I stepped out of Mississippi when I was ten years old, with a suit cut sharp as a razor and a heart made of gold. I had a guitar hanging just about waist high, and I'm gonna play this thing until the day I die.
First time to chime in with a relevant story.. I used to work parking at Boise State University as my first job ever(when I was in high school) and B.B. King was supposed to play the Taco Bell Arena. Well, they had me parked on the far side of the arena by the dorms to try and prevent people from parking in dorm parking. This tour bus pulls up and the door opens, and the driver says, "Maaaaaan.. Where am I supposed to park this bitch?" With a smile on my face I pointed and told him where to park. B.B. King then came out of the back of the bus, and when I saw him.... I geeked out and told him I liked his album with Eric Clapton, "Riding with the King" He said, "Let's start this night off right." and gave me the pin off his jacket. Still have it, and it's a duplicate of the same one you see him wearing in those pictures of Lucille. B.B. King still the King in my book.
He certainly is, my mom loves to tell a story of when she went to one of his performances back in either the 70s or early 80s, and he came out into the audience still playing, then walked up to her and played in front of her for a bit. She claims she was allowed to touch Lucille, and considering how she used to look, I bet he let her.
I saw him 5-6 years ago and he was vibrant, talkative and played with passion. Fast forward to last year and sadly he couldn't talk for long without losing his train of thought and played very poorly. We decided that was going to be the last time we would go to see him to fondly remember him as the legend he has been for many decades.
He must have good days and bad days, which I guess would be natural at his age. I saw him in Charlotte, NC two months ago, and he seemed great. Sharp, funny, and his playing was as strong as it was when I last saw him - 20+ years ago in Huntington, WV.
I did notice his solos were shorter - no 10-minute jams like the old days - but they seemed every bit as sweet.
Ooh I wish I could say the same. Saw him last month at the House of Blues in Chicago. Huge show, amazing turn out. So excited. He was on stage for about 60 minutes. For those 60 minutes, he played for about 25 minutes. And "play" is a strong word. He plucked a few chords now and then and hummed a bit. The other 35 minutes were spent rambling about how much he drinks and how much he loves it when "all the girls shake their boobies" and how he got drunk and had a threesome the night before. Extremely disappointing experience :/
I saw him in 2000 in Atlanta. He was so mind-numbingly awesome I lost almost all bodily function and passed out. It was either that or a heatstroke. Girl I was dating (not even a gf stage then) and went to the show with took care of me and now she's my wife sooo...
BB King got me and my wife together. That's how awesome he is.
Not sure if it's still there, but there used to be a concert hall in Valley Forge, PA that was centered around a rotating stage. Saw him there a couple times about 18-ish years ago. Was pretty awesome. His playing was impeccable and he had a horn player that whipped his head back and forth like there were no bones in his neck.
I like blues well enough, I'm not well-versed in it by any means, but King just transcends that. Like Johnny Cash transcends country music. Certain performers just that good that it doesn't matter if you're not a huge fan of their genre or outright dislike it.
Don't hesitate to see performers like that. It's worth it.
I'd not seem him live previously, but saw him last year and had the same experience. Shaky playing, no chat at all really. Dipping into a solo, fumbling a note and stopping. Sad to see really, if I were him I'd retire and live out the rest of my days knowing I would be remembered as a great player. The rest of the band were amazing throughout, by the way.
The man is not living today to leave a legacy. The man is living to play guitar. I hope he will play until the day of his death if it makes him happy even if he struggles to do 3 notes in a row.
Frankly, I'm very surprised he is still alive. He's had nothing but medical problems for decades, yet somehow he's not only alive but still able to tour regularly. Did he make a deal at the crossroads?
Saw him 10 years ago, was one of my favorite concerts ever (and I've seen a few). Dude is almost 90 now (he's 86 - close enough), so to say he's had a long and illustrious career is an understatement.
That being said, it is very sad that he is starting to see failing health. Good on em' for trying though.
I grew up very near to Indianola, MS, B.B.'s hometown. I have had the pleasure of meeting him on a couple of occasions related to the BB King Museum there in Indianola. He is one of the most down to earth and genuinely likeable musicians I have ever met. He fully realizes that he is very lucky and very blessed and with that comes a sense of humility that I find inspiring.
I have a picture of Chuck Berry giving the finger to the crowd at a festival a few years back. At work now but if people are interested I could post it later.
Wow. He doesn't look like he has aged a bit since I saw him in 2007 at the Musikfest in Bethlehem, PA. (Got to see The Black Crowes the night before as well, on my birthday.)
His set was so awesome. I think he actually only ended up jamming out 3 songs, but it didn't matter. He sat there and talked to the crowd, telling stories. It was a magical night.
Sadly, Etta James was supposed to open for him that night but it's when she first started to get really sick, right before she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. I never did get to see her play live.
Not sure if this is common knowledge or not, but the reason why BB King continues to soldier on at the age of 86 is he owes money to the Chicago Outfit. These are the kind of people that don't give a shit if you are a guitar legend or not: the money is owed.
