JOHNNY WINTER in 1973

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In 1973, Johnny Winter marked his return to the music scene with the release of the album "Still Alive and Well", following a period of recovery from heroin addiction. Doug Brockie joined Winter as second guitarist during the subsequent "Still Alive and Well Tour".

The album garnered significant success, peaking at #22 on the US Charts on March 13, 1973. The first half of 1973 saw Winter embark on an extensive tour alongside Foghat, spanning April, May, and June.

This period also marked a notable shift in Winter's guitar preference, as he transitioned from Fender guitars to the Gibson Firebird. He further customized the instrument by removing the tremolo and replacing the tailpiece.

Album Front cover Photo of Johnny winter 1973 clothing https://vinyl-records.nl/

Johnny Winter Rocks Cumberland Arena: Enthusiastic Crowd, Mixed Reviews
Thursday, 10 May 1973: Cumberland County Coliseum, Fayetteville

Synopsis: Johnny Winter's rock concert at Cumberland Memorial Arena drew a large and enthusiastic crowd, despite being on a Thursday night. The audience was particularly receptive to Winter's energetic performance, though some felt his music wasn't particularly distinctive. Winter's flamboyant stage presence and efforts to connect with the audience seemed to resonate with fans, even though many were seemingly under the influence. The concert was a success in terms of attendance and energy, but it remains to be seen how a more mainstream artist like Glen Campbell will be received by the same audience.

Read Full Article: Johnny Winter Rocks Cumberland Arena: Enthusiastic Crowd, Mixed Reviews

Winter at Hixon
Sunday, 13 May 1973: Curtis Hixon Hall, Tampa, Florida

Synopsis: This Mother's Day, skip the usual gifts and take your mom to a rock concert! Blues-rock legend Johnny Winter will electrify Curtis Hixon Hall in Tampa on May 13th, 1973. Joined by English rockers Foghat, this concert promises an unforgettable night. Winter, known for his fiery guitar skills and powerful stage presence, is a must-see. Opening act Foghat, with their infectious energy and driving rhythms, will get the crowd going.

Read Full Article with the Preview and Review : Winter at Hixon

Fast-Fret Fireworks From Johnny Winter
A review of the Hollywood Palladium concert

Synopsis: This review of Johnny Winter's concert at the Hollywood Palladium in May 1973 highlights his exceptional guitar skills and stage presence. Winter's intense and rapid playing style rekindled the excitement of rock's golden age, showcasing a perfect blend of technical skill and raw energy. While his vocals may be unremarkable, his guitar flawlessly conveyed the core essence of rock and roll. The performance also included a mix of blues-inspired songs and rock 'n' roll spinoffs, keeping the energy high throughout the set. Winter's band and his own stage presence contributed to the spectacle, making it a truly memorable concert. The opening act, Foghat, a rising British blues band, also delivered an engaging performance. Overall, the concert was a testament to Johnny Winter's enduring talent and the power of rock 'n' roll.

Read The Full Review of: Johnny Winter at Hollywood Palladium concert

Johnny Winter's Electrifying Return: Still Alive and Well, Rocking Madison Square Garden

Synopsis: Johnny Winter's triumphant return at Madison Square Garden, despite his bluesy rock style, captivated the crowd. Foghat, the opening act, delivered a high-energy British rock performance that thrilled the audience. Winter's stage presence, reminiscent of a flamboyant witch, and his powerful guitar playing mesmerized the fans. While some moments felt self-indulgent, his renditions of rock classics like "Jumpin' Jack Flash" and "Johnny B. Goode" brought the house down, solidifying his status as a rock icon.

Read The Full Article: Johnny Winter's Electrifying Return: Still Alive and Well

Photo of Johnny Winter playing a White Gibson Firebird at Madison Square Garden
Johnny Winter playing a White Gibson Firebird at Madison Square Garden
Johnny Winter's Rock and Roll Revival at Madison Square Garden

Synopsis: Johnny Winter returned to the stage with a sold-out show at Madison Square Garden, proving his blues-rock prowess. Opening act Foghat set the tone with their British rock sound.

Winter, sporting a flamboyant black velvet gown, opened with "Rock Me Baby" amidst a shower of silver confetti. His performance was a mix of guitar mastery and rock and roll theatrics, further enhanced by a female percussionist in a dazzling silver jumpsuit.

Shedding his gown to reveal a matching jumpsuit, Winter captivated the audience with his guitar solos and energetic stage presence. His music, while rooted in the blues, had a rock and roll edge that kept the crowd energized.

"Jumping Jack Flash" brought the energy to a peak, and Winter played to the crowd's enthusiasm. The encore showcased his guitar skills even further, leaving the audience wanting more.

Winter's performance was a testament to his enduring talent and showmanship, proving that he was still a major force in the rock and roll world.

