Johnny Winter in April 1970

-

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.

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
-

Photo of 19 April 1970 Johnny Winter at Howard Stein's Capitol Theatre in Port Chester
19 April 1970 Johnny Winter at 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"

Elly De Waard from the Dutch news-paper "Het Parool", reviews Johnny Winter's intense two-hour performance at the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, 1970. Read the full review

Photo of A newspaper adversitement announcing this concert. Note: Tom Smedley is mentioned as Bass guitarist
A newspaper adversitement announcing this concert. Note: Tom Smedley is mentioned as Bass guitarist
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

Johnny Winter Index 1970-1979

Johnny Winter in 1970
Johnny Winter AND in 1970 album front cover vinyl lp album https://vinyl-records.nl/johnny-winter/biography/index.html

In 1970, Johnny Winter solidified his reputation as a premier blues-rock guitarist. He embarked on his first European tour, performing at iconic venues such as the Royal Albert Hall and Montreux’s Golden Rose Festival. Despite critical debates regarding his role in the blues, Winter's ability to blend traditional blues with rock captivated audiences. That year also marked a pivotal moment in his career as he restructured his band, setting the stage for his evolving sound and continued success.

Read About Johnny Winter in 1970
Johnny Winter in 1971
Johnny Winter in 1971 album front cover vinyl lp album https://vinyl-records.nl

In 1971, Johnny Winter experienced both musical success and personal challenges. He completed a successful European tour, delivering electrifying performances and collaborating with icons like Willie Dixon. However, his intense touring schedule, combined with substance abuse, culminated in a breakdown by year-end. This marked a pivotal moment, forcing Winter to confront his struggles and embark on a journey toward recovery. Despite these challenges, 1971 showcased his blues-rock prowess and deepened his connection with international audiences.

Read About Johnny Winter in 1971
Johnny Winter in 1972
Johnny Winter in 1972 album front cover vinyl lp album https://vinyl-records.nl

In 1972, Johnny Winter made a remarkable comeback after a nine-month recovery from heroin addiction. Moving to Woodstock, New York, he resumed performing, joining his brother Edgar Winter’s band, White Trash. This year marked his renewed energy and determin

Read About Johnny Winter in 1972
Johnny Winter in 1973
Johnny Winter in 1973 album front cover vinyl lp album https://vinyl-records.nl

In 1973, Johnny Winter made a powerful comeback with the release of *Still Alive and Well*, after overcoming heroin addiction. The album reached #22 on the US charts, and Winter embarked on an extensive tour with Foghat. This year also marked a shift in his guitar preferences, as he adopted the Gibson Firebird. Winter’s electrifying performances, particularly at venues like Madison Square Garden, solidified his reputation as a blues-rock powerhouse.

Read About Johnny Winter in 1973
Johnny Winter in 1974
Johnny Winter in 1974 album front cover vinyl lp album https://vinyl-records.nl

In 1974, Johnny Winter, the renowned blues-rock guitarist, embarked on extensive North American and European tours, releasing two albums, Saints & Sinners and John Dawson Winter III. Both albums featured his signature gritty sound, while his live performances, marked by energetic guitar work, solidified his status as a top blues-rock performer. Notably, Winter made a triumphant return to Europe after a four-year absence, performing to sold-out crowds in major cities. His relentless touring schedule and powerful stage presence cemented his international reputation.

Read About Johnny Winter in 1974
Johnny Winter in 1975
Johnny Winter in 1975 album front cover vinyl lp album https://vinyl-records.nl

In 1975, Johnny Winter, the renowned blues-rock guitarist, experienced a resurgence in his career. Having battled personal struggles, including drug addiction, Winter returned to the stage with renewed energy. His live performances showcased a mix of classic blues and rock hits, alongside material from his album John Dawson Winter III. Despite his personal critiques of his performances, audiences were enthusiastic, and Winter continued to evolve as an artist. The year marked a pivotal moment in his career, further cementing his legacy in the rock and blues scenes.

Read About Johnny Winter in 1975
Johnny Winter in 1976
Johnny Winter in 1976 album front cover vinyl lp album https://vinyl-records.nl

In 1976, Johnny Winter embarked on a tour alongside his brother Edgar Winter, guitarist Floyd Radford, and bassist Dan Hartman. This tour included several performances across Canada. Notably, during the months of July and August, Johnny and Edgar Winter frequently shared the stage to promote their collaborative album "Together", marking a significant highlight of the tour.

Read About Johnny Winter in 1976
Johnny Winter in 1977
Johnny Winter in 1977 album front cover vinyl lp album https://vinyl-records.nl

In 1977, Johnny Winter toured with blues legends Muddy Waters and James Cotton, showcasing a powerful collaboration that revitalized classic blues. Winter produced Muddy Waters' *Hard Again*, which won a Grammy and led to a dynamic tour. The performances featured Cotton's intense harmonica playing and Waters' iconic vocals, with Winter adding his signature gritty guitar work. This tour, a standout in Winter's career, reaffirmed his role in preserving and elevating traditional blues alongside these legendary musicians.

Read About Johnny Winter in 1977
Johnny Winter in 1978
Johnny Winter in 1978 album front cover vinyl lp album https://vinyl-records.nl

In 1978, Johnny Winter's career saw significant milestones. He embarked on a European tour, produced Muddy Waters' Grammy-winning album I'm Ready, and welcomed Jon Paris into his band. Winter also delivered a standout radio performance for British Biscuit and appeared with Muddy Waters on a BBC television special, further solidifying his legacy in blues and rock. This pivotal year highlighted his versatile talents as a musician and producer.

Read About Johnny Winter in 1978
Johnny Winter in 1979
Johnny Winter in 1979 album front cover vinyl lp album https://vinyl-records.nl

In 1979, Johnny Winter's career was marked by significant performances and collaborations, including his appearance at the Rockpalast Festival in Germany, where his blend of blues and rock captivated audiences. During this period, he worked closely with blues icon Muddy Waters, further cementing his legacy in the genre. Despite his personal battles with drug addiction, Winter's influence remained strong, and he continued touring extensively, with a detailed timeline of his tour dates and setlists from key performances like Rockpalast.

Read About Johnny Winter in 1979