Fabulous Thunderbirds - Tonight Show 1987 Tuff Enuff & Wrap It Up

[@wataboutya9310]

Jimmy sporting the six gun and spurs!

[@television6318]

Jimmie with the Strat, in black with a six gun and spurs on his boots. Wow.

[@tezzrterry7485]

That 6 gun swings around like the real thing too, plus spurs makes Jimmy tuff.

[@danielktdoranie]

The Vaughan brothers were not known for their fashion sense 😂 Hell Stevie dressed like a pimp from outer space

[@chupacabra3331]

Yeah, Stevie would wear those high pants like he was waiting for the flood….the Texas Flood. This lead singer looks like he should be selling furniture with that bald spot but nobody cared.

[@Menyhard]

What a bass player

[@ssurfcity]

Preston Hubbard R.I.P.

[@donwarnick1089]

I took me 5 minutes to notice the sidearm. Amazing!

[@tamedshrew235]

Fabulous Thunderbirds, Tower of Power, BB King: Hartford ~2000

[@tygrkhat4087]

I saw this lineup open for Bob Seger at the old Aud in Buffalo. The T-Birds blew the roof off the Aud and I wondered how Seger would top it. He came out and did a 20+ song set of his greatest hits and blew the roof back off the Aud. Arguably the greatest concert I ever saw.

[@gaylenhalbert4391]

Wow. Thank you.

[@Hibernicus1968]

You're lucky. I saw Bob Seger in concert back in the late eighties, and while Seger was fantastic (of course), his opening act was some act called "Adrenalin," and... He was kind of scraping the bottom of the barrel to come up with them for an opener.

[@mwilkinson5474]

Would love to have been there!!!

[@al6347]

A true Texas guitar slinger. Texas Royalty JLV&SRV.

[@randyelliott9152]

and Johnny Winter and T-Bone Walker

[@troykelso]

And Billy Gibbons and Eric Johnson.

[@misterschubert3242]

And the first one to show up with a Stratocaster, Buddy Holly.

And Johnny, SO cool. Those were the days!

[@garrickragon1232]

Way back when. When we were we were still alive.

[@willminkorea2010]

Wrap it up was a great cover

[@dakotablack2003]

Back when people cared about actuall music. A guy who looks like a loan shark can be in a great band as long as he can sing.

[@lisashope2926]

Lol that's funny. Great singer for sure.

[@mahlonedwards6826]

LoL

[@justinestes6400]

That bass line is TUFF ENUFF!!

[@connfyoozed]

Yup, I’ve always loved the bass line in this song. R.I.P. Preston Hubbard

[@bevo1776]

Jimmie Lawrence Vaughn: Side Arm and Spurs...just another Texas badass. Hook 'Em!

[@jimwhite9401]

Jimmie Lee , bad boy...

[@mattd6086]

This is what cool looks like.

[@imageskj1]

Saw Jimmy tonight in Santa Fe. He still got it goin on 🤟

[@Jeremiahstorm]

Would of liked to have known about that Venue.

[@knifelyfe6565]

Was it Jimmie and the Tilt-a-Whirl band?

[@jaywilley955]

Yes sir. When it was about the sound and not look. Thank you gents.

[@mwilliamshs]

Not about look? Are you missing the comb-over? Can't see the spurs? The holstered revolver is invisible to you? The sound is great. The look is a major element.

[@jeffkokosinski1784]

Jimmie has got an ole traditional bluesy style and tone. You gotta dig it man

[@rosecarey8522]

I saw them in 1985,,I still play their Vynyl Album,,im flying out to see Jimmy with Eric Clapton at 3 arenas,California October 2024,we flew to Pittsburgh,saw them last year .From 18 - 55 I worked 7days a week,plus 2 parttime jobs to be able to have money to see my heroes .every time Eric Clapton came to USA, I could never go,,im 58 ,I am now traveling to See EricClapton and my guitar heroes

[@thedevilinthecircuit1414]

Ah, the days when you could play in a band and open carry. Nobody swings on the mic like Kim Wilson. He's a beast!

