Fillmore Concert, with Special Guest Eric Sardinas

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I just saw Johnny last night at the Fillmore. I'm glad I went—it was worth every penny and the 3-hour drive. I talked to a guy in line who flew down from Seattle just to see him and left his spouse at home because he could only get one ticket.

Here are my thoughts as honestly as I can express them, while still calling myself a loyal and supportive fan.

Johnny Winter Concert Poster with Special Guest Eric Sardinas

I was shocked! Even though I had read all the posts about Johnny's condition and believed I was prepared, seeing him in person was different. His feeble side-to-side sway, even when not playing, was noticeable. Yet, he still played with the confidence of a master, despite missing a few notes. At one point, he let out a powerful growl of a "yeah" that sent the crowd into a frenzy.

There was a fleeting moment of disorientation after performing Just A Little Bit. When he checked his watch, he moved his wrist slowly up to his face. Despite these observations, I couldn't tell whether he seemed happy to be performing.

Let me be clear: I was not disappointed. I was in the presence of greatness. I left the theater with the same feeling I had when I left St. Peter's Square after seeing the Pope.

Denise and I managed to find seats when we got inside. We met a bubbly albino girl sitting in the handicapped section next to us due to her eyesight. She lived just a few blocks away in Haight-Ashbury. She was excited to get up to the stage and catch Johnny's attention and tried to coax her friend (also albino) to go with her. After a little extra encouragement from us, the two girls finally went up to the front. It was quite heartwarming.

As I said, I'm glad I went. To anyone hesitating about going to see Johnny due to what they've read about him or concerns over Slatus’s motives, just go. Support him. Hopefully, Johnny is enjoying us just as much as we're enjoying him.

I also want to express my appreciation for Mark Epstein. His affection for Johnny was evident. He seemed to act as Johnny’s nurse or aide while performing, and I saw no signs of worry or exasperation in Mark’s eyes—just care and support. I didn’t notice Slatus, so I can’t comment on his attitude, but the whole group exuded an aura of love, not exploitation.

J.R.

I'm a long-time Johnny Winter fan, and last night I had the opportunity to see him at the Fillmore after not having heard much about him for many years. The last concert I attended was a Day on the Green at the Oakland Coliseum. I'm from the Bay Area, and during the 70s, Johnny played numerous times at Winterland, where I also saw him. That concert at the Coliseum was memorable because Edgar Winter and his band were there as well, and at one point, the two brothers played one of the most incredible sets I can ever remember. In his prime, Johnny was incredible to watch and hear, but ultimately, it was his blues playing style that gave him his roots. I learned a lot about the blues as a teenager by listening to Johnny Winter. I remember how it was with him then.

Last night's concert at the Fillmore was really a shock in the sense that Johnny shuffled, rather than bounded, onto the stage. His gait resembled that of an 80-year-old man, his voice was nearly gone, and his movements were sparse and small. He seems to be in the grip of a major health issue, and it was very apparent that whatever it is that has gotten hold of him will likely not let him go. However, despite this initial shock, one thing can truly be said: the blues shone through like a strong, sure beam of light piercing through dark clouds. His arm movements were limited, but his playing remained steadfast and sure. He sustained notes with a level of clarity that was unequalled by any performance I've seen from anyone in the last ten years. I managed to get right up to the front of the stage, where I could watch him play up close. As a fellow musician, I soaked in the music. Without the flash, without the rock, without theatrics, it was just Johnny and the music of his soul. It was wonderful!

The opening act was Eric Sardinas, who personified what Johnny might have been like 20 years ago. Eric's band was tight, his licks were flashy—he was flashy—in many ways, a young Johnny Winter prototype, sent to us for an hour to loosen us up.

The crowd was very supportive and called Johnny out for two encores, which, along with the set, kept him on stage for an hour and a half. The few idiots who were too filled with testosterone and alcohol to do anything but yell, "Let's rock and roll!" were quickly silenced by the onlookers around them and soon joined in giving this musical legend the respect he deserved. The most poignant moment for me came at the end of the encore when Johnny suddenly did a little twirl and attempted to let out one of his trademark growls. There wasn't a dry eye around. We cheered for a long time!

I don't know what's going on with him now, but as someone who has been down the road of addiction myself, I know the price we pay for our past actions is often very high. But he could still play that guitar, and in my opinion, better than ever!

After reading some of the other reviews, I felt compelled to write. It was an honor and a privilege to see Johnny Winter one more time. True, he has slowed down a bit, but he will always be one of the best gunslingers I’ve ever seen! He performed the NYC setlist with a few new wrinkles.

That being said, he deserves a lot better than the current bassist he's working with. They’re very protective of Johnny, and I understand why—he seems quite frail at this stage in his life. However, that manager of his doesn’t seem to care about either the fans or Johnny himself. In my opinion, he’s just looking for another payday. He directed the entire show from the sidelines, and I’ve never seen anything like it.

In closing, the place was sold out, of course, and the crowd gave Johnny the respect he so richly deserves. At one point, I actually saw him crack a smile.

We love you, Johnny Winter, and wish you the very best!

I am very sad.

I went to see my hero, Johnny Winter, last night, and what I saw was a very ill man. He wasn’t the Johnny I had seen in the past. He appeared weak, slow, and fragile.

I’m glad I went, though I feel that I have seen him for the last time.

