Happy Birthday Glenn

3/20/08

Another barnburner at Hooples. I got the text message from Dom at about 9:30 informing me that the entire band was up on stage & playing HARD. Moments later a 2nd message: "GET HERE QUICK." I drank my beer quickly and got there by about 9:45. The band was in full swing and the crowd was already large. Highlights of the 1st set were a blistering "Mountain Top" and fantastic "Spanish" (sans lyrics). Paul's playing was exceptional on these tunes and the whole band was ON. In the middle of the set, a friend of Glenn's named Bruce (who is the closest thing that Glenn has to a minister) took over the microphone and informed us all that it was Glenn's birthday (I believe he was born in 1941..) and encouraged everyone to pray and TIP. Glenn responded happily to this suggestion and the set was a good warmup. He also did a little "I Believe in You" in this set.

2nd set, Laz & Neal show up. Glenn is VERY happy to see Laz and at the break asks all of us what songs we'd like to hear. The usual requests are made, Glenn even suggests "Water Street" !!! He was in a good mood. The place was packed. They launch into what was probably the longest and DEFINITELY one of the heaviest versions of "Fear and Doom" the world has ever known. Intense. STRONG, LONG. Unfortunately after a couple of other tunes, this set was abbreviated due to a 50 something at the bar who was yelling idiotic comments when Glenn was trying to talk.

3rd set highlights included a beautiful "Stepping into the Sunlight" opener, the first ever "Times They are a-Changin'" (a few verses), "When He Returns", "Undertaker" and a finale blues jam that simply shredded everyones head in 3. Sheets of sound and energy poured out of Glenny. He played it more than pretty. He played it like it's never been played before. His performance was simply stunning and earthshaking.

I also met a great guy named Dan who pretty much grew up with Glenn and has known him for over 40 years. He shared some crazy stories about the old days including tales about Glenn w/Johnny Winter & Hendrix in NYC, Glenn's good relationship with the Hell's Angels and the fact that Glenn & Gene used to have jobs painting cars for years....without wearing any protective masks!!

Aside from the childlike behavior from the usual random hecklers, it was Glenn's birthday present to all of us.

TZ