[@zroy9263]

Jimmie Lee Vaughan is one of the greatest guitar players in music history! He's smooth, funky, soulful, rockin', jazzy, and can play the blues with the best of them! He's a Freddie King and Johnny"Guitar" Watson student. I highly recommend his album called Do You Get The Blues? It features Tommy Shannon, Chris Layton, Reese Wynans, and Lou Ann Barton. This awesome album is like sitting in at the legendary blues joint called Antone's in Austin, Texas! They turn this mutha out on that shit! This album is one of my favorites in my blues library.

[@RearviewMirror-ij2pr]

A fine blues cat indeed.

[@TomMcglaun]

Jimmie and Stevie. Cool cats!!!

[@terryferan9028]

So much energy flowing through Jimmie. Representing all the players who never got this chance.

[@davidcatalano3781]

I saw Jimmie Vaughan the Monterey about 3 weeks ago he was absolutely fantastic even after all the health issues he has gone through. God bless him!!!

[@briancook5838]

Absolute And ONLY Time I Have EVER Seen A Band Member With A Side Arm Revolver In A Western Holster On Stage ! Straight Outta Texas . . . Thanx Jimmy !

[@MrJohnnyDistortion]

And spurs

[@Pooboob]

hmmmmm. Too tough.

[@jalsbrook4475]

Adam Ant would like a word with you.

[@billmay7364]

Seen this Tour in 87. This Music is Catchy. Seen them in a Bar in Ct. BankStreet Road House. I knew the Owner. After the Show had some Drinks with the Guys after Show. Really Cool Guys.

[@patnigro9152]

What swagger and what a voice! You are tough my man!!!!

[@crowhaven200]

Fabulous indeed. A great band. Jimmie is the real deal too. Kim Wilson's Vocals made you snap your fingers. Lots of cool factor with this band.

[@jdfolbre]

Kim Wilson is a harmonica legend.

[@J.G.M.Jr.]

@@jdfolbre No, Kim Wilson is a musician...not a harmonica. Legend.

[@jdfolbre]

@@J.G.M.Jr. I certainly won't argue with that!

[@pointuout2020]

Big Jimmie Vaughan is the man on the strat!

[@jimfitzgerald6510]

Jimmy effing Vaughan... too cool for school. Amazing.

[@jaypiasecki4607]

Jimmy with that 6 gun. My hero !

[@tjmusa]

wow, i remember this performance. the next day i hit the "record" store and got the "LP" , still have it.. time sure flies.

[@michaelgapple1894]

One of the best days of my life and probably the best concert I was ever privileged to see - The T-Birds opened for some guy named Stevie Ray Vaughn. Yeah - it was pretty good. 🍎💋❤️🥃🎼🍺🌿

[@melodymakermark]

Sounds like a fabulous bunch of double trouble.

[@stevehady915]

Same here. Saw them at Milwaukee Summerfest, and to top it off The Neville Brothers were playin on a side stage after the main concert

[@scotthartman8604]

Sounds like Jimmie is playing totally clean, what balls!

[@scotthartman8604]

Yes.. me too...

[@michaelellison9547]

@@scotthartman8604 Tremelo.

[@reddeserted13]

I was 12 and loved these songs. People listening to hair bands thought I was a dork.

[@nelsonhibbert5267]

I was in college and me and my guitar playing friend were listening to Muddy, Wolf, Elmore James, Fleetwood Mac (before they went shit), Creedence, Albert King, Zeppelin and the T-Birds. Everyone thought we were weird because they thought Oasis were cool. I remember my friend saying "what's with all this open chord strumming shit and bad singing these days?!".

[@elaineisabelle427]

I was older but I listened to this stuff too, SRV, etc. not the hair bands.

