Johnny Winter in April 1970

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April 1970 was a whirlwind of musical energy for Johnny Winter. He kicked off his first European tour with a bang, electrifying audiences at the Royal Albert Hall and the Beat Club TV show with his scorching guitar solos and raw blues power. The momentum continued as he blazed a trail through Montreux, Amsterdam, and Helsinki, leaving a lasting impression on the European music scene. Back home, the buzz surrounding his performances hadn't faded. He continued to draw crowds, playing to packed houses at venues like the Commodore Ballroom in Lowell, Massachusetts, and Howard Stein's Capitol Theatre in Port Chester.

Yet, even amidst the roaring success, a restlessness stirred within Winter. Upon returning from Europe, he made the surprising decision to disband his current group. It was a bold move, a testament to his relentless pursuit of musical evolution and his hunger for new sounds. As April drew to a close, the stage was set for a new chapter in Johnny Winter's blues odyssey. The future was uncertain, but one thing was clear: his passion for music burned as brightly as ever.

Photo of Johnny Winter playing Epiphone Wilshire Guitar using Orange Stacked Amplifier

Johnny Winter in April 1970

Electrifying Europe in 1970

The year 1970 was a pivotal one for blues-rock virtuoso Johnny Winter. Fresh off the success of his second album, and armed with a band of exceptional musicians, Winter embarked on a European tour that would cement his status as a global guitar hero.

He starts his first European tour together with "Uncle" John Turner on drums and Tommy Shannon on Bass. During this European tour he plays what looks like an Epiphone Wilshire Guitar and "Orange" stacked amplifier

A Whirlwind of Performances

April 1970 saw Winter and his band hit the European stage with a force that few could match. Their first major stop was the Sound of the Seventies show at the prestigious Royal Albert Hall in London. This CBS showcase, which also featured Flock and Steamhammer, was a testament to Winter's growing popularity, and he did not disappoint. His blistering guitar solos and raw energy left the audience in awe, and word of his talent spread quickly.

Next, Winter headed to Germany to participate an episode of the popular Beat Club TV show. This performance exposed him to a wider audience and further solidified his reputation as a master of the blues. His set, filled with classics like "Johnny B. Goode" and "Mean Town Blues," showcased his technical prowess and passionate delivery.

The tour then took Winter to the picturesque Montreux, Switzerland, for the La Rose D'Or - Golden Rose of 1970 festival. Playing alongside a diverse lineup of artists, Winter's set stood out for its sheer intensity and authenticity. His performance was captured on film and remains a testament to his mastery of the blues-rock genre.

The European leg of the tour also included stops at the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam and the Kulttuuritalo in Helsinki, Finland. Each performance was met with enthusiastic crowds eager to witness Winter's legendary guitar skills.

A Turning Point

Despite the success of the European tour, upon his return to the United States, Winter made the difficult decision to disband his current group. This marked a turning point in his career, signaling a desire for change and a search for new musical directions.

Commodore Tonight: No Dancing in Observance of Good Friday
Saturday 4 April 1970: Commodore Ballroom, Lowell, Mass :

Saturday Night: NRBQ & Spectras, Admission: $2.50 No Advance Sale

Saturday 4 April: Johnny Winter

Photo of Commodore Ballroom, Lowell, Mass
Commodore Ballroom, Lowell, Mass

Source & Full Article: 70-03-28 Lowell Sun

Howard Stein's Capitol Theatre in Port Chester

Howard Stein's Capitol Theatre in Post Chester: The Sound is Crystal, The Lighting Subtile, Breathe Free, Come to Port Chester

Concert dates at Howard Stein's Capitol Theatre include

  • 3 & 4 April 1970 Ten Years After, Stone the Crows
  • 10 & 11 April 1970 Johnny Winter, Taj Mahal
  • 22 April 1970 Pink Floyd
  • 24 & 25 April 1970 John Mayall , Blodwyn Pig
  • 1 & 2nd May 1970 Savoy Brown, James Gang
  • 8 & 9 May 1970 Joe Cocker accompanied by Mad Dogs an
  • d Englishmen
    • 15 & 16 May 1970 James Taylor
The Sound of the 70'S
Friday, 17 April 1970 - Royal Albert Hall, London with Flock and Steamhammer

