'Till this very day I'v always
believed that there ain't no eight global miracle in music. But now I've
been told something besser and I can asure you, - yes, it does exist and
sits up here on stage - Blueslegend Mr. Johnny Winter, who I've never
seen live on stage before, to be honest. beeing 62 years of age, he is a
true fossile in the truest sense of the word. And he is probably the
only musician in the world who was and still is constantly drug addicted
for whole of his life. But he's still alive, resulting in the fact, that
he is a living mummy, who has to be led by helpful arms onto stage. But
not before the band has already played an overture of about 15 minutes.
Yes, and there he is. It took three long years to get him to here.
During this three years, we haven never been sure, whether Johnny Winter
is still alive or he's bitten the dust. But he hasn't yet. He seems so
weak, so skinny, with ashtray arms and beeing pale like a ghost. With 62
he looks like 85, no kiddin' And he's got to sit on stage for the whole
lenght of the show, - ask why?! And I've never experienced an artist who
never even opens his eyes once during his complete show. Never mind,
he's probably almost blind anyway.
So, and now to get back to the above mentioned
eight global miracle... it truly is a miracle to be able to play this
well despite all those physical break downs. I'm fascinated, by the way
Johnny Winter still plays his guitar, and not only me but also the other
aprox. 700 spectators here. Of course the band is helping a lot to make
life easier. Drummer Wayne June takes over the vocals on quite a few
songs and also the announcements inbetween. And bassist Scott Spary
fills perfectly some little holes, Johnny Winter leaves behind. But you
forgive him. Don't forget, he's a living legend and an idol for many
young players. He is not just a musician, he's an institution, who is
part of the Blues history. Johnny's latest release came out last june,
named: 'Black Cat Bone'. It is included in the set, but not too much of
it. He doesn't neet this promotion, because he promotes himself the way
he celebrates his special kind of Blues. He's the Bluesman and was
nominated for this piece of music from 2004 for the next Grammy Awards.
But he rather goes for Ray Charles here tonight, who in his opinion
stands on a heavenly musical staircase. And yes of course Ray does in
whatever sense and watches the scenery from beyond or above.....
To make it short and painless, it is a miracle how Johnny Winter,
despite his condition, still manages his live appearance here. And for
all Blues lovers here, it is something very special, something heavenly,
as I mentioned before. The finale makes a tribute to Bob Dylan with
'Highway 61' in a ver extraordinary version. After that, the meistro is
led from stage for good and vanishes in his van.
For my part, I'm quiet pleased to have experienced Johnny Winter live at
least once. Who knows, if I ever see him again. But one thing is for
sure. He will live for good in his Blues.... okay okay,... at least for
quite a while longer as he will be there, I presume.
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Click pic below for Official Website
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PS.: for support we once more got out local
heroes‚ Reverend
Rusty & The Case’. You really
should check 'em out. Styilitically a bit more energetic than Johnny
Winter, some fans even prefer them to the main act. There is only one
thing Rusty is missing in his carriere compared to Johnny. And this is
the international cultstatus. But what not is, can still be one day.
Let's wait and see. Rusty is only..... years of age and 100% fit. And
when he is as old as Johnny Winter he will be still more fit and lively
then the blueslegend. Am I right or is it true?!!!! - just kiddin'
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