Photos by Debra L. Rothenberg
On the day they announced the closing of legendary blues club B.B. King’s in Times Square, it seemed only fitting that blues guitar legend Buddy Guy was slated to perform. Buddy played his classic polka dot guitar to a packed house, as fans realize this might be their last shot to see a legend perform at the historic venue.
The 82-year-old seemingly has not lost a step; his voice still raspy and booming, his guitar solos still wailing. Buddy loves to interact with the crowd, telling funny stories and jokes throughout the night. He performed many of his best-known tunes, including “Hoochie Koochie Man,” “Who’s Making Love To Your Old Lady,” “Slippin’ Out, Slippin’ In,” and “Five Long Years.” He also paid homage to some of the blues legends who came after him, covering John Lee Hooker’s “Boom Boom,” Cream’s “Strange Brew” and the Jimi Hendrix classic “Voodoo Child.” During “Who’s Making Love To Your Old Lady,” guitarist Ric Hall teased “Purple Haze.” At another point in the show, the band played the opening riffs to “I Can’t Get No Satisfaction.” A theme of the night seemed to be “Sunshine Of Your Love,” as the band played multiple teases throughout the show.
The highlight of the night occurred when Buddy jumped down from the stage during “Slippin’ Out, Slippin’ In” to sing and perform in the crowd. Buddy tore through the audience, ripping on his guitar and belting out vocals before heading towards the bar to down a shot with his fans. He then jumped back onstage to perform a solo with a drumstick, as well as a hand towel. Towards the end of the show, Buddy invited a young audience member to join him onstage and play guitar, one of the most fun moments of the night.
Buddy Guy will perform one last show at B.B. King’s, on its closing night, April 29, 2018, when it will be great to see Buddy Guy return, and sad to see B.B. King’s go.
—Kenny Cunningham
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