The first major concert I ever promoted was B.B. King at Massey Hall in 1968. Years and years later, just a few months before he died, he played Massey Hall again. I can't remember why I was backstage, his band was on stage doing thr play-on number, and B. was standing there, next to the door that opens to walk on stage, waiting to go on. He spotted me, and with his guitar on gave me a huge hug, and said : "You must have lost money on that show we did all those years ago in this very hall?" "No," I responded. "I made $700.00. You set me on the road to ruin." B. grinned, said "Happy to have helped!" and walked on stage to hit the first stinging, perfect note...
When I was a teenager living across the river from Detroit, BB was booked into the Windsor Arena for a one night performance. It was wintertime and the area got hit with a nasty blizzard that shut down even the public buses. When I got to the arena, the anticipated full house was whittled down to a few hundred people. Not only did BB show (a true road warrior), he played as if the place was packed - including a generous encore. We were bathed and baptized in BB's blues.
The first major concert I ever promoted was B.B. King at Massey Hall in 1968. Years and years later, just a few months before he died, he played Massey Hall again. I can't remember why I was backstage, his band was on stage doing thr play-on number, and B. was standing there, next to the door that opens to walk on stage, waiting to go on. He spotted me, and with his guitar on gave me a huge hug, and said : "You must have lost money on that show we did all those years ago in this very hall?" "No," I responded. "I made $700.00. You set me on the road to ruin." B. grinned, said "Happy to have helped!" and walked on stage to hit the first stinging, perfect note...
When I was a teenager living across the river from Detroit, BB was booked into the Windsor Arena for a one night performance. It was wintertime and the area got hit with a nasty blizzard that shut down even the public buses. When I got to the arena, the anticipated full house was whittled down to a few hundred people. Not only did BB show (a true road warrior), he played as if the place was packed - including a generous encore. We were bathed and baptized in BB's blues.
Outstanding piece, Bill!
I saw / heard bb in the 70’s
A very memorable night.
He was the king 😎
1973 he was at Ruthies Inn down on San Pablo.
Good one