[@robertmahaney6831]

WOW this stood up over time.

[@camotero1]

I have been one to Pooh-Pooh Stevie’s big brother. But he really slays it here. What a performance.

[@ledaswan5990]

Same here. He sounds good here but lately he sounds like he hasn’t learned a new lick in years and doesn’t put much effort out.

[@davidforsythe3037]

Fab T Birds are, and have always been awesome

[@jordandickerson4069]

Got to see the Fabulous Thunderbirds in 1989 on the Potomac River in Washington DC. At a Chili Cookoff. $ 5.00 to get in. One of my favorite concerts.

[@gregspicer8281]

Sure was hot that day wasn't it?

[@jordandickerson4069]

@@gregspicer8281 It was Brutal. I'm from Colorado. It was worth it.

[@daviddennison4201]

Awesome performance

[@cinnamongirl5410]

Fabulous voice!

[@frankpitochelli6786]

God I miss those days... Sooo much..!!

[@digitalimager4946]

How many would get away with wearing a gun on stage now?

[@lars_g_sorensenswitzerfoot6677]

Didn't notice that...

[@threeg6966]

Jimmy Vaughn is pretty cool. 😎 I saw his band open for Eric Clapton in Nashville a couple of years ago. Jimmy the joined Eric and the band for the finale. Great concert!

[@POBulkhead]

They still are fabulous.

[@geneahart5607]

Jimmy in his prime, great guitar sound. Down and dirty, raw sound outta that Strat.

[@BryanEberle]

6 shooters optional.... 🤣👍

[@MrSmartass89]

Great band. Great bunch of guys. Never goes out of style.

[@craigmills4254]

Great performance 2 killer songs. Jimmy Vaughan is the real deal and knows when to show his hand…somewhat of a rarity these days. Growing up playing with your brother as kids cements your style n chops. Saw an interview with Stevie who credits his guitar playing to Jimmy and only ever wanted to impress him which of course he did in spades. That’s love right there folks. Classic strat tone too right outta the box … clean low output pickups letting the guitar and amp breathe. Beautiful!!

[@aloisemason3044]

Kim Wilson is terrific and the band has it going on..Jimmy Vaughan a terrific guitar player..the sound is awesome.

[@bamapoppy]

I got here today bc the Thunderbirds pilots are flying at air show in Biloxi, MS and it reminded me of this band. I got to see them in their heyday in the 70’s in Tuscaloosa at a club downtown. Definitely talented musicians.

[@MikeKeller]

When they had GOOD bands on late night shows...

[@richsackett3423]

They had crap bands on the show then too.

[@ChrisH930S]

Ditto brother, I remember watching this episode.

[@fleekawadog]

I remember accidentally seeing this in 87’ I remember digging the guitarist. I had no idea he was Stevie’s brother until a couple years later.

[@douglaswillcox75]

it took me a while but now iam the proud owner of..'girls go wild' on........dont laugh C90 cassette and now vinyl lp i fell honored to have been exposed to such a force of greatness doug

[@LEEFORDJAGG]

I bought ‘Girls Go Wild’ on the strength of the cover. It’s still my favourite ever Fabulous Thunderbirds album.. ‘Marked Deck’.. I bought all their albums when JLV was a member. Is there a chance that Kim & Jimmy will reunite?

[@knifelyfe6565]

Jr Brantley on keys.Jr, Pinky and Franny are all alumni of Roomful of Blues. AINT IT FUN BEING FROM TEXAS!

[@erickjason9092]

Wow. Music that doesnt suck. How retro!

[@racerx8822]

Kim Wilson’s moves on stage make me happy and long for better times that aren’t coming back in my lifetime.

[@HypnoticYogi]

@@oinkooink I bet Racer X was referring specifically to the sex drugs rock n roll times of the 80s, not pre-pandenic lockdown. Hence his referencing Kin Wilson's sweet moves that were sweet 30 years ago, but look painfully outsated now. No amount of anti masking and open economy will bring the 80s back lol.

