Theatre of Living Arts, Philadelphia

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1. 18 November 1998: Theatre of Living Arts, Philadelphia – Daniel Morrone Daniel Morrone reflects on his experience at a Johnny Winter concert in Philadelphia. While he anticipated some decline in Winter's performance based on prior reviews, he was still shocked by the legendary guitarist's frail appearance and weakened playing. Despite this disappointment, Morrone found solace in the opening act, Killin' Floor , a young and energetic blues band that captivated the audience. Though paying his respects to Winter, Morrone left feeling saddened by the state of the once-great musician, with hopes for his well-being.

2. 18 November 1998: Theatre of Living Arts, Philadelphia – A.C.M. A.C.M. shares a disheartening account of Johnny Winter's performance at the Theatre of Living Arts, describing how the guitarist appeared frail and lacked his once-fiery musical abilities. With missed notes, sluggish songs, and a weak voice, Winter’s performance was a shadow of his former self. A.C.M. compares this experience to a previous show years earlier, highlighting how much Winter’s condition had deteriorated. Saddened by the decline, A.C.M. reflects on the past, preferring to remember the iconic bluesman at his peak and expressing hope for Winter's recovery or stabilisation.

Both articles highlight the decline of Johnny Winter's health and performance while showing a deep respect for his legacy as a musician.

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

Wednesday, 18 November 1998: Theatre of Living Arts, Philadelphia
Review #1

I recently attended the Johnny Winter show on 18 November 1998 at the Theatre of Living Arts in Philadelphia. I was fully prepared for what transpired, only because I had been keeping up with the review section of this site. Still, I (along with everyone else in the audience) was nearly left in shock at the sight of Johnny Winter. His playing had faltered, and he looked as though he was nearing his own demise.

After the show, I heard an interesting analogy from someone who had been backstage when Johnny came offstage. They said that his management and entourage treated him like "an elderly grandmother." More specifically, it was like when your grandmother comes downstairs in a hideous floral print dress, and everyone feels obliged to tell her how beautiful she looks, and that she looks as good as she did 30 years ago. Apparently, his manager and company spoke to him in that way regarding his playing. It was rather sad...

On a brighter note, I was extremely impressed with the opening act, Killin' Floor , who truly stole the show. They were young (they couldn’t have been more than 20 years old) and highly energetic—reminding me of a young Johnny Winter. The crowd was absolutely enthused by the performance these young men put on. They played for an hour, and the audience (myself included) was mesmerised by every note. It’s refreshing to see a young, up-and-coming blues band that rocks so hard.

I picked up one of their flyers and plan to check them out again soon... You should too, if you're in the Philadelphia area.

We all paid our respects to the great Johnny Winter. I can only hope he does what is best for himself.

Daniel Morrone

18 November 1998: Theatre of Living Arts, Philadelphia
Review #2

I wish I could report that last night's Johnny Winter concert was a satisfying, memorable experience. As it is, I can only say it was memorable for all the wrong reasons. I last saw Johnny in Philly about four years ago, and while he didn’t look in tip-top shape, I felt he put on a good show. He did some flashy fretboard work and some tasty slide guitar.

The man I saw last night looked like Johnny Winter (only thinner) but played like a shadow of the man he once was. Aside from my shock at his appearance and mannerisms, I couldn’t muster much enthusiasm for the music he presented. The show kicked off with a tune (I didn’t make a setlist) so slow and middle-of-the-road, it sounded like a 45 played at 33 RPM. About three songs in, it became apparent that Johnny had also lost his singing chops. He managed a weak "Yeah" a few times, but his voice lacked any growl.

I’m not a guitarist, but I’ve heard a lot of blues tunes played by top guitarists, including Johnny himself. Last night, it sounded like he was missing and slurring notes left and right. There was very little fire in his playing, and the speed was clearly absent on all the songs. I’m guessing the Lazer guitar is about all he can manage to lift at this point. When he broke out the slide guitar (for just one song!), he sat down and held it in place with his body. He even struggled to attach the strap and amp cord on the larger guitar.

I am one year younger than Johnny Winter, yet he looked old enough to be my father. If you saw him on the street, bouncing from foot to foot with his eyes closed as he did onstage, you’d think he was a pathetic panhandler. Throughout the night, I kept thinking this might be the last tour of someone who, not too long ago, was a great rock/blues guitarist.

The concert lasted one hour, almost to the minute, before the band returned to play "Johnny Guitar" and one other song, then retired for good. I couldn’t believe how many people clapped, cheered, and yelled for Johnny. Apparently, these people had no comparison to earlier shows, or they would have been as distressed as I was.

I will try to forget this concert and instead focus on the Johnny Winter I saw playing with Rick Derringer so many years ago. I’ll dust off my old albums, put them on, and remember a better time. I hope somebody will do something to rehabilitate Johnny Winter or at least stabilise his condition so he doesn’t deteriorate further. The whole night left me feeling sad.

A.C.M.