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J.J. Vicars: Photos

Albert Collins- 8/2/88 Tokyo

The first night at Live Inn. August 2nd,1988.
The first night at Live Inn. August 2nd,1988.
We showed up at the end of the first show and Albert was doing his 'crowd walk' finale.
We showed up at the end of the first show and Albert was doing his 'crowd walk' finale.
The first of four shows over two nights and he was already tearing it up.
The first of four shows over two nights and he was already tearing it up.
While standing at the door Albert walked up to me and said,"J.J.,you made it!",shook my hand,hit one of those trademark A.C. 'stingers' and kept on walking through the crowd without missing a beat.
While standing at the door Albert walked up to me and said,"J.J.,you made it!",shook my hand,hit one of those trademark A.C. 'stingers' and kept on walking through the crowd without missing a beat.
View of the stage from the back.
View of the stage from the back.
After the second show we went backstage for the usual revelries.
After the second show we went backstage for the usual revelries.
Sax player Sam Franklin poses for a picture with some Roppongi entertainment.
Sax player Sam Franklin poses for a picture with some Roppongi entertainment.
After he changed his shirt Albert greeted fans backstage. The guy on the right came to all came shows and brought his Telecaster for Albert to sign.
After he changed his shirt Albert greeted fans backstage. The guy on the right came to all came shows and brought his Telecaster for Albert to sign.
He not only brought his Telecaster for Albert to sign,he also brought his girlfriend to all four shows.
He not only brought his Telecaster for Albert to sign,he also brought his girlfriend to all four shows.
Who doesn't want a picture with Albert?
Who doesn't want a picture with Albert?
While you're there,get two!
While you're there,get two!
Afterwards we tagged along with Albert and some of the others to the Hard Rock Cafe in Roppongi.
Afterwards we tagged along with Albert and some of the others to the Hard Rock Cafe in Roppongi.
That night Albert told me about the Albert Collins model Telecaster that Fender was working on. He said he was going to give me one,and that I had to play it ON THE GIG.
That night Albert told me about the Albert Collins model Telecaster that Fender was working on. He said he was going to give me one,and that I had to play it ON THE GIG.
Since it didn't come out 'til near the end of his life I never got the guitar. However, I have these photos,autographs and my memories. I also have the example he set for me onstage and off. These things are priceless.
Since it didn't come out 'til near the end of his life I never got the guitar. However, I have these photos,autographs and my memories. I also have the example he set for me onstage and off. These things are priceless.
He also told me that Howlin' Wolf had pointed ears.
He also told me that Howlin' Wolf had pointed ears.
Drummer Soko Richardson on the left,formerly of Ike & Tina Turner. Manager Hilton Wienberg standing behind Albert and I. Hilton took good care of everybody and kept things running smooth. Word had it the gigs got a lot better when he came on board.
Drummer Soko Richardson on the left,formerly of Ike & Tina Turner. Manager Hilton Wienberg standing behind Albert and I. Hilton took good care of everybody and kept things running smooth. Word had it the gigs got a lot better when he came on board.