[@mwg911hk]

Way to see life in a positive way. It's all what you make of it. I'm not letting any of this bullshit effect me.

[@HypnoticYogi]

@Jack Eldritch I totally agree! My comment was in response to a comment that was deleted. So there's context missing. And frankly, I don't even remember what it was about in the first place 😆

[@theresaweichert6410]

We should all be rats or keep the rats out if are hair hair ties help

[@theresaweichert6410]

Hair ties and the blues

[@royculleton6223]

Jimmy Vaughn is such a badass! Plays a killer guitar and shows up on Johnny Carson strapped!! Yessir.. He's Tough Enough!!

[@ericlee2931]

No doubt! I bet it was no prop, The real thing! Not a gimmick, Just Jimmy doing Jimmy

[@nunyabusiness3920]

Saw them and ZZ Top open for the Stones in Houston 81. Best 17.50 I ever spent!🔥

[@JohnHardiman-d5t]

Same line up at the Cotton Boul in 80 I think. Halloween day and the next day. The Thunderbirds were good enough to open or close. Seeing twice was worth it.

[@aloisemason3044]

The legend Kim Wiliams is wrapping it up..And its looking mighty fine..Hey Jimmie..behind the head with that strait is impressing..terrific band not missing a beat..sensational

[@mickgerard6696]

Fabulous amount of talent in this band! God I miss the good old days! Texas Blues at its finest and notice nobody flipping out with Jimmy Open Carrying his Colt right on stage! And look at that, nobody got shot! Incredible. God bless these guys!

[@edwardbrown1051]

Think it was loaded?

[@scottsevertson1803]

now that's Bad Ass !

[@duanecupp2745]

I've seen the Thunderbirds numerous times mostly in a small club maybe 100 people and Jimmie stood next to me and jammed while the coolest lead singer ever did his thing

[@travelinben1966]

When late night used to entertain us.

[@littleteethkeith]

Now the late shows just tell you that you’re a racist.

[@travelinben1966]

@@littleteethkeith Everyone's a racist now.Get used to it.

[@mitchellhughes5180]

This is entertaining to you?

[@hoppes9658]

@@mitchellhughes5180 Damn right it is. Queers don’t like it but that’s good.

[@MG-si8fw]

Early 80's summer in Dallas they were an opening act for the rolling stones at the Cotton Bowl. Fabulous Thunderbirds performance blew away the stones on that day.

[@mikeloper100]

Nicks Uptown

[@gregs8685]

Now that’s funny.

[@jackpott8587]

Don’t forget that ZZTop also played, both in Houston and Dallas.

[@jbstonesfan]

Good band but let’s not get carried away…it’s the Stones man !

[@rwh2559]

Actually it was Halloween, and November 1, at the Cotton Bowl. Fabulous thunderbirds, ZZTop, then the Stones. On Halloween, shortly after the Stones came on stage, It started raining a downpour...miserable show. Fab Thunderbirds and ZZTop were good, but the rain kinda ruined the Stones show.

[@theresaweichert6410]

Stevie was a friend of mine I did meet in new Orleans years ago very nice guy told me about his brother and family love him love them god bless us all family and friends matter

[@cinnamongirl5410]

They were so great! Sweet guys too.

[@Mike-pi2bo]

You can hear Jimmy's song writing in these songs. Lots of Texas swing. He and Stevie's "Family Style" album was a great example of young and old mix of Texas swing.

[@altfactor]

This was a rarity, since very few times since "The Tonight Show" was cut back to an hour (in 1980) has a musical guest performed more than one song.

[@michaelwoodall9022]

I bought this tape AND record when I was in high school. I wore the tape out and lost the record in a move... until I found it in a box at my brothers along with a Blues Brothers record and Michael Jackson Thriller!

