Johnny Winter

[Neal]

Any one go to the Johhny Winter show last night at the Opera House?
Next, did anybody get some better pictures than I did?
Too far away for 'no flash'.
Thanks,
Neal.

[tinman_22]

Any one go to the Johhny Winter show last night at the Opera House?
Next, did anybody get some better pictures than I did?
Too far away for 'no flash'.
Thanks,
Neal.

Unfortunately no, but he was amazing live back in the late 60's. How was the show?

[Bman]

Hey Neal,

Unfortunately I wasn't aware he was in town.

Have been a huge JW fan since the early 70's. My inspiration to play guitar!!!
My style and guitars are all heavily influenced by JW.

Have virtually everything recorded and a number of live shows (cough cough).

How was he?

Understand his health is still somewhat shaky (medication for anxiety and a broken hip last year).

Most die hard fans wish to remember him as he was.

Would appreciate your thoughts on the show.

Cheers
Bman

[Neal]

At 61, and having to be helped on and off the stage it was obvious that it wasn't easy for him, even sitting. The guys I was with acknowledged that there were many 'mistakes'. Still, just being in the presence of a legend was good enough for every one in the audience. The group of people I went with are all guitar aficionados and they worship the man in a "We're Not Worthy" way. Never seeing him live in his prime I was not able to make a comparison but he was mighty good with a tight band.
It is to be mentioned that this 15 year old kid, Jimmy Bowskill, from Peterborough opened the show. This kid has been playing venues since he was 13 and Wow! I'm glad the manager of the Opera House told me to get there early as he was not to be missed. Most shows I go to the crowd filters in through the first act. Not in this case however. It was packed like a sardine can for this kid. If you get a chance to see him and his band Do Not Pass It Up!

[T_Totler]

Ah yes Johnny Winter. Sure brings back great memories :)

I saw Winter twice in the seventies at Maple Leaf Gardens. I'll never forget the second show in particular when he had his brother Edgar and Rick Derringer along. What a show that was. He was simply brilliant. Powerful vocals and guitar licks to die for.

I have 3 of his albums (1) Second Winter (2) Johhny Winter And - Live and (3) Still Alive And Well.

[tinman_22]

The first time I saw Winter was June 1969 at Varsity Stadium. He was on the roster for the Toronto Pop Festival, 2 days of whatever the sixties had to offer. Johnny Winter, the Band, Blood Sweat and Tears, Al Kooper, Procol Harum, the Velvet Underground, Steppenwolf and a bunch I can't recall anylonger. Winter was to say the very least electric, an amazing sound and stage presence and to be able to be very close to the stage was a rare treat.

[Mouse]

This (http://beatles.ncf.ca/live_peace_in_toronto_p1.html) one???

[tinman_22]

Nope, unfortunately I missed that one. That one was September of that year and I was back at school wishing I could get the car and tickets.....but no way. I bought the album but that's as close as I got to that concert. The one I saw was in June, but same site ....good old Varsity Stadium.

[Miss Maggie]

...just noticed Jimmy Bowskill was opening for JW...Jimmy has been to London twice this summer...Bluesfest and Hawk Rocks The Park...he is amazing...

[Neal]

I went out and bought Jimmy Bowskills latest CD today. Amazing kid!

[xahax]

I love JW, didn't know he was in Toronto, would've loved to see him. I saw him in the late 70's (i think lol) at Maple Leaf Gardens. He was part of a show that had him, April Wine & headliners....Styx(!!). To put it bluntly, he was the best by far of the three, blew all the other 2 away. We had green seats then, about 1/2 way up i remember. It was amazing hearing that great guitar playing.
On the album side, If you want to hear a great live album, get his "Captured Live" which was released in 1976. Just a great album showing what he was like in his prime. Highway 61 Revisited, Sweet Pappa John & his amazing version of "It's All Over Now" are standouts.