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Music fans rejoice! A legendary 1970 Johnny Winter concert at New York’s Fillmore East will finally be released in its near entirety, 55 years after the electrifying performance. While a few tracks made their way onto a previous live album, much of the set has remained unheard – until now.
The late blues-rock icon, who passed away in 2014, is being celebrated with Live At The Fillmore East, 1970, a release featuring five previously unreleased tracks, including a live rendition of Rick Derringer’s “Rock And Roll, Hoochie Koo.” The album, courtesy of Floating World Records, is a treasure trove for fans of the albino bluesman from Beaumont, Texas.
Winter rose to fame after a 1968 feature in Rolling Stone propelled him to stardom. He quickly signed with Columbia Records, becoming an international sensation known for his fiery live shows, including a memorable Woodstock performance, and his mastery of slide guitar. He later produced three Grammy-winning albums for his hero, Muddy Waters.
Winter’s career was marked by both triumphs and struggles, including a battle with heroin addiction in the early 1970s. He overcame this challenge, driven by his unwavering dedication to the blues. “To me, the blues has more emotion in it than any other music I’ve ever heard,” he once explained.
News of the album release ignited social media, with fans sharing their excitement and memories of Winter’s captivating performances. One fan recalled a show at a small Daytona Beach club: “Johnny played his ass off 2 feet away from me… slinging sweat all over me. 10 stars out of 5.” Others hailed him as the true “guitar god,” surpassing even Eric Clapton.
Winter’s advice to aspiring musicians was simple: “Listen to all the older people that came before, and try to put the music into your own style. Listen to as much as you can, and practice and play as much as you can.”
Live At The Fillmore East, 1970 is more than just an album; it’s a tribute to Winter’s enduring legacy. The CD will be released on September 26, with the double LP following on October 31.