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June 1970 was a month of unexpected twists and turns for Johnny Winter. As anticipation grew for his performance at the People's Fair in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, news broke of its abrupt cancellation. The organizers' decision, attributed to unforeseen circumstances, left fans disappointed and Winter's schedule in disarray. Amidst this setback, a glimmer of hope emerged across the Atlantic. The prestigious Bath Festival of Blues & Progressive Music in England beckoned, promising an opportunity to showcase his raw blues talent on an international stage. Despite the initial disappointment, Winter remained undeterred, ready to embrace the next chapter in his musical journey.
Synopsis: Law enforcement in Portage and Waupaca counties are preparing for a rock festival scheduled for June 26-29. The festival producer, Larry Schumann, announced the event will be held on a 200-acre farm recently sold and leased to the festival sponsors. The farm's location poses challenges as it lies in two counties with different zoning regulations. Despite attempts to halt the event, officials are focusing on controlling it, with plans to bring in law enforcement help from outside the two counties. The festival is expected to attract at least 20,000 people and feature various performers. The event has drawn comparisons to previous rock festivals in the area, some of which faced legal challenges and cancellations due to zoning violations and inadequate facilities.
The "Sheboygan press" announces the cancellation of Johnny Winter and Steve Miller
There have been a few changes in the line-up for the People's Fair rockfest near Stevens Point on June 26, 27, 28. Steve Miller and Johnny Winter won't be there, but Ravi Shankar has been signed, and there's a chance that Melanie and Spirit will be added. Others who will be there include Buddy Rich, Buffy St. M a r i e , Paul Butterfield, Chuck Berry, Taj Mahal, Bowery Boys, Sound Street, and about 20 others. It will apparently be the biggest — and maybe the only — rockfest in Wisconsin this summer. Advance tickets for the three-day festival are available for $10 at Gene's Camera Shop. So far, the local sales total approximately seven
Synopsis: The People's Fair is off to a chaotic start, overwhelmed by hippies arriving in droves. Drug use is widespread, and many are unprepared for the festival's challenges. The site has become a counterculture haven, with attendees like Gypsy finding a sense of community. Others, like Mike, feel out of place and leave. Despite the chaos, the atmosphere remains peaceful, though nearby towns are apprehensive. The People's Fair is shaping up to be a defining moment for the counterculture movement.
Performers on Saturday 27th June were:
Performers on Sunday 28 June 1970 included:
Freddy Bannister (promoter of pop festivals in the seventies) and his daughter Wendy Bannister have produced a commemorative box set called "Just Broken Even", with information on the Bath pop festivals
The Bath commemorative set, Just Broken Even, is a limited edition of 1,000 and as a special offer to The Johnny Winter Story visitors the price of the set is reduced by £10 to £65 and now includes 6 CDs (inc Johnny Winter at 1970 Bath) and a DVD
The commemorative set includes the following: The programmes, flyers and tickets from the following festivals, 1969 Bath Festival , 1970 Bath Festival, 1971 Lincoln Festival
A handbill from The Pavilion, Bath 1963 advertising The Beatles forthcoming appearance.
A photo album of 28 photos mainly backstage at Bath
A 330 page book on the problems promoting the festivals.
6 CDs and a DVD, which give as a gift with the set, which includes the following:
1 x 75 mins CD of Johnny Winter live at Bath
Track list "Guess I'll Go Away" , "Rock & Roll Hoochie Koo", "Mama Talk To Your Daughter", "Prodigal Son", "Rollin' & Tumblin'", "Black Cat Bone", "Have You Ever Been Mistreated?", "Good Morning Little School Girl" , "Johnny B. Goode", "Mean Town Blues"
1 x 75 mins CD of Pink Floyd live at Bath, including their premiere of Atom Heart Mother with full choir. Before the Bath Festival it was known as The Amazing Pudding.
A 3 CD set live from the 1970 Bath Festival with Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Johnny Winter, Jefferson Airplane, Frank Zappa, Steppenwolf, Santana, The Byrds, Canned Heat, John Mayall, Donovan, Hot Tuna, Country Joe,
1 CD from 1971 Lincoln Festival a CD of The Byrds and James Tayler
A DVD of the Lincoln 1971 festival including Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee performing in the back of their limo on the way to the 1971 Lincoln festival and various BBC interviews from the Lincoln. Interviews with James Taylor, Tom Paxton and lots of great festival shots. (very rare we have only just discovered it- even the BBC no longer have a copy of it)
From the Bath Official Programme:
"When Johnny Winter was a twelve year old kid in the deep of Leland, Mississippi, he first heard the blues crackling on the old wooden radio. He then went out and bought every single blues record he could afford, taught himself to play guitar, and by the age of 15, he had a band. And that was the start." The set includes the following: the programmes, flyers and tickets from the following festivals
1969 Bath Festival
1970 Bath Festival
1971 Lincoln Festival
Box Set bath 1970
A photo album of 28 photos mainly backstage at 1970 Bath
A hardbacked book on the problems promoting the festivals.
The 1970 Bath Festival poster and as a special gift 5 CDs, which we have been given, and will include with the set to any fan from the The Johnny Winter Story site.
The CDs include the following:
A 3 x 74 mins CD set live from the 1970 Bath Festival with Johnny Winter, Pink Floyd, Jefferson Airplane, Frank Zappa, Steppenwolf, Led Zeppelin, Santana, The Byrds, Canned Heat, John Mayall, Donovan, Hot Tuna, Country Joe,
Plus an additional 1 x 74 mins CD of Johnny Winter's live performance from the Bath Festival.
1 CD from 1971 Lincoln Festival a CD of The Byrds ,James Tayler and Sandy Denny
"Johnny Winter AND" with Rick Derringer Live in Paris (France) performing "Guess I'll Go Away", "Rolling and Tumblin".
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 1970In 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 1971In 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 1972In 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 1973In 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 1974In 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 1975In 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 1976In 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 1977In 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 1978In 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