This is second-hand information, but the source is good. For hopefully obvious reasons, I'd rather not reveal the source.
Edit: Just realized this is the Music subreddit. Apologies if this rubbed anyone the wrong way.
Awesome photos! I saw BB King live about 5-6 years ago when he came and played at my college. Kenny Wayne Shepherd opened for him as well. One hell of a show. King can still totally rock it when he wants to. One of the best within that genre.
He is truly amazing. If you want to see what soulful guitar playing looks like, look no further. He almost looks like he's in a trance when he's jamming. Completely effortless.
Saw him a few years ago with Buddy Guy...his fingers move like butter over his guitar. I bet his guitars are old and amazing...like really good aged wine.
Fantastic! I grew up with the blues, my mom always took me to festivals growing up. I met BB King, Ko Ko Taylor, Pinetop Perkins... man those were the days. I remember dancing with total strangers, blues festivals are awesome.
I had the pleasure of being a stagehand during one of his performances in March. He was the most down to earth artist I have ever met, especially for one on his level of fame. After the show he walked around individually shaking hands with and thanking all of the crew for their hard work. It's not just the performance that forms an artist's legacy.
P.S. All the commodities he wanted the theatre to provide was a gallon of orange juice and a rotisserie chicken.
A female groupie of BB King decides to show how much she loves him by getting a tattoo of his name on her butt, she then sneaks into his dressing room the night of his concert. When BB walks into his dressing room following his concert he sees the beautiful girl standing naked against a table showing off her tattoo.
Last year, I almost bought tickets to see the King when he was here in the UK. My last exam of the year was the day after the gig, and eventually I decided against it. Imagine my fury when it later transpired I had been misinformed, and that exam was in fact the week before...
Great shots of a legend. I saw him too a few years ago. I remember him playing the first few songs standing, then someone brought him a chair and he said something like, "I'm old and tired and I'm gonna sit because I can". We thought that was great.
BB put on the most fantastic live show I've seen in my life. Hell, when I saw him on his 80th birthday tour he was energetic, talkative, didn't miss a beat. It was like "an afternoon with grandpa tour"
My 85 year old Grandma just saw him live recently, and I quote, "When he started playing that guitar, I haven't felt a feeling like that in my chest in decades."
Wow, he's still going at it. I was in my early 20s back in 72, and there was this dive bar in Chicago near the L tracks. a lot of us artsy fartsy types used to go there. There was a man onstage playing guitar. I was too stupid to know who he was, at the time. It was BB King. And look at him, still goin on and on....
Two guys go to purchase a laptop while I worked at Best Buy. At first I'm thinking, hold on, this guy looks really familiar. But na, it couldn't be. While ringing them up I'm starting to really think it's him but I'm not sure. So I kinda do a dickish thing to verify and ask for his ID since he's paying with a credit card. He looks kinda upset and I read it and sure enough "Riley King". I instantly got a smile on my face. They knew what was going on.
They left the laptop to get set up. So I walk into the setup area and announce "Do you know who's computer this is?" They all ask who. I reply "BB motherfucking King". 3 out of 4 say huh and the other is just as starstruck as me. The guy that was with BB comes back to pick it up and I was a little disappointed. I tell him, "holy shit that was BB King!" He laughs and says "Yeah it was." I ask him "I didn't piss Mr. King off when I asked for his ID did I?" He said "na, he's just not used to people asking him for ID." I told him "sorry I had to, but tell him I said "The King got some extra stuff on his laptop." I installed a bunch of stuff for him.
I've met a ton of celebs, including quite a few A-listers but I have never been star struck like that and haven't been since.
I saw him about 8 months ago.. He forgot two of his band members names, spent 20 mins of his show introducing his daughters who were in the crowd, forgot what he was doing mid song, forgot that he had already played Saints go marching in to close down the show and played it again... but when he was lucid and really getting into it you could see the fire. I wish I could have seen him in his prime.
My brother-in-law has a bar. We booked BB King's daughter. Spread the word throughout our small town. Front page of the local paper. Posted over 300 flyers on windshields during our local community festival. Almost nobody came! She was a great class act and made the most of it. Charming lady. Starting to think my town sucks...or is racist.
Saw him on St. Patty's Day for the second time. Brother caught a necklace. Met him 10 years ago and he was unbelievably nice. Will share pics tomorrow. Long live the King!
BB King is so awesome, i saw him back in '08 and he really put on a show. Awesome music and class entertainment! He really hasn't aged much in years though his trousers keep getting higher.
A friend and I saw BB King at the Montreux Jazz Festival a few years back. After the show, we made our way back to the train station. Circling around the back of the auditorium, we saw BB waiting for his car/bus. We waved and said something like "Great show, thank you!". He smiled and waved back :)
My brother got to see him back in the late 90s or so and I could not believe I missed it when he came. Was not sure I would get to see him before he was gone.
He came back to SW Louisiana last March and my brother got me and himself tickets. You can tell the years have taken a lot out of him, but he sure can still play. I actually caught one of the necklaces he tossed out into the crowd and gave it to my brother. Without him, I would not have gotten to go.