[@CCB6939]

some people say Jimmy Vaughn is over rated... those people obviously don't play guitar!! I seen him open for Clapton, he was incredible!!

[@jdustan]

those people don't know shit. His tone alone on these two songs elevates him to the next level. playing is creative and in the pocket.

[@carolwalston3274]

I’m sure. ♥️😁🌺

[@bogfish9664]

I think it's got something to do with how white hot his brother was on the guitar. Jimmy isn't that bad really, but next to Stevie he might as well be a bowl of salad.

[@CCB6939]

@@bogfish9664 very accurate statement... I can't say I know many guitar players that can compare to Stevie..

[@jessedeleon4123]

@@bogfish9664 well I mean yeah Stevie is a legend but Jimmy can definitely hold his own.

[@BethThompson-wz6cp]

Jimmie and Fran still going strong. Texas Blues Power

[@strattuner]

when you got it,it shows,T BIRDS ROCK IT HARD, bass line and rhythm guitar stand out,vocals are heavy duty

[@cesariosilvasilva5784]

JIMMY WAS A MACHINE OF MAKE MUSIC, TERRIC VERY NICE

[@peterbulloch4328]

I saw these guys play in Sydney Australia when they supported Stevie Ray Vaughan, they were great and Stevie came out and sat next to them at the end of their performance, grooving with them. Stevie and his brother played the same guitar together at the same time at one stage, Stevie was fantastic that night as well!

[@TobiasBaker-c5b]

Love this band

[@remyempisse2280]

Years after , Kid Ramos was cool too ! I’m a FabT bird fan for 1985

[@peddler38501]

Back about 20 years ago, the Thunderbirds played a gig at the Fall Fun Fest in my little town. I lived a block from where they were playing, and I heard them clearly through my kitchen window. And I realized that they weren't playing their big hits: they were in a blues mood, and they were playing stuff I had never heard them play. After a few minutes, I was like, 'I'm going down to the park to see this!' But by the time I got there, they were done. Solid band.

[@johnnycheole]

Killer! Great tunes, great band. JLV is The Man! He's wearing a long Colt pistol while playing the Johnny Carson show. Insane! I love it. When I first saw Jimmy in a Guitar Player magazine in 9th grade, Knoxville Tn West HS, he looked freakin' awesome. The picture was him, playing a Dano Longhorn, pompadour with a lock falling in his face, 50's look, bolero / Tex-Mex outfit. I though, "THAT'S what I want to be when I grow up." "Girls Go Wild" is a superb blues album. Jimmy is killing it. Long live the T-Birds!

[@rickabbott5297]

Great Guitarist and a fantastic BAND 👍👍👍👍👍👍🎸🤗😁

[@martymcmannis8662]

Jimmy was looking good, and playing even better than ever. Apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Thanks for the memories

[@mwilliamshs]

Who's the apple? The tree?

[@gordonpeterson619]

Kim Wilson from Goleta, CA. Dos Pueblos High School class of 1969. Called himself "Goleta Slim."

[@tomorrow517]

Saw these guys at a hotel ballroom in Waikiki in the 80's...they were fabulous! By the end of the night we up on the banquet tables dancing our butts off!! 😊

[@zinggdrew]

11 years later and it’s still smokin. Now put the van down, Connie.

[@govinda102000]

Incredible how this song reached at the time to many types of music lovers.

[@amandalively1]

Jimmy vaughn is the coolest. I gotta say it.

[@SuperDrJeckyl]

Yes! That brief solo during wrap it up is so cool.

[@stevehill766]

and I gotta agree!

[@MrJett1971]

*Jimmie Vaughan

[@seanmurphy26]

I don't know, when you have the Hammond Organ doing all your guitar fills ..

[@flstffatboy3910]

No doubt about it

[@douglasharrison1360]

I was obsessed with glam rock, but when I heard these guys, wow!! Changed my life.