Read Full Review Of: Alive and well, but still working at high temperature

Garden Resound to Johnny Winter and Chicago

Synopsis: Johnny Winter , absent from New York for several years, made a striking return with his powerful blues-rock performance. The albino guitarist, clad in a black gown, commanded the stage with his marathon guitar solos and raunchy energy. The audience responded with enthusiastic appreciation.

Chicago , in contrast, presented a more sophisticated, controlled performance. Their jazz-rock sound, tight arrangements, and professional stage presence showcased their experience and maturity as a band. The concert mixed old and new songs, offering a familiar experience for their fans.

Bruce Springsteen opened for Chicago, showcasing his unique blend of Dylanesque songwriting and punk-rock energy.

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Fireworks by Fan
22 June 1973 New York Times

In the high-energy world of rock concerts, flying debris has become an increasingly concerning issue. Artists like Johnny Winter and Alice Cooper have been targeted by objects ranging from hotdog holders to jewelry, sometimes resulting in injury. Managers are hesitant to publicize these incidents, fearing they might encourage copycat behavior. While some artists like Melanie embrace the close connection with their audience, others are considering drastic measures like elevated stages or protective domes. The article explores the fine line between fan enthusiasm and safety concerns in the live music scene.

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Johnny Winter: King of the Boogie Rules Madison Square Garden

Synopsis: Johnny Winter's electrifying performance at Madison Square Garden was a testament to his status as the king of boogie. With a packed house and an audience on their feet, Winter delivered an unrelenting rock and roll experience. While his setlist leaned heavily on his latest album, "Saints and Sinners," the addition of an extra guitarist brought some welcome variety to the sound. However, the relentless boogie did become tiresome after a while. Despite some unruly behavior from the crowd, including thrown beer cans and fireworks, Winter remained focused on entertaining his fans, who loved every minute of it. Ultimately, Winter's concert was a perfect example of an artist giving the audience exactly what they wanted, leaving them energized and wanting more.

Read Full Article: Review of Johnny Winter at the Madison Square Garden

Johnny Winter's Wild Night: Double Drummers, Tambourine, and White Leather Overalls
The Midnight Special Show - Friday 6 July 1973

Johnny Winter had TWO drummers on stage and a nice looking lady (Susan) playing tamborine on stage with him. He and the girl were wearing these really wild outfits: white leather overalls with metal studs and cutouts on the sides. Songs included: "Rock and Roll" off of "Still Alive and Well" and "Let it Bleed".

Johnny Winter: Back to Basics, Flash and Fury at The Orphanage

Synopsis: Johnny Winter ditched the arena spectacle for a surprise club gig at San Francisco's Orphanage, proving that sometimes less is more. Joined by Peter Kaukonen on bass and Richard Hughes on drums, Winter delivered a blistering set of blues and rock 'n' roll that had the crowd buzzing and passers-by stopping in their tracks. Despite some behind-the-scenes wrangling with club owners, Winter showed why he's a master of his craft, playing with a raw energy and passion that can't be replicated in a stadium setting. It was a rare treat to witness Winter in such an intimate environment, and a reminder that even the biggest stars can shine brightest when they strip things back to basics.

Read Full Article: Johnny Winter: Back to Basics, Flash and Fury at The Orphanage

Johnny Winter stops 'em in the street
15 September 1973 NEW MUSICAL EXPRES

Synopsis: Johnny Winter, seeking a return to intimate settings, planned a low-key San Francisco club tour with a new band, Albino Kangaroo. His desire for a relaxed, music-focused experience clashed with club owners' attempts to exploit the situation. Despite hiked prices and late publicity, the shows offered a glimpse of Winter's raw talent in an unadorned setting, proving a treat for those who caught it. The tour, though challenging, highlighted the enduring appeal of an authentic musical connection.

Read The Full Article: Johnny Winter stops 'em in the street

Johnny and Edgar Winter: From Blues Brothers to Individual Success
Pop Magazine (Germany)

Synopsis: Johnny Winter, renowned for his electrifying blues guitar skills, captivated audiences with his raw energy and stage presence. His younger brother, Edgar, initially played alongside him, showcasing his talents on various instruments.

However, Edgar eventually stepped out of Johnny's shadow, forming his own band, White Trash. With a blend of rock and blues, White Trash gained popularity, releasing a successful live album. Yet, Edgar sought further creative evolution.

As Edgar disbanded White Trash to pursue new ventures, Johnny faced personal struggles with addiction. After overcoming his challenges, Johnny returned to the music scene, forming a new trio and embracing a more rock-oriented sound.

Meanwhile, Edgar formed the Edgar Winter Group, achieving significant success with their instrumental hit "Frankenstein." The song's popularity propelled the group to the top of the charts, solidifying Edgar's position as a successful musician in his own right.

