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Buddy Guy Damn Right Farewell Tour 2023
In front of one of the largest San Francisco Bay Area crowds (estimated 10,000) seen in recent memory, the eternal Buddy Guy brought his Damn Right Farewell Tour to a heavily sun-soaked Stern Grove on this Sunday afternoon. The highest elevation of the Grove's hillside was covered by legions of dedicated blues fans eager to see a genuine living legend on his final tour. The eight time Grammy winner and Kennedy Center Awards recipient, performed with an energy that defied his eighty seven years. This day's performance launched with the skillful Eric Gales, a two time Blues Award winner, whose explosive talent and stage presence were undeniable. The enthralled venue showed its full support for Gales' energy. The younger blues guitarist dedicated the closing minutes of his set to Guy, acknowledging the blues master and thanking him for his ongoing support.
Mr. Guy took the stage in his trade mark polka dot shirt and his opening rift was from Jimi Hendrix's stunning "Voodoo Child" track. An avid fan quipped "You're in the right place!" Another yelled "Let Jimi loose!" Guy smoothly added references to Led Zeppelin and AC/DC's "Back In Black" before coming full circle to close with more Hendrix. This afternoon was now in full orbit mode. Throughout the engaging earthy session, Guy discussed his storied career, full life, wife and family, along with his extensive support of younger blues artists. Guitarist Guy, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement winner, peppered his commentary with an occasional f@#k while claiming he never swore on stage until the rappers came along. That's one way of commemorating the 50th anniversary of hip hop.
Buddy Guy ended the heartfelt funky Sunday with his guitarist son Greg joining him. For the finale, Eric Gales returned onstage for an intensely euphoric guitar jam on "Someday Baby Blues" which then turned into Guy's walk-off music. It was an emphatically joyful way to conclude his Damn Right Farewell Tour visit to San Francisco's Stern Grove.
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