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In 1982, Johnny Winter, already a blues-rock icon, was renowned for his fiery slide guitar and collaborations with legends like Muddy Waters. While he released no new albums that year, his powerful live performances and dedication to blues kept him a revered figure in the music world.
In 1982, Johnny Winter was already an established name in the blues and rock world. Having spent the 1970s and early 1980s building a reputation as a blazing guitar virtuoso, he had distinguished himself as one of the premier interpreters of American blues. His guitar work, particularly his slide guitar technique, was widely admired, and his energetic performances set him apart as a performer deeply rooted in the tradition of the blues, yet with a modern rock edge.
By the early 1980s, Winter had already worked with blues legends like Muddy Waters, producing and playing on several of Waters' Grammy-winning albums, including Hard Again (1977), I'm Ready (1978), and King Bee (1981). His collaboration with Muddy Waters was significant in revitalizing the latter’s career and further cemented Winter's place in blues history.
Although 1982 didn’t see the release of any new albums from Winter, he remained an active figure on the blues scene, consistently touring and performing live. His high-energy concerts and dedication to the genre earned him a loyal following, and he was respected as a bridge between the traditional blues of the past and the modern blues-rock sound. His live performances during this time were a showcase of his guitar prowess and his passionate commitment to the blues.
In the early 1980s, Johnny Winter was transitioning into a phase of his career where he would continue to be revered as a blues purist, honoring the roots of the music while inspiring younger generations of guitarists. Although he wasn't releasing new material in 1982, his influence and presence in the blues community remained strong, and he was still recognized as one of the most important figures in modern blues.
Johnny Winter's performances in the second half of 1982, a typical setlist would include the following songs, which appeared consistently across multiple shows during this period:
1. Hideaway – A blues instrumental, often used to open the show.
2. Messin' With The Kid – A regular feature early in the set.
3. Prodigal Son – Frequently performed at most shows.
4. Walking By Myself or Unseen Eye – One of these would typically be included.
5. The Same Thing – A staple of his mid-set blues numbers.
6. Mean Town Blues – A lengthy, high-energy performance often paired with an extended slide guitar jam.
7. Bony Moronie – This rock ‘n’ roll classic, often with a drum solo by Bobby Torello.
8. Highway 61 Revisited – The Bob Dylan cover was a prominent feature towards the end of the set.
9. Johnny B. Goode – Another rock classic that regularly appeared in the latter part of the show.
10. It's All Over Now – Used frequently as an encore.
Occasional additions or variations included songs like Diving Duck , Help Me , Jumpin' Jack Flash , or other blues standards, but the core of the setlist remained fairly consistent throughout his 1982 performances.