Both brothers continued to perform and release music, each carving their unique paths in the music industry. Johnny remained a blues-rock powerhouse, while Edgar explored various musical styles, including rock, jazz, and experimental sounds.

The story of Johnny and Edgar Winter exemplifies the evolution of two talented musicians, their individual journeys to success, and their lasting impact on the music world.

Read Full Article: From Blues Brothers to Individual Success

Johnny Winter is headlining the InConcert First Anrmersan, show a three-hour special to be aired 1130pm Friday.
November 1973 InConcert

Winter performs Rock and Roll Hoochie Koo Black Cat Bone Johnny B Goode Jumpin Jack Flash and Silver Train " the latter from his current album "Still Alive And Well". His current trio includes Randy Jo Hobbs on Richard Hughes on Drus. The show consists of highlights from the first years InConcert that was taped at the Aquarium Theatre in Los Angeles before an audience of 1200 music and file celebrities.

InConcert First Anniversary is hosted by Dick Clark.

Source & Full Article: 73-11-20 Newark Ohio Advocate.pdf

The Syracuse Post-Standard previews Johnny Winter's concert on the 10th of January at the War Memorial: Johnny Winter performs January 10 1974
14 December 1973 Syracuse Post-Standard preview

Johnny Winter, rock superstar, will give a concert featuring his unique staging and lighting Jan. 10 at the War Memorial. He was born in Beaumont, Tex., in 1944, and started on clarinet at five or six and then went to ukelele. He was about 11 or 12 when he started to play the guitar. When he was 15, a rock band of his, Johnny and the Jammers, won a contest and the prize was an audition in Beaumont's Hall Recording studio. Winter later played in Chicago, England and at the Woodstock Festival his performance was one of the highlights. Tijuana Smalls featured Johnny strumming a guitar in the background of their commercials. Few who saw it will ever forget the night at Madison Square Garden when Janis Joplin surprised her audience by bringing Winter on stage to perform with her.

His brother, Edgar, has developed as a headliner, so they could alternate using their road crew, making it economically feasible for Johnny to do 'shorter tours. Randy Hobbs of the McCoys plays bass for Winter and Richard Hughes plays drums. Winter's album "Still Alive and Well" included "Silver Trains." written especially for him by Mick Jagger and Keith Richard. Hughes and Hobbs continue to be Winter musicians, and they accompanied him on his 1973 tour which included sold-out appearances at Madison Square Garden, Toronto Maple Leaf Gardens and the Philadelphia Spectrum.

Source & Full Article: 73-12-14 Syracuse Post-Standard.pdf

Rock Star coming to Hershey
Friday 28 December 1973 Lebanon Daily News

The Lebanon Daily newspaper previews Johnny Winter's concert , planned for 18 January 1974

HERSHEY - Rock star, Johnny Winter, will be appearing in concert Jan. 18, 1974, at 8 p.m. in the Hersheypark Arena. Johnny Winter first reached national attention in 1968 following an in-depth study of "Texas music" published in Rolling Stone. The article by Larry Sepulanda featured the many prominent artists who have made their way from Texas to the height of current musical popularity and went on to mention Johnny as 'playing some of the most fluid blues guitar you ever heard.'" Club owner Steve Paul read this article, flew In Houston to meet with Winter, and within weeks Johnny was packing the house at Paul's Scene and playing with the best musicians in the business.

Johnny Winter soon signed with Columbia Records and recorded his first album "Johnny Winter," and after its release, the New York Times described him as "a fountain of vintage blues". Since his first album, Johnny Winter has released four more albums, all on the Columbia label. Appearing with him will be the James Gang and Brownsville Station.

Source & Full Article: 73-12-28 Lebanon, PA.pdf

Why Johnny Winter Suddenly Ditches the Blues

Synopsis: This article traces the musical journey of guitarist Johnny Winter, from his early blues roots in Texas to his sudden shift towards rock music. It details his early musical influences, his struggles to gain recognition in the blues scene, and his eventual breakthrough with Columbia Records. The article highlights a pivotal moment in Winter's career when he decides to abandon the blues in favor of a more versatile rock sound, a decision driven by his desire for artistic growth and broader musical expression. This shift leads to changes in his band lineup and a successful transition into the rock genre, demonstrating Winter's adaptability and ambition. The article concludes by suggesting that this change in direction will likely lead to even greater success for the guitarist.

Read Full Article: Why Johnny Winter Suddenly Ditches the Blues

1973: A Very Good Year for Rock and Roll
Published: 1 January 1974 Anderson, Indiana

Synopsis: In 1973, Johnny Winter, the albino blues guitarist from Texas, made a powerful comeback with his album "Still Alive and Well" after a two-year hiatus due to his struggle with heroin addiction. This marked a triumphant return for Winter, proving his resilience and passion for music.

Read The Full Article: 1973: A Very Good Year for Rock and Roll

Appendix: Johnny Winter 1973 Tour Dates