I met him back stage at Shibuya Live Inn...
Back in 1984.
His Keyboard player came out before the show to get some drinks, but the lines were long and he was in a hurry.
He saw me at the bar (A large blonde American stands out in a Japanese crowd) and hollered to me to get a few bottles of beer.
When I made my way over to give him the brew (and get the cash) he said to come by back stage after the show and meet Johnny.
Well I stayed after the show, which was fantastic, then sat back stage for 3 hours listening to Johnny Guitar Watson and watching him interact with every one who came by. He was fluent but still had a hilariously thick Black Southern accent.
A classy gentleman with a thousand funny stories ready to tell. Many, I suspect, were even true. He told me how much he loved Japan, how after his initial flash of fame in the late 50s and early 60s faded he would tour sold out clubs in Japan. Then he was a hit again in the mid 70s and when that faded he would still come to Japan and still sell out shows.
He talked about being respected as a song writer and musician in Japan while he was treated as almost a novelty act in the US after "A Real Mother For Ya" was such a big hit.
A few years later he would pass away while on tour - in Japan.
I don't have many stories about meeting anyone famous.
None of my team mates made the pros. None of my classmates became rock stars.
I spent 24 years in the military and didn't rub elbows with actors or novelists.
But I hung out with an over looked legend for an evening in a big city thousands of miles from home.
34 years ago today. RIP Mr. Watson - I still remember sharing a glass of brown liquor and a beer with you.
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Thanks for sharing brother!
Next time I'm in St. Louis, I'll meet ya at The Old Rock House and we can talk music over drinks, yeah?
Look forward to it - Oh I'm a large BALD American now - but that doesn't stand out in a Midwestern crowd
I stand out too.....usually because I'm dressed like it's 1976.
I met master sgt