I too was privileged to 'open' for Johnny Winter in November of 2006. Due to a screw up by the club owner we ended up closing for Mr. Winter. We could have opened but it would have been an hour earlier than we had advertised and none of our people would have been there. We chose to close for him. He was very frail but awesome, nonetheless. It was amazing that a guy who could barely walk was able to play and sing with such power. He was an early influence on my guitar player so you can guess who was super pumped about the whole thing.
I hear what you're saying about him being protected. He was escorted onstage by two assistants and escorted offstage by the same two fellows. As he came off of the stage after his set I was standing in the wings waiting to make the changeover. He walked right past me but I didn't have the heart to even speak to him, as he looked so frail. I wanted to tell him how much I enjoyed his set but it just didn't seem like the appropriate thing to do at the time. Yes, he will be missed.
M. M.
I think it was the first time we opened for JW and were told the usual opening act dressing room [which left little to be desired anyway] wouldn't be available but we could use the basement [even worse]. JW's road manager repeatedly popped his head in and announced "don't bother Johnny!". The beer sales record for the club was broken that night, a full house. When we cued the sound man that the end of our set was getting near he kept telling us one more. Then another, and so on. Johnny was late. Ended up doing an hour and a half. We got a great reception but after a while the crowd got a little itchy, can't blame them. Johnny finally showed and killed them, all was good with the world.
Over the years the next three times were much the same except JW was punctual so we got in and got out, which worked for us cause we were headed to another gig. Four shows with the guy and never laid eyes on him. But it was a thrill to be part of it.
