I truly admire that! I am grateful for each time that I have had the pleasure to meet any of the family. For those of you who are going to retire - enjoy your time for relaxation. The last time I got to see Wayne, Jay and Jimmy was in Atlantic City in December 2007, Marie - doing her doll promotion at a local store.

You are all very blessed - congratulations!

My prayers are always with each and every one of the members of your family.

I look forward to watching this concert.
paula | 6:52 p.m. July 23, 2008
as it was very difficult to get tickets for this concert, will it be televised or replayed anywhere anytime so that we can all enjoy it? Please post a comment somewhere so we can find out. Thanks for the music!
Connie | 7:41 p.m. July 23, 2008
I want to take this opportunity to add my sentiments. I am so grateful for the Osmonds and the way in which they have lived their faith before their fans. It is through The Osmonds I was first introduced to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints. I was baptized just a year-and-a-half ago. How fitting that they be a part of the Pioneer Day celebration in such a way. Truly they have been life-long missionaries for The Church. Thank you Osmond Family for your influence on my life. May God richly bless you for all the hours of music, joy, laughter, and friendships you have brought in to my life. And most especially for the way you have introduced so many to the Gospel and to The Church. You have touch us deeply!
Parade???? | 8:42 p.m. July 23, 2008
Nice article, Mac is a great guy. But, Why is it so hard to find details of big events in Utah??? Everyone keeps talking about a parade downtown, but I can't seem to find any details about it... This happens a lot here. I wish the media were concientious about notifying the public of exciting events. There should be an obvious place to find it... I had the same problem at Christmas trying to find out where the Festival of Trees would be.
Sandy - Perth, Australia | 9:08 p.m. July 23, 2008

I have been an Osmond fan since 1969 and have
the deepest gratitude to whoever it was running the Osmonds' Fan club, who read "between-the-lines" of my letter back in 1976 and sent a referral card to the church in Christchurch, New Zealand, asking missionaries to call on me. I was baptized after being taught the gospel, and have served an honourable mission, and had a Temple Marriage and four beautiful children. The Osmonds have had a very profound and far-reaching effect upon my life, which I was able to share with them very briefly in Perth recently. Their "musical mission" has helped me to glimpse the eternities.
Through the years I have laughed with them, cried with them and loved them. Their music has touched my heart, but their example has changed my life forever.

I consider it a special privilege to have been brought into the Church by the Osmonds.

My cup truly runneth over......

I am sure the Pioneer Day celebrations will be a beautiful, spiritual feast.








Anonymous | 10:29 p.m. July 23, 2008
Why do they call it Pioneer spirit, just say what you mean and call it mormon day and celebrate the mormon spirit. Happy Mormon Qunaza to you all.
Anonymous | 11:07 p.m. July 23, 2008
For those who are unable to attend the concert in person and requested broadcast information:

It will be televised 'live' on BYU-TV (Dish Network or other local cable station in your area where available) and KBYU Channel 11(local channel in Salt Lake City) on Saturday night ONLY (7/26) at 7:30pm (Mountain Time).

Those without cable or Dish Network can view it on the internet at www.byutv.org or www.lds.org

KSL(Channel 5 - Salt Lake City) will also repeat an edited version on Sunday 7/27 - check your local listings.

It is also scheduled to be rebroadcast several times during the week on BYU-TV cable). See www.byubroadcasting.org for details.

It should be a wonderful concert as has been written and I personally wish the Osmonds well in all of their individual and collective future endeavours.


Eileen in Edmonton | 11:17 p.m. July 23, 2008
I am very happy that the broadcast will be carried on BYU TV. Also, I believe the family is also participating in this weekend's Music and the Spoken Word, so there will be the opportunity there to see them as well.

