Johnny Winter; Gamma; Roy Buchanon

Bands: Johnny Winter; Gamma; Roy Buchanon

Venue: Capitol Theatre, Passaic NJ

Date: February 27, 1981

Quality: Uncirculated program; Cover art.

Comments: I see Johnny with a cane, but what’s going on here escapes my memory.

“The unfortunate result of a chance meeting between

an albino with a guitar and an idiot with an Instamatic

“My seats were left orchestra, row A, right in front of the speakers! At one point during the show, Johnny came to the front of the stage, stepped over the monitors, and played a solo right in front of me. So, like any other 18-year-old fan would do, I went up with my little Kodak camera and took this picture. Then another. And another. With flash.

“As I sat down in my seat, I looked up to see Johnny tripping over the monitor (which he now couldn't see since I had blinded him), and falling face first, right on top of the guitar, with loud resonant thud. Two big roadies rushed out, picked him up by the armpits and he continued to play. Everyone cheered, especially me, even though I figured these two guys would be coming after me next.

“I was mortified and I was certain I was going to be thrown out. I wasn't, but I made damn sure I didn't move again, since I figured if security didn't get me, someone in the crowd just might. The security guard later told me that was not an uncommon occurrence for Johnny, but it didn't make me feel much better.

“Johnny, if you read this, I apologize... you never missed a beat, and I hope you weren't bruised too badly that night!” —Tom Kaminski