CBS Records in association with Robert Paterson presents two great contemporary rock concerts, "The Sound of the 70'S"

Friday 17 April 1970 19:30: Steamhammer, Flock, Johnny Winter

Saturday 18 April 1970 19:30: Taj Mahal, It's a Beautiful Day, Santana

This concert of Johnny Winter at the Royal Albert Hall in 1970 has been filmed and is released on the DVD "Legends of Rock". The audio recording of this concert of Johnny Winter at the Royal Albert Hall will be released together with the expanded edition of the album: "Second Winter". At present many audio and video clips are available on youtube.

Photo 1 of The Sound of the 70'S
Photo 1 of The Sound of the 70'S
Photo 2 of The Sound of the 70'S
Photo 2 of The Sound of the 70'S
Photo 3 of The Sound of the 70'S
Photo 3 of The Sound of the 70'S
Photo 4 of The Sound of the 70'S
Photo 4 of The Sound of the 70'S
Beat-Club: American Rock
Saturday 18 April 1970: Beat Club TV (Germany)

Director: Bob Rooijens

Producer: Michael Leckebush.

Band: Johnny Winter, Edgar Winter, Tommy Shannon, Uncle John Turner.

Highlights: Johnny B. Goode, Mean Town Blues, Tobacco Road.

During the late 60's early 70's the German Television had a very popular TV-programs, which were focused on Rock, the TV programs were called Beat Club and Musikladen. Some of the Johnny Winter performances in the early 70s are available on compilation videos and DVD's of these TV shows. A

Johnny Be Goode of this TV-Show is available on the DVD "Rock Icons Guitar Gods"

Mean Town Blues of this TV-show is available on the laserdisc Beat Club - American Rock Stars as well as on the Musik Laden DVD's.

Beatclub TV-show, Radio Bremen, Germany. Parts of this TV show are available on various Laserdiscs and DVD

At present this show is available on youtube.

A Japanese Laser Disc compilation album of the German TV Show BeatClub with the following performances

  • Steppenwolf - Rock Me
  • Johnny Winter - Mean Town Blues
  • Canned Heat - Let's Work Together
  • Steve Miller Band - Jackson Kent Blues
  • Redbone - Witch Queen of New Orleans
  • Pacific Gas and Electric - Are you ready?
  • The Byrds - Chestnut Mare
  • Richie Havens - Here comes the sun
  • Joe South - Games People Play
  • Melanie - Animal Crackrs
  • Three Dog Night - Try A Little Tenderness

Vintage photo of Johnny Winter, Tommy Shannon and "Uncle" John Turner, this photo was probable taken while touring in Germany (or France)

Photo of Johnny Winter Cleaning his Guitar Strings on Stage
Tommy Shannon, Johnny Winter, "Uncle" John Turner (left to right)
La Rose D'Or - Golden Rose of 1970 Montreux
24 April 1970: La Rose D'Or - Golden Rose of 1970 Montreux

Johnny Winter and many other bands performed at the 10th Anniversary of the Golden Rose of Montreux (Switzerland)

A newspaper reported on this Pop festival at Montreux : A pop "happening" in Montreux (April 24-27). featured the live talents of Greatest Show on Earth. Johnny Winter, Allman Brothers, Flock, Ashton Gardner & Dyke and Renaissance. Renaissance will return to Switzerland and play a concert in Aarau June 5 1970

The Sound of the Seventies, Amsterdam
Sunday, 26 April 1970: Concertgebouw, Amsterdam

An evening organized by Paul Acket, with the title "The Sound of the Seventies" with Johnny Winter and The Flock

The Dutch news-paper "De Telegraaf" comments on this concert and reviews the just released "About Blues"

Fill Your Head with Rock
29 April 1970 Kulttuuritalo, Helsinki, Finland

Johnny Winter performs as part of the CBS campaign "Fill Your Head with Rock" in Helsinki