Photo Gallery of Johnny Winter at Massey Hall, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

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Johnny Winter's concert was filmed and subsequently released on Laserdisc, marking a significant moment in his career. Originally released in 1984, this concert showcases Winter's mastery of the blues-rock genre, capturing his electric performances during a period when his influence on the genre was at its peak. The Laserdisc format, known for its superior audio-visual quality compared to other media at the time, helped immortalize this live performance. Winter's distinctive guitar work and powerful stage presence are central to the release, making it a noteworthy addition to his legacy and a sought-after item for collectors of vintage music media.

Johnny Winter performing live at Massey Hall in Toronto, 1983. He is wearing a large black cowboy hat adorned with a feather, his long platinum blond hair spilling from underneath. Dressed in a deep black shirt unbuttoned at the chest, he leans forward with intense concentration, his lips pressed firmly together as if channeling emotion through his guitar. Warm orange and red stage lights glow behind him, casting dramatic shadows across his face and silhouette, while the blurred shapes of drums and cymbals shimmer faintly in the background.

This photo captures Johnny Winter in full command of the stage during his 1983 performance at Massey Hall in Toronto. His unmistakable platinum blond hair flows from beneath a tall black cowboy hat, decorated with a small plume that catches the stage light. The hat, tilted forward, frames his sharp features and shadows his eyes, adding a sense of mystery and intensity.

Dressed in a sleek, deep black shirt left partly open at the chest, Winter’s expression is one of focused passion. His lips are drawn tightly together, as though channeling the raw emotion of the music directly through his body and into the guitar. The moment is frozen at the height of performance, his concentration palpable to the audience.

Behind him, the stage is bathed in fiery hues of orange and red light, creating a dramatic, almost molten backdrop. Blurred drum hardware and cymbals shimmer in the distance, while the edge of his guitar, gleaming under the lights, hints at the blistering solos for which he was renowned. The photograph conveys not only his iconic image but also the atmosphere of electric energy and intensity that defined his live performances.

Wednesday, 6 April 1983: Massey Hall, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Laserdisc: Johnny Winter Live in Toronto - 1983 LR 321 50 mins live at Massey Hall,

Produced and directed by: Stan Jacobson, Laser Video Disco VPLR-70415, VAP Video Super Rock Series

  • Johnny Winter Band
  • Johnny Winter - Guitar, Vocals
  • Jon Paris - Bass, Harmonica, Vocals
  • Bobby Torello (misspelled as Bobby Turello) - Drums
Setlist
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  • Hideaway
  • Rock'n'roll hoochie koo
  • Stranger in Town
  • Unseen eye
  • Sweet papa john
  • Medley: mean town blues [with slide guitar jam] / I can't be satisfied [love this beat!] / rollin' & tumblin'
  • Highway 61 revisited
  • Johnny B. Goode
  • Jumpin' jack flash
  • It's all over now

Johnny Winter Live in Toronto

At present, this show can also be found on YouTube, offering a glimpse of Johnny Winter during his top days. The energy is palpable, and Winter is at his finest, particularly during his rendition of "Highway 61 Revisited" Watch for the blistering slide work — it's a masterclass in the raw, unfiltered power of blues-rock, a perfect example of what made Winter such a force on stage. Even years later, his performance still cuts through, reminding us why he remains an icon in the blues world.

Photo #1 of Johnny Winter Live at Massey Hall, Toronto 1983
Photo #1 of Johnny Winter Live at Massey Hall, Toronto 1983

Photo #2 of Johnny Winter Live at Massey Hall, Toronto 1983
Photo #2 of Johnny Winter Live at Massey Hall, Toronto 1983

Photo #3 of Johnny Winter Live at Massey Hall, Toronto 1983
Photo #3 of Johnny Winter Live at Massey Hall, Toronto 1983

Photo #4 of Johnny Winter Live at Massey Hall, Toronto 1983
Photo #4 of Johnny Winter Live at Massey Hall, Toronto 1983

Photo #5 of Johnny Winter Live at Massey Hall, Toronto 1983
Photo #5 of Johnny Winter Live at Massey Hall, Toronto 1983

Photo #6 of Johnny Winter Live at Massey Hall, Toronto 1983
Photo #6 of Johnny Winter Live at Massey Hall, Toronto 1983