Like many around the world, I hit a You Tube video when I heard that B.B. King had passed. The blues legend died yesterday at 89. The video was from the Rattle & Hum sessions back in 1988 with U2.

I was lucky enough to see U2's Joshua Tree tour stop in late 1987 at Sun Devil Stadium. 75,000 people paid $5 to see B.B. open for U2. Footage from the show was featured in the movie. The price was so low due to a stipulation in the contract with the film makers. It was the best concert I've ever seen.

King had a profound effect on Bono. It was that point in the young songwriter's career when legendary American singer/songwriters like B.B. were really influencing his music. And, it was at that point, in my opinion, that his songs packed the most punch. Bob Dylan once spoke of a time period where the songs just flowed out of him with such volume and ease. Same thing happened to Bono in the late 1980s...with a heavy influence from bluesmen like B.B.

Mr. King was born in Mississippi and spent 50+ years in the spotlight with his guitar Lucille. The two made sweet music together. R.I.P.B.B.

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