Please keep this website going. Johnny has been a huge influence on my guitar playing and my music. I will do whatever I can to support this man in what feels like, and seems to be, his final days.

Thanks again,

Frank Giovanni

Johnny's performance last night at the Fillmore was both fantastic and quite a shock for us diehard Winter fans.

Johnny began his performance at 10:30 and played until midnight. The show included all the Live in NYC '97 songs, in order, along with Sick & Tired. As many fans have reported, Johnny appeared terribly emaciated and seemed disoriented during parts of the gig. Additionally, one side of the stage’s vocal amps went out for the last half of the show.

While it was a pleasure to see my favorite musician last night, it was heartbreaking to witness him in his current physical condition. Ironically, I first saw Johnny 25 years ago (5/26/73), just one block from the Fillmore at Winterland. That show was part of the Still Alive & Well return tour. What a difference the years make.

Anyway, I strongly suggest that any and all Johnny Winter fans see him soon, as I doubt his health will permit him to continue performing for much longer. But be prepared for the emotions that may come with seeing him now.

Greg Stahl

San Jose, CA

I saw Johnny Winter last night at the Fillmore West (1 May 1998). It was an excellent show. The first Johnny Winter show I saw was also at the Fillmore West (26 February 1970).

I was a little saddened by his state of health—he does not look well. I haven't heard of any specific health issues, but I wish him all the best. His music continues to move us all.

Mark

Before I left my house last Friday evening, I spoke to fellow poster Mr. Foster. If by any chance I managed to score a ticket to the already sold-out show, I hoped to meet Steve and his friend Ron. I drove 80 miles up to San Francisco, and by the time I found a parking spot, it was about 8:45 p.m. I headed straight for the crowd outside. It seemed like there were more people looking for tickets than scalpers, and I started to worry, but I found one ticket for $50 and went for it. The last time I was at the Fillmore had to have been 10 years ago when John Mayall opened for Johnny Winter.

After reading the latest reviews, I was prepared for the worst. The opening act, Eric Sardinas, was pretty good and got the crowd moving. He looked like a cross between Slash and Ted Nugent but played like Johnny did 10 years ago, with some great slide work like Roy Rogers. The guy was full of energy and even left the stage during the set to go through the crowd. It was the first Johnny Winter show I’ve been to where the usual chants of "JOHNNY! JOHNNY!" didn’t happen for the opening act.

Between sets, I went upstairs, hoping to find a big guy wearing a ball cap with "Johnny’s Towing" on it. I figured it was a long shot but tried anyway. I spotted the hat and met Ron, and then a few minutes later, I met Steve. That was probably the highlight of the evening for me.

Now, as for Johnny's performance, I thought I was prepared for the worst after reading the reviews, but during Hideaway, I almost left. I couldn’t believe this was Johnny playing—it was much worse than I had expected. In the 20 years I’ve seen Johnny live, I have never felt as awkward as I did that night. I started to feel sorry for the two other guys on stage, who were constantly trying to guess when each song might end. It was heartbreaking to see my guitar hero struggle just to walk. The crowd cheered loudly at times, but I think most people were doing it out of respect for the man.

Johnny is definitely too sick to keep this up. I wouldn’t be surprised if this is his last tour. I think Steve might be right about Teddy—he seems to be holding together a situation that feels like it’s about to collapse. I just read that Johnny is set to play on House of Blues this week. If it’s televised, I’ll watch it, but I think I just attended my last Johnny show.

I saw Johnny play at the Fillmore in San Francisco on Friday night.

I’m only 23 years old and haven’t had the experience that some other contributors to your website have had. This was the first live Johnny Winter show I’ve seen, but I’ve been listening to his incredible music for years and have watched his performances on TV. I’m a big, big fan. What I saw last night, from the very front, was heartbreaking. This was not Johnny but a mere shadow of him. The fragile man I saw in front of me clearly does not belong on stage—he belongs in a hospital. Many reviews I’ve read say the same thing. He looked so out of it, with his eyes closed—it just wasn’t right to let him go on stage. I can’t express how sad I felt looking at his face.

I’m writing not only to express my feelings but also to ask for your help. As a fellow Johnny fan, you may feel the same way. Is Johnny being led around by others, perhaps his manager? He obviously needs immediate help, or he’s going to die. What can we do? Is there anyone out there who can help? Is there anyone we can turn to? Can we get in touch with Slatus? How can we raise awareness of Johnny’s terrible situation?

On Friday night, I thought maybe this was just a one-night thing, that Johnny might be on drugs or something. But after reading reviews of his other shows this year, I’m certain he needs help right away.

HELP!

Uri Golan

I've been a Johnny Winter fan since Second Winter came out and have seen him live many times. This was the best I’ve ever seen him. During the first song, I realized he had little energy and had lost his ability to "fly" on the guitar. I was quite concerned that he might embarrass himself. But from the second song onward, his music moved me to a joyous, almost spiritual state.

At past shows, Johnny would play every riff he knew within the first two songs. He’d play so many notes without pause that I sometimes got bored. But at the Fillmore, he used his mind, not just his once incredible ability and speed. He listened to the tone of his guitar, chose his notes with skill, and built to the right climaxes at the perfect moments. For the first time that I’ve seen him, he wasn’t in a hurry.

I kept thinking—he is a master.

Steve Stover