A Guitarist In Need - Walter Trout

[Blayney]

I don't know how many of you will have come across Walter Trout. He is a blues guitarist who has been performing since the late 60's and touring with his own band since '89. He's one of the most dedicated musicians I know of playing 100+ dates every year. I've personally seen him perform 6 times and met him 3 times. My Father first saw him playing Bristol Bierkeller c.1990 and has seen him almost every year since. He always performs passionately and seems to take as much pleasure from the fans as he gives us. He always has time to talk to your after the gig and always has a funny story to tell.

When I saw him in November of last year it almost brought a tear to my eye to see him. Years of abuse in his youth took its toll on his liver. Despite being sober and clean for nearly 30 years he had liver disease. He couldn't stand for the whole gig and looked very ill, but he still gave every ounce that he could. He even managed to find some humour in the situation, commenting after the first song "I heard y'all when I first came out... "God damn, he's lost a stload of weight! I'm on a great diet... it's called liver disease!"

Unfortunately the treatment he was recieving hasn't been enough and his doctors have given him months to live if he doesn't recieve a new liver. Sadly as he lives in America, and despite having health insurance, his family can't afford to fund all of the support he needs until he gets the liver and the rehabilitation he will need after the surgery.

If you have been a fan of Walters, or moved by his story, a page has been set up to donate.

http://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/walter...

I know people don't have much money these days, and there are perhaps more worthy causes, however if you want to donate I know Walter and his family would appreciate it.

As a footnote I've had some childish reactions from other forums I partake in. Please, have the maturity to realise that if you have nothing positive to add it is better to say nothing at all. I realise there are some big charities out there who are perhaps "more" deserving and that Walters own past mistakes are the cause of his current problems. However, everyone deserves a second chance.

Thank you.

Edited by Blayney on Friday 21st March 20:50

Edited by Blayney on Friday 21st March 20:52