Back in late 1992 I was long a haired unemployed 22 year old hanging around with too much time on my hands. I heard that BB King was playing a show in Edinburgh and one of my mates at the time was keen to go. After much soul searching I decided there was only thing I could do to allow me to get to see this legend of the blues. I went straight to my local dole office and scammed a crisis loan.
After securing £60 to cover a suit and transport to an alleged job interview in Edinburgh I was sorted. Back then in the days before the unholy Ticketmaster monopoly on gig tickets the princely sum of £60 covered my concert ticket, boat and train fare. I even had enough left over for a carry out on the train. Accommodation was on the sofa of a friend of a friend. Who says music doesn’t inspire?
Watching BB King that night, who back then was spritely 66 years old was an incredible experience. I swear the man could conjure lightning bolts from his guitar. He also had a fantastic stage presence and voice. His charisma was huge. Even in a full theatre you felt like he was speaking directly to you, it was pure magic. All this from a man who sat down for the length of his set.
Seven years later BB King played the Waterfront Hall in Belfast. This time being short haired and gainfully employed no shenanigans were required to attend the gig. Much like a fine wine he seemed to have gotten better with age. Now a mature 73 year old BB’s performance was in no way diminished, if anything the permanent twinkle in his eye was brighter than ever. Another blistering set of the blues was delivered with humour, passion and soulful guitar.
I consider myself lucky to have been able to witness this legend and last of the old bluesmen in my time. BB King was the real deal he lived, worked and played the blues in a way that no one will ever do again.
Adieu BB King. Heaven has just become a brighter place.