Review of Johnny Winter's Cumberland Concert by Lee Hamilton
FAYETTEVILLE — Thursday night was a "school night," but that didn't deter a crowd of over 4,500 fans from being on hand for rock star Johnny Winter at the Cumberland Memorial Arena here. ' As a matter of fact, it was about as enthusiastic a togetherness as we've seen in quite some time for a rock concert nf anv kind.It was "good vibes" all the way from the outset as a group known as the "Peace Core" got things under way at 7:30 p.m., and the yells and shrieks continued through "Fog's" performance, but that was nothing to the reception that Johnny Winter received when his set got started after the intermission.
Winter, a platinum blonde of very longish hairstyle, whooped and camped unmercifully through his final haif of the concert to the almost raving ovation of the fans; but we cannot say that his music or his on-stage performance was anything out of the ordinary for a hard-rock show of this sort. . Apparently, Winter is enjoying some sort of success that we would consider incredible in view of the much more spectacular competition he has from such groups as "Alice Cooper" and — even his brother, Edgar Winter, who played the arena earlier this season.
Edgar, of course, is the champion of high camp with his outre outfit, his golden bangles and beads, and his devil-maycare GAY attitude, but Johnny is trying hard, and may yet usurp his brother's obvious popularity. By and large, the crowd really took to Winter's enthusiasm and musical interpretations; but, it would seem that there was more audience rapport with the two previous .back-up entertaining groups. Rock-wise, Winter wias in top form, and came through with many of his tunes from various albums — past and present — that have been released nationwide.
Somehow, though, we didn't get the message that the fans were as "in" with his statement that they should have been under the circumstances. Of course, a rather large percentage of the crowd seemed to be zonked-out on something other than the sounds, and, as a result, were rather hard put to show enthusiasm for anything other than being able to keep themselves upright most of the time. One fact was clear, however, that being that everyone was having a ball, and, we suppose, that's what counts most. This was a sit-down-on-thefloor or stand-up-as-you-will type of concert, and most of the audience was either "on the floor" or wandering around, as it fit their temperament of the moment.
Naturally, it was absolutely impossible to get any closer to the stage than 50 feet (unless one arrived mighty early), but one really didn't need to be too close up to hear, for the amps were open to full volume. Peering through the gloom of haze, smoke, that is, ione could perceive just about all manner of exuberation from the youthful audience. There was certainly an atmosphere of "togetherness" exhibited among the 4,000- plus gathered for the happening. All-in-all, we would, say that the Winter experience ;was a real success, at least as far as the promoters were concerned; and it should be interesting to note just how the "generation gap" will be bridged when Glen Campbell appears at the arena in June.
What do you want to bet? That seems to be it for this week, at least as far as SIGHTS is concerned, so do get it together, and tally -ho!
Source & Full Article: 73-05-11 Lumberton, NC.pdf
