JOHNNY WINTER in 1975

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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.

Photo of Johnny Winter - https://vinyl-records.nl/

Johnny Winter in 1975

Johnny Winter Electrifies Winterland, But Strives for Perfection
Saturday, 25 January 1975 - Winterland, San Francisco

Synopsis: This review captures a performance by legendary blues guitarist Johnny Winter at Winterland, where he performed for both longtime fans and new followers, attracted by his younger brother Edgar's success. Despite a career resurgence after overcoming struggles with drugs, Winter still grapples with delivering the perfect show. Backed by a skilled band, he opened with a John Lennon-penned track and showcased new material from *John Dawson Winter III*, allowing his guitarist Floyd Radford the spotlight. While some extended blues jams slowed the set’s pace, Winter redeemed the performance with "Johnny B. Goode" and two encores, including the Rolling Stones' "Jumpin' Jack Flash." Despite the crowd's enthusiastic response, Winter rated his performance lower than his previous show in Sacramento, aiming for improvement in upcoming performances.

Read The Full Review: Johnny Winter Electrifies Winterland,

Winter Without Surprises
29 January 1975 Long Beach Independent

By Denise Kusel Staff Writer

John Dawson Winter III didn’t pull any surprises with his promised "new image" Sunday night.

It was just Johnny Winter and tight rock and roll that brought a sell-out crowd at the Long Beach Arena to its feet when he powered through "Boney Maroney," "Jumpin' Jack Flash," and a brilliant finale with "Rock Me Baby."

The guitar work of Randy Hobbs made it evident that Winter will be on the lookout for a new man for the second guitar spot. Hobbs was just that good. He played an exciting guitar and worked in some highly intricate riffs to show off his skills. Hobbs, who plays in a style reminiscent of Rick Derringer, is going places.

Meanwhile, John Dawson Winter isn’t exactly standing still, although he lacked the flamboyant approach he used in his Long Beach concert last year.

Wearing patched jeans, a black short-sleeve shirt, and lengths of red scarf, Winter encountered sound difficulties with a wayward monitor before settling into an excellent slide guitar solo in Bob Dylan’s "Highway 61" and then cooked into "Johnny B. Goode" with his band in hot pursuit.

A receptive audience demanded (and received) two encores. It wasn’t the pre-"Still Alive and Well" Johnny Winter, but his music had more purpose and was played with clearer direction than before... even if the intensity with which he punctuated his performance was down a notch or two.

The James Cotton Blues Band opened the show with its back-street Detroit boogie sound.

The band provided some good moments, but overall, suffered from a lack of creative exploration, preferring instead to travel well-worn paths.

Source & Full Article: 75-01-29 Long Beach Independent.pdf

2nd Johnny Winter Comeback 'Good'
Elyria, OH Chronicle Telegram

This review covers Johnny Winter’s record-breaking performance at Winterland in San Francisco, where he impressed both longtime fans and newcomers. Despite past struggles with substance abuse, Winter delivered a high-energy set featuring songs from his new album John Dawson Winter III and classics like "Johnny B. Goode." Backed by a strong band, Winter captivated the audience, though he personally rated the show a modest seven out of ten, promising to push harder in future performances.

Read The Full Article: 2nd Johnny Winter Comeback 'Good'

High-Volume Rock by Johnny Winter now in Top Hat
Tuesday, 1 April 1975 - Felt Forum in New York City

Johnny Winter, making his annual New York pilgrimage at the Felt Forum on Tuesday, seemed changed only in appearance. Gone were the flowing caftans; now a top hat, somewhat battered, is the only sartorially bizarre effect. Remaining is the same screechy attack on the blues-rock form that has characterized the Texas musician since he burst charismatically onto the music scene in 1968.

He has survived (and Mr. Winter over the years has had many problems) more or less intact, perhaps leaning toward rock a little harder, laying back on the basic blues. But there was too much familiarity in his performance—the drive is the same, only the tempo changes; it just falls short of slickness. Mr. Winter also believes that his sound volume can clear a sinus just as surely as it can clog the Forum's aisles. His is an unruly, movable audience, doomed to boogie. It is an interesting effect when, for instance, his quartet lumbers into the rock oldie "Bony Moronie" with enough bass vibrations to make the producers of "Earthquake" envious, and the audience stomps happily around.

Supporting was James Cotton's Blues Band. He is a minor but genuine figure in the Chicago electric blues scene, and the exposure he gets with Mr. Winter is very worthwhile.

Source: 75-04-10 New York Times.pdf

Winter Evokes Warmth
13 April 1975 Hartford Courant

By J. GREG ROBERTSON

Winter is still with us, thank heavens. Johnny Winter, that is.

Far down the comeback trail after a bout with drugs several years ago, the dynamic blues and rock star had ’em shouting for more Friday night at the Springfield Civic Center.

As perhaps the best blues electric guitar picker (Eric Clapton is an only occasional rival), Winter instills a fair amount of blues funk into his rock playing.

“Rock & Roll People,” Winter’s loud opening tribute to the young audience, obviously got him off on the right foot.

During his performance, the albino Texan brought out a cross-section of rock and roll hits: Larry Williams’ “Boney Maronie,” a long version of Bob Dylan’s “Highway 61,” Chuck Berry's “Johnny B. Goode,” and a wild encore rendition of the Rolling Stones’ ‘‘Jumpin’ Jack Flash.” Winter has retreated hits out of all of them.

But perhaps the most rewarding selection of the evening was a long, nearly-slow straight blues. Hunched forward with his fingers twitching lightly over the frets, he ground out a long instrumental solo and then added his deep, earthy vocal before his three able side-men joined in for the finish. (Just wishful thinking, I know, but it sure would be nice to hear Johnny Winter devote a night to the blues in a small club setting.)