Thank you Osmonds for all you have meant in my life. You have been a huge example and force for good.
Broadcast of Concert | 11:52 p.m. July 23, 2008
The concert will be broadcast live on Saturday, July 26, at 7:30 pm mountain time on BYU-TV. You can check for other times at byutv.org
Ellen in TN | 12:07 a.m. July 24, 2008
I am one who is disappointed they did not tour the US for the 50th celebration - But I did see the PBS broadcast and when Donny offered the PPV of one of the British concerts I watched it (a couple of times for $10) - So I was only left out of the "live" experience - It would be nice but they have given us 50 years of joy in music, friendship, unconditional love - I will enjoy what they've given rather than frown over what they haven't - And I can still hope they will come to my area even they do it as each separate performer/group - I love them all and think of them as dear friends and family
Elaine | 4:11 a.m. July 24, 2008
It doesn't matter what the Osmonds do - they always leave us wanting more. They have worked so hard over the years entertaining us and being such a wonderful example of how we should lead our lives. It is now only fair that for those who are retiring, we wish them well and not let them end their career on a sour note with complaints about what they didn't do. Instead celebrate and be thankful for all that they have done. They are a fantastic family, but they are human and there is only so much they can do.
Congratulations to the Osmonds on their 50 years.
Susy | 6:37 a.m. July 24, 2008
Hi all,

finally managed to get all the details.
Hope this will answer some questions.

July 26 @ 7:30 PM
July 27 @ 5:30 PM
July 28 @ 9:30 PM
July 30 @ 8:30 AM
August 1 @ 8:00 PM
August 8 @ 4:00 PM
KBYU-TV (Utah Only)

July 26 @ 7:30 PM
July 27 @ 5:30 PM
BYU Television International (Espa�ol/Portugu�s)

July 26 @ 7:30 PM
July 26 @ 9:30 PM
July 27 @ 3:00 PM
July 27 @ 5:00 PM
Daphne in England | 6:55 a.m. July 24, 2008
If I wasn't out of work and had the money I would be in SLC to see the Osmonds with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. I love both. Their song Are You Up There came to mean so much to me at a time in my conversion when I yearned to know if God really existed, loved me, and what life was all about. The Hymn 'Come Come Ye Saints' also played a role in my conversion and means so much to me it is a favorite. I think it is a great honour for both The Choir and The Osmonds to sing together. Most of all I am greatful for the firm unmovable faith, testimony and determination of the Pioneers who struggled through all manner of trials to come and settle the Salt Lake Valley, which these concerts are surely all about. With out them and Jesus Christ there would be no Salt lake City.
Tammy in Israel | 6:54 a.m. July 24, 2008
I want to add my deep gratitude to the Osmonds for their music and example over the years. They have always shown true family values and exemplary behaviour.

I should add that they never visited my country so I have travelled thousands of miles and at great expense to see them - worth all the sacrifices.
Maureen Perth Australia | 7:20 a.m. July 24, 2008
I had the good fortune to attend the Osmonds concert in Perth. After following them from my youth in England and now in my adopted land of Australia, I have to say that their voices have become smoother and more harmonious over the years. Marie is a truly beautiful person and the audience loved her, Donny showed great deference to his older brothers,( despite the audience knowing him better ), and the whole show was wonderful.Having followed their life stories through the ups and downs I have to say the entire family have been an inspiration on how to pick ourselves up and get on with living this glorious life.Their dedication to Family and God are truly awesome and Mother and Father Osmond are surely proud of their gorgeous family. Good luck to them all for the future.
Susan | 8:42 a.m. July 24, 2008
What a great and appropriate place to end their tour and some careers. I sure wish I could be there for the concert in S.L.C. I will be in heart and thought. I, like one other person wish I could have seen them in concert once during there 50th anniversary but I lived too far and not enough money to go see them, but I thank Alan, Wayne, Merrill, and Jay for starting it all and for opening my door for the missionaries. I hope someone does a video and puts it on YouTube. God bless you all.
Ellen in TN | 9:58 a.m. July 24, 2008
I forgot to say that I will be watching the Saturday show online at 7:30 Mtn time (9:30 my time) and I will also be watching the "Music and The Spoken Word" they are doing on Sunday 7/27 - I'm not sure when I will get that broadcast as it is at 9:30 am in Utah and the show is on in my area at 6:30 am on Sunday morning (4:30 am in UT) - How fortunate is that? - If I can watch it online live as it happens I will do that - Isn't technology wonderful
KJ - Scotland | 10:58 a.m. July 24, 2008
Having been a fan of JAY since the age of 4 and the Osmonds since the 1970s I have had the privilege of seeing them in concert in the USA and the UK many times since 2000 (when I rediscovered them/JAY).

