Johnny Winter 28 January 1987: Melibokushalle Zwingenberg, Germany

- The 3rd Degree Tour '87

On the cold winter night of Wednesday, January 28th, 1987, the Melibokushalle in Zwingenberg, Germany, was set ablaze with the raw energy of Johnny Winter’s “The 3rd Degree” Tour. Fans holding their printed tickets — priced at 25 Deutsche Marks in advance or 30 at the door — streamed into the venue, anticipating an electrifying evening of blues-rock mastery. Backed by his fiery guitar work and gravelly voice, Winter was joined by the legendary special guest Dr. John the Nighttripper, promising a night of unrelenting rhythm, swampy New Orleans grooves, and searing solos.

The intimate yet charged atmosphere of Melibokushalle, coupled with the strict “no bottles, no recording devices” policy printed on every ticket, ensured that the focus was entirely on the music. As the lights dimmed and the amplifiers hummed, Johnny Winter stepped onto the stage — ready to deliver a performance that would burn brightly in the memories of everyone lucky enough to be there.

On stage in Melibokushalle, Zwingenberg, on January 28, 1987, blues-rock guitarist Johnny Winter stands before a microphone. Tall and lean, with long pale hair under a black cowboy hat, he wears a sleeveless black vest revealing tattooed arms and faded blue jeans, while playing a sleek black electric guitar. Warm red and golden stage lights bathe him and the surrounding equipment in a vibrant glow. Behind him, a drum kit on a raised platform and amplifiers fill the dim background, creating an intimate yet powerful concert atmosphere.

Bathed in the vivid warmth of red and golden stage lights, Johnny Winter, the legendary blues-rock guitarist, commands the Melibokushalle stage in Zwingenberg. His long, pale hair flows from beneath a wide-brimmed black cowboy hat as he leans into the microphone, delivering vocals with a focused and intense expression.

Clad in a sleeveless black vest that reveals his tattooed arms and faded blue jeans, Winter grips a sleek black electric guitar, its polished surface catching glints of the spotlight. Behind him, a drum kit perched on a raised platform and a wall of amplifiers stand ready, while cables snake across the floor. The air is charged with the energy of this 1987 performance, every note resonating through the packed venue.

On stage in Melibokushalle, Zwingenberg, on January 28, 1987, blues-rock guitarist Johnny Winter is captured mid-performance. Wearing a black cowboy hat, sleeveless patterned vest, and blue jeans, his long pale hair hangs over his shoulders. Tattoos cover his bare arms and chest, visible under the open vest. He smiles broadly while playing a sleek black electric guitar, leaning slightly forward. Warm amber and cool blue stage lights illuminate him, with a drummer and bassist faintly visible in the background, enhancing the vibrant live concert energy.

Under a striking blend of warm amber and cool blue stage lights, Johnny Winter exudes charisma and energy during his 1987 performance at Melibokushalle, Zwingenberg. His trademark long, pale hair flows from beneath a black cowboy hat, framing a smiling face that reflects his joy in the music.

Wearing a sleeveless, vividly patterned vest left open to reveal his tattooed chest and arms, along with faded blue jeans, Winter leans into his sleek black electric guitar, fingers deftly working the fretboard. Behind him, the blurred forms of the drummer and bassist add depth to the scene, completing the vibrant, electric atmosphere of this unforgettable night.

On stage in Melibokushalle, Zwingenberg, on January 28, 1987, blues-rock guitarist Johnny Winter performs with a smile. Wearing a black cowboy hat and sleeveless denim vest with red stitching, his long pale hair drapes over his shoulders. Tattoos cover his bare arms and chest, visible beneath the open vest. He plays a sleek black electric guitar close to his chest under warm amber and cool blue stage lights. The background shows blurred silhouettes of stage equipment and another musician, capturing the vibrant atmosphere of the live concert.

Smiling warmly under the glow of amber and blue stage lights, Johnny Winter delivers a moment of pure blues-rock magic during his 1987 performance at Melibokushalle, Zwingenberg. His signature long, pale hair flows from beneath a black cowboy hat, partly shadowing his eyes and adding to his iconic stage presence.

Clad in a sleeveless denim vest accented with red stitching, left open to reveal his tattooed arms and chest, Winter holds a sleek black electric guitar close, fingers deftly working the fretboard. Behind him, the softly blurred outlines of stage gear and another musician frame the scene, immersing the viewer in the electric energy of the night.

On stage in Melibokushalle, Zwingenberg, on January 28, 1987, blues-rock guitarist Johnny Winter is captured mid-performance, leaning into a dynamic guitar solo. Wearing a black cowboy hat, sleeveless patterned vest, and blue jeans, his long pale hair drapes over his shoulders. Tattoos cover his arms as he grips a sleek black electric guitar. Warm amber lights from the left and cool blue lights from the right create a dramatic contrast. In the background, a drummer and bassist are visible, enhancing the sense of a full-band, high-energy concert.

Leaning into a powerful guitar solo under contrasting stage lights, Johnny Winter electrifies the crowd at Melibokushalle, Zwingenberg. His trademark long, pale hair spills from beneath a black cowboy hat as he stands poised at the microphone stand, absorbed in the music.

Clad in a sleeveless patterned vest and blue jeans, his tattooed arms move fluidly over the sleek black electric guitar. To the left, warm amber light bathes the drummer and his kit, while to the right, cool blue light highlights the bassist, capturing the vibrant energy and visual drama of this unforgettable 1987 performance.

Concert ticket for Johnny Winter's performance at Melibokushalle, Zwingenberg, on Wednesday, January 28, 1987. The ticket prominently features large bold text with the artist's name against a patterned background of repeated promoter names. It includes event details such as 'The 3rd Degree Tour '87,' special guest Dr. John the Nighttripper, venue and date, ticket prices of DM 25 in advance and DM 30 at the door, and rules regarding age restrictions, prohibited items, and entry conditions. Ticket number 180 is printed at the bottom.

This original concert ticket announces Johnny Winter's appearance at Melibokushalle, Zwingenberg, on Wednesday, January 28, 1987, as part of his The 3rd Degree Tour '87. Dominated by bold, oversized lettering of his name, the design overlays a background pattern repeating the names of the presenting promoters, Musik Service GmbH and Hänsel Konzerte.

The ticket details list special guest Dr. John the Nighttripper, along with the start time of 20:00, advance sale price of DM 25 (plus 7% MwSt), and door price of DM 30. Additional printed rules outline age restrictions, non-refundable policies, and bans on bottles, cans, and recording equipment. The ticket bears the printed number 180, marking it as a tangible memento of this memorable night.