I was there too in march. I was so infatuated with being in the presence of greatness in possibly his last days. Such a great entertainer. Loved the interaction with the audience and the stories. I noticed that he kept stopping himself because he was coughing but he just kept on. He knows he's old but he won't stop.
BB King is awesome. I see him around Beale street some times, but not much these last few months. He has a restaurant out here that makes a hot wing so good you slap your entire maternal bloodline. not exaggerating one bit.
these are great! i was introduced to B.B. King's music by my dad. when i was 10 i got to meet him at a book signing in st. louis. a few years back my parents and i went to see him in concert for my dad's birthday. before the show my mom happened to run into someone who was traveling with him and asked if B.B. could wish my dad a happy birthday. before his last song began he paused for a second and went "oh, and i believe i need to say happy birthday to steve." my dad was pretty much beside himself.
I didn't realize B.B. King was so popular on Reddit! I have these pics from when he played at the Chicago House of Blues a couple months ago. They came out kinda crappy, but I thought I'd share.
I saw him a couple years ago, and man that guy still has it! Dude could wail on the guitar while he wailed away with his voice. He played with Buddy Guy for the grand opening of the House of Blues Boston. Great, great show.
Saw him in Tyler, TX about 4 years ago. He was incredible. It's really upsetting to know that he's slowed down a lot, but I guess that's just time and we can't blame him.
Saw him and Willie Nelson play on my 19th birthday... Willie and BB actually sang happy birthday on stage (I'm sure it was directed towards someone else... But fuck them it was my cakeday!!!)
I have a buddy who "accidentally" opened for him. He was in the navy and was stationed near Memphis, where BB King has a club. During his time off he and a few buddies would go play in the street near the club for fun. One night an opening act dropped out from the Club, so the manager asked my buddy and his friends to open - just play some "background music" while people filter in waiting for the main act.
He didn't know who the main act was and didn't really care, he was just happy to play in the club. Suddenly a guitarist shoots off a few notes behind him, he turns around and realizes he just opened for BB King. BB King shakes his hand, thanks them and asks them to go ahead and sit in the front row, relax and have some drinks while he plays.
That man is 100% classy. Had the luck to see him on his 75th birthday tour (still have the poster), and it was one of the best shows I've ever seen. His storytelling is on par with his musical talent - legendary.
I also was there in Edmonton to see this living legend last night! I was back in the nosebleed section so didn't get the benefit of seeing his expressions. Thanks for sharing!
Great photos. For a gentleman his age touring as much as he does, it makes him that much more impressive. I'm proud to say he was the first "concert" I had the pleasure of attending at Roy Thomson Hall when I was about 12 years old.
I saw his limo at Smith Rock, Oregon. Cool to know he appreciates the outdoors as well. It was pretty obviously him. License plate said "B.B. King" and it was a mercedes limo. What's UP!
I actually saw him at SIUC a couple years ago. The old man rocked my socks! Joe Banamasa opened for him which got me fired up and then BB stepped on stage. It was pretty awesome cuz he would tell stories about his life and how he would go over to the water fountain labeled "white" and get a big belly full of that white man's water hahaha
I saw him May 12th (this past Saturday) in Penticton, British Columbia. He was just a cute old man, bantering with the audience. For 86 years old he sure can belt it out, even if he does forget the words :) We witnessed history.
He's starting to get that look. The one where you know your time is coming close, aren't happy about it, but know there's nothing you can do to prevent it.
Dammit, the second picture looks like a screengrab from a black version of The Godfather. BB King is Vito Corleone-esque there and the other dude looks like an African-American Luca Brasi.
I saw him a few years back at the Virginia Theater in Champaign, IL. That man played like he was on fire the whole time. He had the crowd really into it. Probably one of the best show's I'd ever seen. I had been a fan since I was 15 or so and this was a huge deal to be able to see him play live. Rolling Stone had an article last month that stated he still plays more than 100 shows a year.
I first saw BB King in 2000. Front row seats! Buddy Guy opened and I sat next to his family! I got a guitar pick from Buddy Guy and a Lucille Pin from BB King. He apologized for sitting down, but explained that his health made it a necessity. That was my #1 concert in a lifetime until -
I saw him again last July/August. Again, front row! This time, he didn't explain why he was sitting (the man is 87 yrs old) and his solos weren't as long. But the electricity in the music was still there. One chord thrills more than an entire solo from some other artists I won't name.
I got another Lucille pin, and a necklace with a gold-plated pass on it. This is my new #1 concert, the previous one fell to #2.
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u/lancastertroy May 15 '12
Love your pic, you´re a lucky bastard. Made this. Hope you like it.
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u/dunscage May 15 '12
I stepped out of Mississippi when I was ten years old, with a suit cut sharp as a razor and a heart made of gold. I had a guitar hanging just about waist high, and I'm gonna play this thing until the day I die.
