20 Years Ago Today...the death of SRV :(

[jhale667]

[ZahZoo]

Saw him live several times. Met him personally twice... a very human being, with a huge sense of humor and more humility than I've seen in most people.

[VAiN]

I saw him about a year before he died when he toured with Jeff Beck.. I was about 15 then... crazy, I can't believe it's been 20 years.

[Green Manalishi]

Stevie Ray Vaughn played the Fox Theatre here in St. Louis supporting Joe Cocker maybe 10 days - two weeks before he died . I had a golden opportunity to go ( for free no less ) but declined 'cause I'm not much of a Joe Cocker fan . Much like DiamondJimi mentioned earlier , I just took for granted I would see him at some point . Yes , I have been kicking myself ever since .

I remember the Monday Morning that the news broke like it was yesterday . The local rock radio station was on top of it to the best of their ability and blew off the regular morning show B.S. They were releasing the little bits of information as they became known . There were numerous reports of varying degrees of accuracy . Most notably - people were completely freaked that it might have been Clapton . Eric Clapton was scheduled to play a sold out show here Tuesday Night . When it all was sorted out everyone was devastated that Stevie Ray had perished .

That night I was hanging with some friends in the city . I can remember sitting in the window of their second floor apartment baking in the heat and humidity smoking a joint and watching the hustle and bustle of the city below me contemplating the events of the day with Stevie Ray blasting away on the radio .

I went to that Eric Clapton concert on Tuesday Night at the old St. Louis Arena . Clapton was obviously saddened by the tragedy but was inspired by a beautiful crowd who showered him with appreciation . He chose to forge on with the show and dedicated that night to Stevie Ray . He barely spoke to the audience and was often choked up with emotion . Someone on the floor held up a sign that simply read , " THANKS " Later on , someone else held up a sign that read , " Clapton Is God " and he turned his back .
He played beautifully and inspired as only Clapton can and it was a memorable but heart wrenching show . The noise of the crowd after the showcloser " Layla " was the loudest I have ever heard . Clapton and his band all hugged and cried and took a much appreciated bow . They were hailed like conquering heroes .

Interesting sidenote : Before the show , we were standing behind the Arena shooting the breeze when a coffee colored Cadillac convertible rolled up with Chuck Berry at the wheel . He had two long tall leggy blondes with him . We got to say hey to Chuck and shake his hand . I'm assuming he was there out of respect and to offer moral support to Clapton .
Cool moment indeed .

[Diamondjimi]

Cool story!

[Green Manalishi]

Thanx DJ ! The events of those two days are completely seared into my memory . One of those things that I'll remember 'til I'm old and grey .