Successfully setting the tone for the event, a Cornucopia-WHCN production, was blues harmonica player James Cotton and his four-man band.

Source & Full Article: 75-04-13 Hartford Courant.pdf

Bowling Green announcement:
1 June 1975 Bowling Green State University's Doyt L. Perry stadium.

Featuring six big-name rock groups and two renown solo performers. the "Poe Ditch Music Festival" will be held June 1 at Bowling Green State University's Doyt L. Perry stadium.

Johnny Winter and Richie Havens will do their sole thing while groups on hand will be Golden Earring. Montrose, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. Styx, Pure Prairie League and Outlaws. Gates at the fully equipped 30.000 seat. stadium open at 9:30 a.m. with the show beginning lat 11:30 a.m. rain or shine. Tickets cost $10 at the door or $8 in advance at the following Marion locations: The Toggery, Southland Mall.

Rock Fans Burn Press Box After Concert Cancellation

Synopsis: BOWLING GREEN, Ohio (AP) — Angry rock fans set fire to the press box at Bowling Green State University's Doyt-Perry Stadium after a rainstorm forced the cancellation of headliner performances at the Poe Ditch Music Festival. The estimated 33,000 attendees became unruly when acts Johnny Winter and Golden Earring couldn’t perform, throwing bottles and starting a fire. Despite a strong security presence, the situation escalated. The event, which aimed to raise $35,000 for the university's athletic program, had otherwise gone smoothly until the weather disruption.

Read The Full Story On: Rock Fans Burn Press Box After Concert Cancellation

Yes to Headline Summerfest at Rich Stadium, July 12, 1975
Saturday 12 July 1975 Summerfest at the Stadium , Rich Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y.

One of Britain's best-known bands, the Yes, will be headlining the Saturday, July 12, "Summerfest at the Stadium" concert at Rich Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y.

Rock and roll star Johnny Winter, the J. Geils Band and an English group, Ace, are also scheduled to perform at the concert beginning at 5 p.m., "rain or shine:" Gates to the stadium are to open at 3 p.m.

Sponsored by Festival East Concerts, Belkin Productions and radio station Q-FM-97, the concert series last year drew more than 150,000 fans to its shows. Four expressway interchanges within a four-mile radius of the stadium, and numerous other traffic arteries in the area, make reaching the stadium convenient. Tickets for the Yes-Winter-Getls-Ace concert are $8 advance and $10 at the gate.

A post comment after the concert: Many arrested at rockfest

BUFFALO (AP) - Erie County Sheriff's Department has arrested scores of young people on various narcotics charges at the Summerfest rock concert at Rich Stadium in suburban Orchard Park.

"The number right now is 60 arrests and we're still counting," a deputy said yesterday. The first of about 35,000 rockmusic fans began arriving at the open-air stadium yesterday morning. The music, provided by rock groups Yes, the J. Geils Ban, Ace and the Johnny Winter Group, began about 5 p.m. and was scheduled to continue uninterupted until midnight.

Source & Full Article: 75-07-13 Syracuse.pdf

A Night to Remember: The Legendary 1975 Johnny and Edgar Winter Concert in San Diego
Thursday, 18 September 1975: San Diego Sports Arena

This concert, part of a three-date tour, was instrumental in recording the Johnny Winter Captured Live! album. Two of the shows on this brief tour also contributed to the recording of the Johnny and Edgar Winter/Together live album. The Edgar Winter Group, featuring Rick Derringer, opened the event. During their set, Dan Hartman picked up a Fender Stratocaster and played a tribute to Jimi Hendrix, as 18 September marked the anniversary of Hendrix's death.

Johnny Winter's band followed, delivering an electric performance. As his set concluded and the house lights came on, about three-quarters of the audience began to leave. However, an unexpected announcement came over the PA system, revealing a special recording session for the Johnny and Edgar Winter/Together album. Those who had stayed, including my friends and I, had noticed that instead of removing equipment from the stage, the road crew was adding more.

What followed was a legendary performance, with all members of Johnny's and Edgar's bands taking the stage together. The concert wrapped up at around 2:15 am, and as captured on both albums, it remains one of the most memorable live events of the 1970s.

Notably, the San Bernardino show from this tour was later broadcast on Broadcast Week Retro Rock in 1982.

Concert Notes: Edgar Winter, Johnny Winter, and Lynyrd Skynyrd at Oakland Coliseum
Saturday, 20 September 1975 - Oakland Stadium

A lot of fine Southern rock 'n' roll came down in Oakland last Saturday as Bill Graham's 1975 Coliseum Stadium series concluded. More than 41,000 were in attendance, which far exceeded expectations. Edgar Winter delivered his smoothest performance ever in the Bay Area. His rock-glam band was led by Rick Derringer on lead guitar and Dan Hartman on bass.

Johnny Winter was sensational on lead guitar, although he struggled with consistency and had trouble with the introduction licks on several tunes.

Lynyrd Skynyrd, one of the hottest Southern rock bands, stole the show. Led by Ronnie Van Zant on vocals, this powerful act delivered a strong hour and 10-minute set, ending with an incredible 14-minute version of "Free Bird" and "Sweet Home Alabama."

"We gave it our best try, and I think the folks in the audience knew that and really appreciated our all-out effort," said Van Zant, Skynyrd’s lead vocalist.

The controlled jam that ended the day was somewhat disappointing due to its restraint. The 45-minute session featured the two Winter brothers, who played smoothly together, but nothing sensational emerged. A few years ago, when Johnny Winter participated in a jam, it was something to talk about for years—but not anymore.

APPENDIX: Johnny Winter 1975 Tour Dates

Many of the concerts in 1975 where done with the "James Cotton Blues Band" as supporting act

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