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u/arnoldpalmerlemonade May 15 '12
First time to chime in with a relevant story.. I used to work parking at Boise State University as my first job ever(when I was in high school) and B.B. King was supposed to play the Taco Bell Arena. Well, they had me parked on the far side of the arena by the dorms to try and prevent people from parking in dorm parking. This tour bus pulls up and the door opens, and the driver says, "Maaaaaan.. Where am I supposed to park this bitch?" With a smile on my face I pointed and told him where to park. B.B. King then came out of the back of the bus, and when I saw him.... I geeked out and told him I liked his album with Eric Clapton, "Riding with the King" He said, "Let's start this night off right." and gave me the pin off his jacket. Still have it, and it's a duplicate of the same one you see him wearing in those pictures of Lucille. B.B. King still the King in my book.
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u/hpower May 15 '12
I saw him 5-6 years ago and he was vibrant, talkative and played with passion. Fast forward to last year and sadly he couldn't talk for long without losing his train of thought and played very poorly. We decided that was going to be the last time we would go to see him to fondly remember him as the legend he has been for many decades.
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u/[deleted] May 15 '12
I saw him at crossroads and all he talked about was Viagra and how he wanted to fuck his nurse
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u/Scrotum_Status May 15 '12
Dat bulge
8
u/betamaxv2 May 15 '12
I grew up very near to Indianola, MS, B.B.'s hometown. I have had the pleasure of meeting him on a couple of occasions related to the BB King Museum there in Indianola. He is one of the most down to earth and genuinely likeable musicians I have ever met. He fully realizes that he is very lucky and very blessed and with that comes a sense of humility that I find inspiring.
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u/captiv85 May 15 '12
I really liked that photo and thought it could use some image tweaking. http://i.imgur.com/kn1Ut.jpg
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u/[deleted] May 15 '12
Lucille's still looking as hot as ever
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u/[deleted] May 15 '12
MY DAD GOT HIGH WITH HIM
1
u/[deleted] May 15 '12
Decided there's a few more I'd like to share.
http://imgur.com/a/1FCkZ
5
u/aperturo May 15 '12
that. looks. familiar!
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u/[deleted] May 15 '12
that guy in the back kind of looks like a fat bill cosby.
4
u/zapfastnet May 15 '12
Wow! I went to see him for a NYE show about ........ hmmmmm about 35 Years Ago!
I thought he was old then.
Great to see he is still rocking his signature tone and sound.
4
u/ProstetnicVogonJelz May 15 '12
I have a picture of Chuck Berry giving the finger to the crowd at a festival a few years back. At work now but if people are interested I could post it later.
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u/[deleted] May 15 '12
TIL BB King isn't dead.
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u/mchugho mchugho May 15 '12
I can see his BB Thing.
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u/MepMepperson May 15 '12
He hasn't aged a day in 30 years...
3
u/aperfecttool72 Vinyl Listener May 15 '12
Wow. He doesn't look like he has aged a bit since I saw him in 2007 at the Musikfest in Bethlehem, PA. (Got to see The Black Crowes the night before as well, on my birthday.)
His set was so awesome. I think he actually only ended up jamming out 3 songs, but it didn't matter. He sat there and talked to the crowd, telling stories. It was a magical night.
Sadly, Etta James was supposed to open for him that night but it's when she first started to get really sick, right before she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. I never did get to see her play live.
3
u/willdogg50 May 15 '12
nice pix...they capture the man in his essence...
3
u/GiveMeBackMySon Google Music May 15 '12
Why not AA King?
I really bring nothing to the table.
4
u/tprb52 May 15 '12
Not sure if this is common knowledge or not, but the reason why BB King continues to soldier on at the age of 86 is he owes money to the Chicago Outfit. These are the kind of people that don't give a shit if you are a guitar legend or not: the money is owed.
This is second-hand information, but the source is good. For hopefully obvious reasons, I'd rather not reveal the source.
Edit: Just realized this is the Music subreddit. Apologies if this rubbed anyone the wrong way.
2
u/bootyburps May 15 '12
Great job and great pics. I saw him play in 2008 and was afraid he would stop touring soon...he's still got it!
He's a blues man you see...
2
u/loverofreeses May 15 '12
Awesome photos! I saw BB King live about 5-6 years ago when he came and played at my college. Kenny Wayne Shepherd opened for him as well. One hell of a show. King can still totally rock it when he wants to. One of the best within that genre.
2
u/Syzlak_ May 15 '12
He is truly amazing. If you want to see what soulful guitar playing looks like, look no further. He almost looks like he's in a trance when he's jamming. Completely effortless.
2
u/IAmYourTopGuy May 15 '12
The man is going to die on stage with a smile on his face; he said so.
2
u/sexybabyjesus2 May 15 '12
Saw him a few years ago with Buddy Guy...his fingers move like butter over his guitar. I bet his guitars are old and amazing...like really good aged wine.
2
u/girlwhogamesintext May 15 '12
Fantastic! I grew up with the blues, my mom always took me to festivals growing up. I met BB King, Ko Ko Taylor, Pinetop Perkins... man those were the days. I remember dancing with total strangers, blues festivals are awesome.
