BB King

[Tex]

We went to see BB King in concert last night in Austin. Excepting the opening act, Leon Russell, the concert was pitiful. King seriously looked liked he had mid-stage Alzheimers. He played a few licks here and there, but after first taking 15 minutes to introduce the band member because he could not remember their names (he forgot the drummer entirely), the rest of the concert was a confused old man sitting in a chair with a guitar and several band members unsucessfully trying to give him cues, remind him of the words, etc. The audienced applauded him out of respect, but it's over for BB King. Hate to see it, he was a wonderful artist in his day, but his career is over.

[Ardbeg... innit]

Thats sad to hear, he has had a very long and influential career, but at age 86, maybe its time to exit the stage.

[Chicago Jake]

The thrill is gone, baby!

Sad to hear. He's one of the last of his generation. A few more reckless drug episodes, and he might have been spared this long decline.

[Tex]

It was a sad spectacle to watch. He came across as very likable even in his confusion and you could tell that he knew he wasn't hacking it.

[innit Geezer]

Years ago I saw Clarence Gatemouth Brown in a small venue In the Hudson River town of Piermont. He sang what seemed to be a disproportionate amount of songs reflecting on the trouble he's had with strong willed women. At the end of the show I had a chance for a quick chat with him and I explained that sometimes you just have to put your foot down! He politely dismissed the notion as unrealistic for himself and men in general. It was a great night in a tiny dark music hall.

[innit Geezer]

Then we went home, my wife tied me to the bed and whipped the shit out of me.