I am looking forward to staying up late on Saturday night (UK time) to watch the concert and want to take this opportunity to say a big heart felt THANKS to the whole family for their input into my life and witness (although not LDS).

May God bless you all in whatever career choices you take now - you know that you will never please all the fans all the time! :)

#1 Osmond Fan | 12:06 p.m. July 24, 2008
Congratulations Osmonds! I have to try to catch this performance online since I am on the east coast and can't afford to travel across the country. I have been a HUGE Osmond fan since 1968 and from the US. Yes, I am also very disappointed that the US did not get a tour for the 50th Anniversary. I have watched the PPV and this was the BEST show I have seen since the concerts of 1972, 1973, & 1975. I would have loved to experience this show in person and hopefully one day you will change your mind and tour this show all over the US. Too bad it wasn't filmed for a DVD. Hugs and my love to all the Osmonds. I will be a lifetime fan.

Add your comment

Comments are monitored. Any comments found to be abusive, offensive, off-topic, misrepresentative, more than 200 words or containing URLs will not be posted.

Words Remaining

E-mail address: For internal use only. We may want to contact you to publish your comment (not your e-mail address) in the newspaper or for a separate story idea.

Image
Scott G. Winterton, Deseret News

The Osmond Brothers — Jimmy, left, Jay, Merrill, Alan and Wayne — rehearse with the Tabernacle Choir for their concert this weekend.

Related content

Article

Audio slideshow

  1. Donny and Kym dance to victory
  2. Witness describes '99 killing
  3. Howard made the rivalry a rivalry
  4. Cougars cruise past Southern
  5. Utah, BYU are top choices for bowls
  6. Loyal to Cougarettes, Crimson Line
  7. Crews working to free man in cave
  8. Y. focused on 10-win season
  9. BYU would like friendlier rivalry
  10. Twitterati to BCS: 'We hate you.'
  1. BYU would like friendlier rivalry254
  2. Glenn Beck to enter politics?226
  3. RSL wins MLS Cup on penalty kicks202
  4. Protests against Phoenix LDS temple201
  5. Bronco, Kyle rubber match138
  6. BYU records with win133
  7. Letters: Rushing to judge Palin127
  8. Hall, Johnson matchup key102
  9. 4A: Timpview wins 4th in 4 years96
  10. Cougars turn focus to dreaded rivals90

Dad blog: Be thankful for your in-laws. Really.

Let us give thanks for in-laws!

Jay Evensen: Ask Chaffetz

I've asked for your help on this sort of thing before – giving me...

Mom blog: Black Friday mania

People go a little crazy on Black Friday. There's something about...

previousnext

Latest comments

Donny and Kym dance to victory

Anonymous said:

This is not a religious dance contest--it is a clebrity dance contest....

BYU has slim shot at BCS

Zoobies said:

Oh zoobies, just let it go guys, sorry. Oh well, it isn't football season...

USU tops Idaho State 77-44

Ogden Aggie said:

There's no place like The Spectrum. Go Aggies! And all the pre-USU/BYU talk...

Donny and Kym dance to victory

Ned said:

I love it when the food fight starts.....

Utah celebrates Real Salt Lake Day

Celebrate what? said:

A championship won in a sport nobody cares about by a team nobody cares...

Twitterati to BCS: 'We hate you.'

AZ Dave said:

Outside of Utah, no one cares about Utah or BYU Football.

Getting serious about seat belts

Sam the Ham said:

@Matthew 12:07 p.m.: "Driving drunk is a personal choice too. Is anybody...

When Black Friday is worth effort

Where to find said:

Just google Black Friday deals. Almost all the ads for the big retailers are...

Editorial: Poor welcome for Palin

mark said:

To Mark | 1:26 p.m. Nov. 25, 2009 "So, you want to debate Sarah Palin? If...

Protests against Phoenix LDS temple

Opposed to Temple In AZ said:

To Re: What does it have to do with logic? The "Golden Rule" is not about...

Advertisements