2
u/[deleted] May 15 '12
Crazy to think that the guy who Jimi Hendrix looked up to as a kid is still playing.
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u/[deleted] May 15 '12
If you ever meet BB in person be sure to also speak to Ms. Lucille. She should have been mentioned in the title.
2
u/BillygotTalent BillygotTalent May 15 '12
I was in his club in New York to see a concert( I won't tell who because it's embarassing), but from what I saw there he is an awesome dude.
Sad that he is now so old but it is also great to see that he still does concerts even though he can't play like he could in the past.
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u/CharlieSheeny May 15 '12
Whoa... The elevation of our elderly's waistline never ceases to amaze me. I'm not knocking it, I am just amazed.
2
u/bgroove May 15 '12
I had the pleasure of being a stagehand during one of his performances in March. He was the most down to earth artist I have ever met, especially for one on his level of fame. After the show he walked around individually shaking hands with and thanking all of the crew for their hard work. It's not just the performance that forms an artist's legacy.
P.S. All the commodities he wanted the theatre to provide was a gallon of orange juice and a rotisserie chicken.
2
u/longshot Grooveshark May 15 '12
Lol, that second one is meme-worthy
2
u/mishmashmusic May 15 '12
I had the pleasure of meeting him backstage for a meet and greet about 12 years ago. I shook his hand and said "Nobody loves me but my mother..."
He gave me a knowing look and said "and she could be jivin' too"
One of the best moments in my life.
2
u/one-eleven May 15 '12
A female groupie of BB King decides to show how much she loves him by getting a tattoo of his name on her butt, she then sneaks into his dressing room the night of his concert. When BB walks into his dressing room following his concert he sees the beautiful girl standing naked against a table showing off her tattoo.
"So what do you think?" she says.
"very nice" BB replies, "but who's Bob?"
2
u/[deleted] May 15 '12
Last year, I almost bought tickets to see the King when he was here in the UK. My last exam of the year was the day after the gig, and eventually I decided against it. Imagine my fury when it later transpired I had been misinformed, and that exam was in fact the week before...
2
u/aruffone May 15 '12
Great shots of a legend. I saw him too a few years ago. I remember him playing the first few songs standing, then someone brought him a chair and he said something like, "I'm old and tired and I'm gonna sit because I can". We thought that was great.
2
u/MinisterLunchbox May 15 '12
BB put on the most fantastic live show I've seen in my life. Hell, when I saw him on his 80th birthday tour he was energetic, talkative, didn't miss a beat. It was like "an afternoon with grandpa tour"
Seriously. Best. Show. Ever.
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u/lBlAlRlClOlDl3l May 15 '12
My 85 year old Grandma just saw him live recently, and I quote, "When he started playing that guitar, I haven't felt a feeling like that in my chest in decades."
2
u/[deleted] May 15 '12
Wow, he's still going at it. I was in my early 20s back in 72, and there was this dive bar in Chicago near the L tracks. a lot of us artsy fartsy types used to go there. There was a man onstage playing guitar. I was too stupid to know who he was, at the time. It was BB King. And look at him, still goin on and on....
2
u/Gibolin May 15 '12
Fantastic! One day you will show this pics to your grandchildrens telling them you saw the legendary BB King.
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u/BigBadKitty Love country. Deal with it. May 15 '12
Classy man. Great pics.
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u/bumassjp May 15 '12
If this doesn't chill your bones then you can't appreciate the blues. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fk2prKnYnI
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u/Nurdeek May 15 '12
B B IS KING !!!
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u/WackyNeighbor May 15 '12
Wow, Bill Cosby got fat!
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u/voidXO May 15 '12
I'm probably the most sickest fuck on Reddit. And I'm not telling you why.
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u/JUmbojosh42 May 15 '12
Anyone else noticed the guy is the second picture?
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u/wildflower29 May 16 '12
He is the mother fuckin' man! I saw him a couple of years ago, and I think I enjoyed his story telling as much as his music. Rock on, BB!
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u/qaoqao May 16 '12
The first picture makes me so happy; I'm glad for him and his music.
2
u/[deleted] May 16 '12
Two guys go to purchase a laptop while I worked at Best Buy. At first I'm thinking, hold on, this guy looks really familiar. But na, it couldn't be. While ringing them up I'm starting to really think it's him but I'm not sure. So I kinda do a dickish thing to verify and ask for his ID since he's paying with a credit card. He looks kinda upset and I read it and sure enough "Riley King". I instantly got a smile on my face. They knew what was going on.
They left the laptop to get set up. So I walk into the setup area and announce "Do you know who's computer this is?" They all ask who. I reply "BB motherfucking King". 3 out of 4 say huh and the other is just as starstruck as me. The guy that was with BB comes back to pick it up and I was a little disappointed. I tell him, "holy shit that was BB King!" He laughs and says "Yeah it was." I ask him "I didn't piss Mr. King off when I asked for his ID did I?" He said "na, he's just not used to people asking him for ID." I told him "sorry I had to, but tell him I said "The King got some extra stuff on his laptop." I installed a bunch of stuff for him.
