Anyone see Wilbert Harrison at the FIllmore East 2/7/1970?

Blues Dude — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 18:32:04 GMT

I played lead guitar for Wilbert Harrison at that concert in 1970. We were second on the bill. Delaney and Bonnie were the headliners, Seals and Crofts were billed at the bottom.

I've been searching for recordings, pictures, anything from that concert. I have nothing except for a very poor recording of a few minutes from the show taken by a friend. I know the concert was documented, including Wilbert.

Wilbert's act started with a three piece back up band that I pulled together. He picked up bands wherever he played. We did half the set with him, then walked off the stage, and Wilbert did his one-man-band performance, playing harp, electric guitar and bass drum. The bass drum had a ring of Xmas tree lights.

The first half was well reviewed by the press, but he was slammed for his solo part. In fact, I remember him being booed, objects thrown at him, calls to get off the stage, and "We want Delaney and Bonnie". What a terrible display of disrespect for a true pioneer of R&B, performer of that classic "Kansas City". It was awful.

The high point of the experience of course was playing at the theater where I'd attended countless performances. In fact, I even bought a ticket to the show before I got the gig. I still have it. As a result of my performance, Robert Stigwood recommended me to Ahmet Ertegun himself who signed me to his label, Atlantic Records, but it didn't work out.

PLEASE, if you have anything to share from the show I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks,

Artie Steinman

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Anyone see Wilbert Harrison at the FIllmore East 2/7/1970?