As much as I wanted to see Johnny Winter perform, I was a bit apprehensive about seeing this show; I was worried that his reported health issues would prevent this from being a quality show. I’m pleased to report that my fears went unfounded – Johnny is still very much a master!

Johnny Winter

Johnny is touring to celebrate his 70th birthday, which is February 23rd. He may look his age, but the way his fingers move across the guitar strings proves he is ageless! Johnny clearly loves being on stage, and the Bull Run stage was ideal for him.  From the moment he sat down, he played almost as if his life depended on the sold-out crowd’s reaction to him. Everyone was there because they adore him and the audience definitely showed him the love.

Johnny

The set list was all covers, which meant that I knew almost everything he played. My favorite song of the show was Bob Dylan’s “Highway 61 Revisited” – wow! Also on the set list were “Johnny B. Goode”, “Got My Mojo Working”, and “Dust My Broom.” He covered blues greats such as Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, and the Rolling Stones.

His band is excellent and backs him up well. The members are Tommy Curiale on drums, Scott Spray on bass, and Paul Nelson on guitar.

Tommy Curiale

Scott Spray

Paul Nelson

Johnny has an enigmatic smile that appeared a few times during the set (unfortunately I wasn’t able to capture it); it showed me that he isn’t going to stop performing until his fingers can’t play the strings any longer. He clearly loves what he does, and that always comes through during a performance.

I recommend seeing him. Look past his physical condition and listen to the music. You won’t be disappointed.

Johnny and Paul

Jonny and Paul

Johnny

Paul