Farewell to Winter?

Guitar legend Johnny Winter returns, but is it for the last time?

A year ago, one of the world’s most iconic guitarists returned to the UK after many years of absence. Blues legend Johnny Winter looked frail as he walked on the stage of Newcastle’s Carling Academy, but like all true greats, he soon found the energy to deliver one of the best concerts I have ever seen. Shrouded in his big brimmed Texan hat, he proved to over a thousand people that he could still play as though his hands were on fire. A blues guitarist with a rock n’ roll soul.

I was not the only one impressed, the other thousand fans cheered and applauded the master at work. Talking to him after the gig, Winter told me, “It’s been a long while since I was here and this was our first gig on the UK tour, we did not know what to expect. Can you believe those folks? [audience] they were incredible, what a welcome, what a return. If we come back next year, I’ll be looking for Newcastle. It was a fantastic gig.”

That same night the tour manager said that Johnny had met over 100 fans as they queued at the door of his Motorhome. He was determined to sign autographs and meet anyone who wanted to meet him and he did just that. Legends rarely live up to expectations, but Winter’s performance surpassed mine. Reports from his US management say that he has put on weight, is exercising regularly and is fitter than he has been in many years. Despite that good news, it is rumoured that this will be his last UK tour.

He is expected to continuing with selected gigs in America, with some special festival dates, but I reckon this forthcoming May concert will be the last chance we get to see him in Newcastle. An opportunity you should not let slip. I was at the excellent Joe Bonamassa gig last month, so I hope some of the new converts to the blues who were there, will take this golden opportunity to see one of the great legends in full flow.

The high quality of the support band makes this an extra special gig. Dr Feelgood have a justified reputation as one of Europe’s top live bands. We are promised an hour of raucous Rhythm & Blues with classics like Down At The Doctors, Roxanne and Milk & Alcohol. Get in early to check out the superb Robert Kane on vocals and Steve Walwyn letting rip on lead guitar is well worth seeing. Ian Mathews

If you are going to one gig this year, go and see Johnny Winter and Dr Feelgood at the Carling Academy, Newcastle on Wednesday 7^th May. Both seated and standing tickets are £22.50 available from 0844 477 2000 or online from www.ticketweb.co.uk