Author Archives: J.J. Perry

Johnny Morgan on 13: “It was a hybrid”

The versions of “Sweet Tooth” and “Black Hearted Woman” that ended up on “13 featuring Lester Butler” were actually the demo tracks, featuring the propulsive drumming of Johnny Morgan. I spoke with Morgan back on May 29, 2011, at the Simi Valley Cajun and Blues Festival, minutes after he got off stage playing behind BigContinue reading “Johnny Morgan on 13: “It was a hybrid””

Lyrics: She’s Dynamite from European MTV performance

These are the lyrics to “She’s Dynamite” as performed by the Red Devils in Europe for MTV’s Most Wanted in 1993. The date of the performance as far as can be determined at this point was April 11, 1993. Two songs were aired, “She’s Dynamite” and “Your Time to Cry” in that order. The videoContinue reading “Lyrics: She’s Dynamite from European MTV performance”

Lester Butler remembered at Simi Valley Cajun & Blues festival

For one afternoon only, Lester Butler was back on stage. A portrait of Butler — blowing harp, arms covered in tats — by artist Theo Reijnders rested on an easel stage left May 29 at the 22nd Annual Simi Valley Cajun & Blues Music Festival for a performance by Big Pete and his Lester ButlerContinue reading “Lester Butler remembered at Simi Valley Cajun & Blues festival”

Lester Butler Tribute Band coverage & nofightin.com news

Nofightin.com will be attending the Lester Butler Tribute Band gig at the 22nd Annual Simi Valley Cajun Festival in Simi Valley, Calif., Memorial Day weekend, May 28 and 29. Also performing that weekend are Los Fabulocos with Kid Ramos, the Mannish Boys, Elvin Bishop, Kirk Fletcher, John Nemeth and a whole lot more. We’ll beContinue reading “Lester Butler Tribute Band coverage & nofightin.com news”

Itinerary outlines 1997 13 Europe tour

We’ve been going through thousands of photos, videos, posters, documents and ephemera given to No Fightin’ by drummer Eddie Clark. Much of it focuses on his time with 13 or his many years with William Clarke. Over the coming months, we’ll be posting more rare inventory from the Eddie Clark collection. First up: This faxedContinue reading “Itinerary outlines 1997 13 Europe tour”

13 reissue producer: “We want to carry on his legacy”

“13 featuring Lester Butler” reissue producer James Austin is obviously a big fan of the harmonica player. In a recent email Q&A with nofightin.com, Austin, vice president of A&R for RockBeat Records, talked about the project, his goals and his continuing amazement at Lester Butler. Q: How were you brought aboard this reissue project? WereContinue reading “13 reissue producer: “We want to carry on his legacy””

Review: Bonus tracks, new packaging highlight 13 reissue

“13 featuring Lester Butler” is available again. The reissue, out March 22 on RockBeat Records, features new art, new liner notes and three bonus tracks previously available only on bootleg. We are on record with our love of “13,” so the quality of the music is not in doubt on this reissue. Instead, let’s lookContinue reading “Review: Bonus tracks, new packaging highlight 13 reissue”

Lester Butler tributes in Netherlands, California

It seems we’re heading into a little Lester Butler renaissance. Not only is “13 featuring Lester Butler” being reissued on March 22, but two tribute shows are set up featuring many of the musicians heard on that record. First up is Lester Butler Tribute Night March 25, 2011, with the Lester Butler Tribute Band atContinue reading “Lester Butler tributes in Netherlands, California”

Red Devils open Hollywood House of Blues 1994

Jonny Ray Bartel sent this Daily Variety article on the opening night at the Hollywood House of Blues April 22, 1994, featuring Aerosmith and The Red Devils: Bartel also shared his recollections from that show: We were offered the warming slot for Aerosmith on the opening night of Hollywood’s House of Blues on Sunset Blvd.Continue reading “Red Devils open Hollywood House of Blues 1994”