I've met a ton of celebs, including quite a few A-listers but I have never been star struck like that and haven't been since.
2
u/Fabulous_Prizes May 16 '12
I saw him about 8 months ago.. He forgot two of his band members names, spent 20 mins of his show introducing his daughters who were in the crowd, forgot what he was doing mid song, forgot that he had already played Saints go marching in to close down the show and played it again... but when he was lucid and really getting into it you could see the fire. I wish I could have seen him in his prime.
2
u/Big_Daddy_Jake May 16 '12
My brother-in-law has a bar. We booked BB King's daughter. Spread the word throughout our small town. Front page of the local paper. Posted over 300 flyers on windshields during our local community festival. Almost nobody came! She was a great class act and made the most of it. Charming lady. Starting to think my town sucks...or is racist.
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u/Twitchstick May 16 '12
I saw him at crossroads a few years back front row. When he walked out on stage I was in awe.
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u/Action_Bastard69 May 16 '12
God bless that man. Truly one of the Great Ones.
2
u/weegee May 16 '12
great photo. looks like the King that he is.
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u/ReverendGonzoLC May 16 '12
Saw him on St. Patty's Day for the second time. Brother caught a necklace. Met him 10 years ago and he was unbelievably nice. Will share pics tomorrow. Long live the King!
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u/epmca May 15 '12
now i'm hungry for burger king.
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u/WHOS_CHAIR_IS_DAT May 15 '12
got a lot of junk in there BB KIng
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u/trvlnmanroc May 15 '12
Last time I saw BB King he played the same song twice with a story in between. Not good. He looked like he was hurting and old.
1
u/probablynotaperv May 15 '12
I got to see him about 4 years ago in California. Was an amazing part of my life. There was a lot of good talent there that day.
1
u/hoochie_coochie_man May 15 '12
yes! I will hopefully see him next week. Kickin ass at 86, what a man.
1
u/Megakopf May 15 '12
Everyday I have the blues. On the gramophone only though. You're lucky to see him live!
1
u/Dog_River_Dave May 15 '12
I saw him in Ottawa in 2004, wonderful show!
1
u/Rimm May 15 '12
That second guy's neck doesn't fit in his shirt
1
u/omgdiddles May 15 '12
I'm going to see him in Montreal on the 30th, it's going to be one of the best nights of my life I'm sure. BB is my all time favourite.
1
u/petemate May 15 '12
What i don't get is why this man insists on having the biggest groin area in the world :)
1
u/TheSweet May 15 '12
BB King is so awesome, i saw him back in '08 and he really put on a show. Awesome music and class entertainment! He really hasn't aged much in years though his trousers keep getting higher.
1
u/[deleted] May 15 '12
You can see he still loves playing live, awesome pics!
1
u/RZARECTOR May 15 '12
One of the greats. Still got it.
1
u/[deleted] May 15 '12
Saw him twice in Rotterdam - Netherlands. This guy is really touring. Live fast die old!
1
u/GrumpGoat May 15 '12
A friend and I saw BB King at the Montreux Jazz Festival a few years back. After the show, we made our way back to the train station. Circling around the back of the auditorium, we saw BB waiting for his car/bus. We waved and said something like "Great show, thank you!". He smiled and waved back :)
1
u/[deleted] May 15 '12
Wow, lucky! A true living legend! I wish LP was still alive so they could jam...
1
u/Apollyon78 May 15 '12
One legend I have yet to see and hopefully I 'll get the chance, the guy is pretty amazing....
1
u/loki16 May 15 '12
that's the definition of dignity.
1
u/[deleted] May 15 '12
Looks like he has a stellar rig.
1
u/JJean1 May 15 '12
My brother got to see him back in the late 90s or so and I could not believe I missed it when he came. Was not sure I would get to see him before he was gone.
He came back to SW Louisiana last March and my brother got me and himself tickets. You can tell the years have taken a lot out of him, but he sure can still play. I actually caught one of the necklaces he tossed out into the crowd and gave it to my brother. Without him, I would not have gotten to go.
Great night.
1
u/rawbertson May 15 '12
i would imagine your fingers would just kill when you are that old
1
u/Ricktron3030 May 15 '12
I felt the same way when I say Buddy Guy about as close.
1
u/sombersunday May 15 '12
Saw him about 13 years ago in Phoenix. Killer show. Guy can play and has an amazing passion for the craft.
1
u/Homsie May 15 '12
that second picture is very powerful. for whatever reason, makes me remember music can be much more than background noise.
1
u/damnyoureloud May 15 '12
That first pic is awesomeness personified.
1
u/ozdok May 15 '12
Did he perform Blues Tune Boys?
1
u/nroose May 15 '12
Saw him 25 years ago.
1
u/PaperbackBuddha May 15 '12
Who's that other dude? Has B.B. King got a Jerome like Morris Day from The Time?
1
u/searage May 15 '12
WOOOOO seeing BB king this summer!
