That was the opener they played (May 1968) when I stood behind them with the road crew. Head roadie told me Bruce was on a Speedball. Heroin hits first so the band played slower than usual tempo. He went for hard grab of a bass note and missed the neck, entirely. Lost his balance and stumbled backward to where we were standing behind the low risers being used for the temporary stage (Concert was small venue, Tuesday nite, filler date on the way to Madison Sq. Garden for weekend shows then back to London). Anyway...
Head roadie & I locked hands, basket fashion, to catch him. Bruce got his balance at the last second and slowly moved forward. Clapton, looked over. About 20' away, was easy to read his expression. NOT happy but also not surprised. So, this wasn't the 1st time! Never took one, thank God, but know with a speedball, the meth (or cocaine) kicks in more slowly. By 2nd song, Jack was picking up the tempo and in the zone with the 3rd.
Iso |
