Years ago Ella Fitzgerald came to play in Buffalo. The day of the performance I was talking to the critic that was reviewing the show. He said that he had most of the review written before the performance. I opined that this seemed a touch dishonest. He said the woman is 70 years old and the Queen of Jazz. The very least I can do is give her the kindest review possible due a person of her stature.
I saw him perhaps 10 years ago or so.
He still “had it” then. But he spent more time talking than playing.
Bet 99% of the rude ones were those typical self-important 20-something college age pricks, and recent graduates who are told all day long how “important” they are.
His performance was just awful at that time.
Spent more time talking, if one could call his verbal ramblings, talking, than playing a single note. His "band" were not too concerned about needing to play a single note either!
I was both embarrassed for him but also steamed to have paid for a couple of tickets plus parking for this event.
Some in the audience quietly mumbled and muttered their disgust at what was being foisted at us, in the name of a "musical performance, but there was no heckling going on in Kansas City. We're far more polite than St. Louis (who must be getting audience participation hints from Chicago.)
Smile.....
awww... this makes me sad... but all-in-all, it seems the crowd just yelled out songs they wanted to hear...
King isn’t my favorite blues musician but his quest to die while playing the guitar is admirable.
That doesn't give them the right to act like drunken boars. Even if B.B. King lip-syncs and manages to make it out on stage, he is entitled to some polite applause for what he's accomplished in the past.
We have a nice little restored old-fashioned 400 seat theater in town where some of the past greats perform for $15 or less tickets.
It is a nice way for the elder generation to show the younger generation some past entertainment greats and a way for some of the past entertainment greats to enjoy a little limelight and make a little pocket money for a quiet, respectful crowd.
If you want to act like a drunken boar, there are rock concerts and NHL games for that.
This is sad. He probably needs the money. The same thing happened to John Lee Hooker. The last time I saw John Lee Hooker, he didnt play that much, but there were other musicians on stage with him picking up the slack so the show went fairly smoothly. I saw him the first time in Missoula in the 70s or 80s and the second time I don’t remember when or where but there had been a noticeable decline.
I saw BB King for the first time in the 70s in the University of Montana ballroom ,which is a wonderful, intimate venue. I remember there was some baby-kissing. I saw him again in Seattle in the 90s, another great show, but less intimate.
I’m 51 and been playing guitar since I was around 13, and already I can feel my fingers ain’t what they use to be. This guy is 37 years older than me which is inconceivable. I mean just think: 37 years ago the 2nd worst President in US history Jimmy Carter took office, a new movie called Star Wars opened in theaters, Elvis and Charlie Chaplin died, and disco was constantly on the radio. It seems like a lifetime ago, I can’t even imagine what it’s like to live all those years from then to now again.
Saw John Lee Hooker many years back at an Englewood NJ performance, backed by the Robert Cray band. He came out around 1:00 am, sat down, got his guitar ready and shouted ‘Lets Boogie’. Then proceeded to play great for about 2 hrs. He was no ‘spring chicken’ then.
Chuck Berry is still around himself and he is past his prime but he keeps on going from time to time. B.B. said he was retiring but came back. For some they can’t stay away for long. I saw B.B. a few times between 1988 and 1996. I haven’t kept up with him in recent years. another old guy who is around is Jerry Lewis. John Lee Hooker played till death so I imagine B.B. will out the same.
Yep,it’s time for him to go home———and I’m not far behind him.
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Poor man. We saw him perform, I believe about ten years ago. He was wonderful.
I saw BB King about 1991 (with Leon Russell) at the Coash House in San Juan Capistrano, California.
At that time BB said he was turning 65 and would no longer tour. Turned out he continued touring.
Making it to 88 before the performance drops off is quite a feat. Hats off to the man.
-PJ
I love music as much as anyone, but this comment “To be in the same room as him and breathe the same air is an honor and a privilege” strikes me as over the top, and the mindset that caused this individual to speak it is a big part of what is wrong with our nation and world.
He makes, or made good music...that doesn’t make him anything other than a fine musician.
I used to see him just about every year at the Saratoga Jazz Festival in the 80’s. He was great.
His guitar playing was never much, he is not a soloist - which is what I was into at the time, but he was something much more.
He was an outstanding performer. He had the whole package... the voice, the presence, the chops - just enough, the songs...
He could get the crowd going and interacting like nobody else did... he would pit the ‘fellas’ against the ‘ladies’ in singing contests... he was the real deal.
IIRC, he’s diabetic, too, and he may not be maintaining his sugar levels as well as he used to. That could explain a lot.