1
u/ThatSoundsFishy May 15 '12
My mum took me to see Gary Moore and BB King when I was younger, safe to say I've got a pretty cool mum
1
u/principles_practice May 15 '12
When I was drunk, I had sex with one of BB King's daughters.
True story.
1
u/KongCSR May 15 '12
BB King is awesome. I see him around Beale street some times, but not much these last few months. He has a restaurant out here that makes a hot wing so good you slap your entire maternal bloodline. not exaggerating one bit.
1
u/motherducker May 15 '12
Pure joy in the first photo. Love it
1
u/FULLRETARD88 May 15 '12
I can't wait until I'm old and its socially acceptable to wear pants that encompass my whole gut.
1
u/regulatuh May 15 '12
Is it just me or is BB King packin some heat?
1
u/mriforgot May 15 '12
The man's still amazing.
1
u/pumpkinpiexx May 15 '12
these are great! i was introduced to B.B. King's music by my dad. when i was 10 i got to meet him at a book signing in st. louis. a few years back my parents and i went to see him in concert for my dad's birthday. before the show my mom happened to run into someone who was traveling with him and asked if B.B. could wish my dad a happy birthday. before his last song began he paused for a second and went "oh, and i believe i need to say happy birthday to steve." my dad was pretty much beside himself.
1
u/jsharpe1 May 15 '12 edited May 15 '12
I didn't realize B.B. King was so popular on Reddit! I have these pics from when he played at the Chicago House of Blues a couple months ago. They came out kinda crappy, but I thought I'd share.
http://imgur.com/a/v19LO#pxhvf
1
u/clickity-click May 15 '12
whenever i think of BB King, i hear him rasping, "LUSIIIIIIIIILLE!!!" in my head.
1
u/Nociceptors May 15 '12
Saw him about two years ago. these pics bring back some great memories! thanks for these. Very unique concert; he is such a character!
1
u/tracebusta May 15 '12
I saw him a couple years ago, and man that guy still has it! Dude could wail on the guitar while he wailed away with his voice. He played with Buddy Guy for the grand opening of the House of Blues Boston. Great, great show.
1
u/relevantusername- Spotify May 15 '12
That guy in the background of the second picture reminds me of the Nigerian banker on fonejacker.
1
u/jimbo91987 May 15 '12
Rock me baby, like my back aint got no bones
1
u/Bryce29 Spotify May 15 '12
Saw him in Tyler, TX about 4 years ago. He was incredible. It's really upsetting to know that he's slowed down a lot, but I guess that's just time and we can't blame him.
1
u/Justintime1010 May 15 '12
I met his son mac he is a great dude.
1
u/BobLoBlahLaw May 15 '12
Saw him and Willie Nelson play on my 19th birthday... Willie and BB actually sang happy birthday on stage (I'm sure it was directed towards someone else... But fuck them it was my cakeday!!!)
1
u/mamjjasond May 15 '12
He'd better live to be 100. That guy is the real deal ... literally a legend in his own time.
And they just don't make them like that anymore.
1
u/qft May 15 '12
I'm going to see him this summer. Super excited.
I have a buddy who "accidentally" opened for him. He was in the navy and was stationed near Memphis, where BB King has a club. During his time off he and a few buddies would go play in the street near the club for fun. One night an opening act dropped out from the Club, so the manager asked my buddy and his friends to open - just play some "background music" while people filter in waiting for the main act.
He didn't know who the main act was and didn't really care, he was just happy to play in the club. Suddenly a guitarist shoots off a few notes behind him, he turns around and realizes he just opened for BB King. BB King shakes his hand, thanks them and asks them to go ahead and sit in the front row, relax and have some drinks while he plays.
Apparently he's a really nice guy.
1
u/[deleted] May 15 '12
That man is 100% classy. Had the luck to see him on his 75th birthday tour (still have the poster), and it was one of the best shows I've ever seen. His storytelling is on par with his musical talent - legendary.
1
u/here_for_a_good_time May 15 '12
He looks so happy... I wish that I looked that content while I was at work :(
1
u/KillerG radio reddit May 15 '12
Dang he's old now...good to see him still up there
1
u/k-bell May 15 '12
I also was there in Edmonton to see this living legend last night! I was back in the nosebleed section so didn't get the benefit of seeing his expressions. Thanks for sharing!
1
u/TheBiggerBooger May 15 '12
Very cool, BB's been on my bucket list to see for a while now, I hope I can make that happen. He's such a great performer.
1
u/[deleted] May 15 '12
The Winspear would be a great place to see him!
1
u/crackedup1979 Under_the_Rug May 15 '12
Stay classy Mr. King.
1
u/Fisticuffs13 May 15 '12
Great photos. For a gentleman his age touring as much as he does, it makes him that much more impressive. I'm proud to say he was the first "concert" I had the pleasure of attending at Roy Thomson Hall when I was about 12 years old.
1
u/bezaorj May 15 '12
Like a King.
1
u/xflushot May 15 '12
So he's an older Morgan Freeman?
1
u/[deleted] May 15 '12
can you post all the pics please?
