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Exclusive: B.B. King and Buddy Guy’s Backstage Blues Summit

3/26/09, 5:51 pm EST

Bluesmen B.B. King and Buddy Guy recently wrapped up a three-week stretch of shows together at Red Bank, New Jersey’s Count Basie Theatre and Rock Daily was backstage with the two legends as they talked about their craft, reminisced about the old days and their mutual respect for one another. For an intimate look at the two Roll and Roll Hall of Famers, check out our exclusive video above.

Throughout the tour, King and Guy have traded anecdotes about some of the highlights of their storied careers. “Yesterday, B.B. was telling me about one gig where the bus broke down and the [promoter] told him, ‘I’m not gonna pay you ’cause you’re late,’ ” Guy said. “Well, the house was sold out, and B.B. went out and said, ‘You all should get your money back because I’m playing for free.’ “

“It’s sort of incredible that Buddy and I never toured,” King said, “There ain’t that many of us older guys around still doing what we do.” At 83, King is the elder statesman, while the 72-year-old Guy still remembers meeting his hero in 1958, when King stopped by to watch Guy play. “I say to myself, ‘Oh, my God, I don’t know what to play tonight, ’cause I can’t play B.B. King stuff if he’s sitting there,” Guy said.

For more of our conversation with King and Guy, including King’s assertion that he could write a book about cotton-farming but couldn’t author a novel on the blues, check out our exclusive video from backstage the Count Basie Theatre.

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Secrets of the Guitar Heroes: Buddy Guy


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Comments

blues lover | 3/27/2009, 7:48 pm EST

Had the opportunity to meet BB back in 02 after one of his shows in Dallas.

He is a Prince of a man and without doubt, King of the blues.

Lucille Lover | 3/28/2009, 7:11 pm EST

Also had the pleasure of meeting BB back in about 89 after a show in Houston. Truly a classy gentleman.

bobgeorge | 3/29/2009, 10:30 am EST

Saw their show in early February and I’m still buzzed about it. Awesome! These two gentlemen are a prime example of why we need to respect our elders. Absolutely great showmen!

WC | 3/30/2009, 4:00 pm EST

have seen both individually, but to see a joint show..stellar
seen Buddy Guy multiple times in S FL, once in The Musicians Exchange, tiny little bar… he stood at our table and wailed a solo not 3 feet from me.. walkign around the bar just pumping everybody up… an amazing player, one the greatest
BB… what more needs to be said for a musician still touring into has later 80’s… The Godfather carrying on Robert Johnson’s legacy

bluepierre | 3/31/2009, 1:58 pm EST

These two guys are really really cool and 100 percent for real. I hope they’re getting the love and the respect they’ve earned through all those years they’ve been representing the original blues culture.

FreePiter | 3/31/2009, 3:26 pm EST

Вот и появилась в интернете Первая Питерская социальная сеть – Фри Питер . РУ
Кто с Питера встречаемся здесь:)) http://www.freepiter.ru

Mike Hunt | 3/31/2009, 7:37 pm EST

Ah, two of the best. Thank you rolling stone, for actually showcasing artists who are talented for once. I’ve never seen either of them (I’m only 18), but They are just simply legendary. Both of you come to Toronto!

Sailbadthesinner | 4/1/2009, 11:58 am EST

All hail the Kings of the Blues. I’ve seen both, and would love to see both together. We are blessed to be around to listen to these legends.

Jason | 4/3/2009, 4:19 pm EST

I had the pleasure of seeing and meeting Buddy Guy at the Experience Hendrix show last fall, and again with BB during their recent tour. They are both consummate performers and the inspiration behind the bulk of my musical idols. I will forever treasure seeing them both perform in what I would still call their prime.

JEFF COSTIGAN | 6/11/2009, 4:28 am EST

SITTING HERE @ 4:20 AM, NY TIME KICKING MYSELF!! MISSED ERIC CLAPTON AGAIN TODAY. WAS SUPPOSED TO SEE HIM LAST TIME HE WAS HERE @ MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, BUT NEVER GOT AROUND TO BUYING TICKETS. WILL NOT HAPPEN WHEN B B PLAYS @ BETHEL CENTER LATER THIS YEAR WITH BUDDY GUY. TALK ABOUT A KILLER SHOW, HOW ABOUT B B & CLAPTON TOUR ONE DAY?? I WOULD GIVE ANYTHING TO SEE A SHOW WITH BOTH PLAYING. MAYBE ONE DAY, WHO KNOWS, BUT I HOPE!! REALLY LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING B B LIVE @ BETHEL CENTER UPSTATE. THATS ALL FOR NOW. JEFF C.

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