5-27-73 Winterland, S.F.
Johnny Winter
Foghat
Frampton's Camel
1973 was the last year for about 20 years that I spent Memorial Day
weekend
in the Bay Area. From then on went to a weekend long party up in the
mountains on the Stanislaus River, off Hwy. 4 near Dorington, CA each
year.
I should have gone to Kezar stadium the day before to see the Dead, New
Riders, and Waylon Jennings. But Johnny Winter was in town! One of my
first
guitar heroes.
As it turns out, he had done his best work by this time. I believe he had
just gone through drug problems (forgive me if I'm remembering wrong); and
had released a mediocre comeback album called "Still Alive and Well".
Great
title tune, with a good version of the Stones' "Silver Train", but
otherwise
nothing exceptional.
His concert was about the same. Very average. He had a female singer with
him who was terrible.
Foghat was great in the middle of the bill; perfect blues-based hard rock
for an 18 year-old kid. I think a couple guys from Foghat came out of
Savoy
Brown? Who I'd always liked, but never did see.
The opener was the show stealer. I'd liked Frampton in Humble Pie, had
enjoyed his little-known first solo record for some time, and had been
waiting for him to tour. His second album had just come out, it was great,
and he apparently set out to conquer America. I knew how great this band
was, but I think he caught most people there by surprise. This was
obviously
a big night in his career.
Over the next couple years, he played Winterland several times. Triumphant
at each appearance: this time as an opener; next time as middle act; and
finally as headliner, recording that live album that we all bought (and
got
sick of).
I'll always admire and respect the great Johnny Winter, but on this night
he
was only a distant 3rd best.
|