[@ledaswan5990]

Yeah he ain’t no Mick Ronson but he sounds pretty good

[@willarity6927]

I wonder how many times I saw them at Lupo's. Since I would never have gone straight or sober, we'll never know. But I'm grateful for the missing memories, and I always turn them up whenever they come on the air. You could do worse, and you probably already have.

[@karleberhardpfahl]

It's astonishing that a band with such level of talent and blues sensibilities could actually reap some considerable commercial success for a while. Jimmie Vaughan is one of the great true blues players of our day and age. And no body is better on harp than Wilson.

[@MrJett1971]

Unfortunately, it didn’t last long. I’m still kicking myself for never having the opportunity to see them play at their peak.

[@zarbond21]

@ karleberhardpfahl if get a chance Sometime check out The Red Devils, of course that is if You aren't already familiar with Them. KILLER BLUES AND HARMONICA LICKS kzbin.info/www/bejne/nHPbYXquoqaDhsU 😎 👕 👖

[@johncoker13]

I'm not there to argue but Huey lewis plays a mean Harmonica as well!

[@musicofanatic]

@@johncoker13 Wilson himself acknowledges Lewis' ability on harmonica. Unlike 100s of popstar singers who "also play harmonica", Lewis employs credible technique.

[@johncoker13]

@@musicofanatic that's cool I just really started listening to Kim , he's Awesome himself no doubt 👍

[@catherinecrow5662]

I saw them live !!! They kicked !!!

[@lionheartmerrill1069]

Nectar

[@agneslong2323]

I saw them headline an outdoor show that started in the afternoon. They were so good that night that I have forgotten who else was there. They were jammin'. Jimmie was on point and friendly. So was Kim with his harmonica. And then fireworks. What a night.

[@dizzle123able]

Damn Jimmy Vaughn is wearing spurs on his boots and carrying a six shooter on his right hip 😮🤘🏻👊🏻 fuckin A! I love America!

[@notimetowaste1254]

Great singer with a lot of personality. 👍

[@kayakchrispy]

What an asset that bassist is … 😊😊

[@OldassBoomer]

I like watching Jimmy Vaughan get his groove on live.

[@valeriethompson1166]

These guys were a cool hybrid and made some great music. Kim in a turban, Jimmie with his six shooter. Kim could blow some harp too. And they rocked live.

[@loispulliam3001]

love jimmy.....and stevie loved him too....

[@briankahanek]

Killing !!!

[@hwy6163]

Kim Wilson tore it up. I saw them twice together and Kim headline after the Thunderbirds split. He still can rock this place

[@MARKIEBANUNCE]

Kim is one Helluva harp player too. FUCKIN BLOODY HELL! Check out his live cd "SMOKIN JOINT"

[@lordburlap4514]

Real musicians…who really play and really sing!!!!!….how unusual!!!!!!!!!!

[@atllzable]

RIGHT...??!!

[@Steveorino123]

It’s recoded and lip synced. Truly I believe so.

[@stillnotwoke]

​@@Steveorino123 Wrong! Obviously you're not a musician.

[@aloisemason3044]

It seems like everybody ends up on a talk host show to strut there stuff..Kim Wilson is a great singer and Jimmie Vaughan is great on that strat..That sound coming out of that strat is dynamite..great sounding band..what a performance and the rhythem is fantastic

[@marilynross5965]

yowza ah those were the days tuff enuff yall

[@chrisgreen1904]

I miss Johnny so much 😢

[@w.rustylane5650]

I knew the early guitar player for the Thunderbirds. He taught me how to play a guitar when I was 12. His name was Jim Glass. Cheers from eastern TN

[@knifelyfe6565]

Jimmie was the first Tbirds guitar player.Jimmie and Kim started the band.

[@crapseven]

I love that the guitarist is packing some heat in a leg holster. Lol. Classic stuff.

[@janedoe-ex5wo]

Jimmy Vaughan!!

[@renecorrea1008]

The great Kim Wilson!