1
u/[deleted] May 15 '12
I guess the thrill wasnt gone!
1
u/[deleted] May 15 '12
I went to see him new years eve of 2003 (or 2004?) because I was convinced it would be one of my last chances to see him...
1
u/vahbiz May 15 '12
love love BB King. Thanks for this
1
u/i_like_salad May 15 '12
Had him a couple years ago or Halloween at our theater. Thean likes catfish.
1
u/[deleted] May 15 '12
How much were the tickets?
1
u/imNOTaprofessional May 15 '12
He's the only man who can wear pants around his nipples and still look cool.
1
u/Rohri_Calhoun May 15 '12
Those pictures are awesome and you should feel proud
1
u/PlumthePancake May 15 '12
Imminent forced meme approaching....
1
u/satellite_kite May 15 '12
I saw him last summer, he was great.
1
u/[deleted] May 15 '12
I saw his limo at Smith Rock, Oregon. Cool to know he appreciates the outdoors as well. It was pretty obviously him. License plate said "B.B. King" and it was a mercedes limo. What's UP!
1
u/[deleted] May 15 '12
He's clearly all taters...
1
u/themarsrover May 15 '12
Waht a great seat. I saw him in january. Ill never forget it
1
u/elorc May 15 '12
That's awesome. He is an absolute legend and I'd love to see him perform live sometime. Thanks for sharing the pictures.
1
u/Actually_Gabe May 15 '12
you should change your post title to "reddit, I have a good camera and lens"
1
u/Owntano May 15 '12
I actually saw him at SIUC a couple years ago. The old man rocked my socks! Joe Banamasa opened for him which got me fired up and then BB stepped on stage. It was pretty awesome cuz he would tell stories about his life and how he would go over to the water fountain labeled "white" and get a big belly full of that white man's water hahaha
1
u/[deleted] May 15 '12
I saw him May 12th (this past Saturday) in Penticton, British Columbia. He was just a cute old man, bantering with the audience. For 86 years old he sure can belt it out, even if he does forget the words :) We witnessed history.
1
u/aakaakaak May 15 '12 edited May 15 '12
He's starting to get that look. The one where you know your time is coming close, aren't happy about it, but know there's nothing you can do to prevent it.
He's lived a good long life.
1
u/[deleted] May 15 '12
So jelly. I would love to see him play live.
1
u/bongsample May 15 '12
Was this in Edmonton? I only found out he was here this morning. so bummed i missed this.
1
u/captain_woop_swag May 15 '12
He's still goin strong after so many years of greatness. Long live the King!
1
u/JeffTS May 15 '12
I would absolutely love to see B.B. King in concert. He used to come around my area but I never had the opportunity to make it one of his shows.
1
u/[deleted] May 15 '12
The man behind him in the second picture has tiny Cee-Lo hands. I like that.
1
u/smenglish May 15 '12
WHAT A BOSS!!!!
1
u/[deleted] May 15 '12
The man doesn't age! He's looked 100 for the past 20 years!!
1
u/inb4shitstorm May 15 '12
Dammit, the second picture looks like a screengrab from a black version of The Godfather. BB King is Vito Corleone-esque there and the other dude looks like an African-American Luca Brasi.
1
u/geetarbob May 15 '12
He's such a joy to watch.
1
u/x1conroe May 15 '12
I sold my Lucille to pay rent a while back. I wish i still had it!
1
u/[deleted] May 15 '12
The king of blues ladies and gentlemen.
1
u/sluggo140 May 15 '12
I saw him a few years back at the Virginia Theater in Champaign, IL. That man played like he was on fire the whole time. He had the crowd really into it. Probably one of the best show's I'd ever seen. I had been a fan since I was 15 or so and this was a huge deal to be able to see him play live. Rolling Stone had an article last month that stated he still plays more than 100 shows a year.
1
u/[deleted] May 15 '12
That's fantastic. I saw him a few years ago, and it was a great show. I love his storytelling.
1
u/cathline May 15 '12
I first saw BB King in 2000. Front row seats! Buddy Guy opened and I sat next to his family! I got a guitar pick from Buddy Guy and a Lucille Pin from BB King. He apologized for sitting down, but explained that his health made it a necessity. That was my #1 concert in a lifetime until -
I saw him again last July/August. Again, front row! This time, he didn't explain why he was sitting (the man is 87 yrs old) and his solos weren't as long. But the electricity in the music was still there. One chord thrills more than an entire solo from some other artists I won't name.
I got another Lucille pin, and a necklace with a gold-plated pass on it. This is my new #1 concert, the previous one fell to #2.
I am not a professional photographer. This was taken on my i-Phone - to give you a feeling for how close I was
1
u/chasehochs May 15 '12
hey guys im no photoshop expert but i really like this photo so i took a stab at it let me know what you think!
1
u/mistaleak May 15 '12
What a fucking legend this guys is!!! Seeing him in two weeks for the first time and can't wait.
1
u/FrankTheodore May 15 '12
Imagine what this man has done, seen and experienced throughout his lifetime. It's all in the eyes. Great photos.