TRAFFIC The Low Spark Of High Heeled Boys

LIVE IN SANTA MONICA 1972

[@lRkyMtnHighl]

Steve will always be one of the most talented individuals in all of musical history!! Nothing compares to his genius knowledge of songwriting, and his tone👍

[@cosybully]

I used to listen to this song all the time when I was in college in the mid 1970s. I screwed in a blue light bulb and put a towel across the bottom of the door to block out the light from the dormitory hallway and went into the zone.

[@timothythomas9906]

No autotune, no computers, just real music played by real musicians

[@johnkemp2556]

AGREED

[@cathym7071]

Yep..Pure music..

[@lagunaflyguy]

Might I add very great music that still resonates to this day.

[@feliciawhite6777]

Maybe some quaaludes

[@AvocaSingleTrack]

You damn right Sir . I say it every time i hear the greats of yesteryear

[@DaultonWestJr]

What an incredible song, and what an innovative jazz / blues/ rock / fusion band way ahead of its time. Traffic is one of my all time favorite bands. Love this lineup - Winwood, and Capaldi, of course, Chris Wood on sax (sadly, left us far too soon), Rehop Kwaku Baah, and Roger Hawkins on drums and David Hood on bass, I believe.

[@MHB48615]

Blues and jazz muddled up together as good as you will EVER hear. Steve Winwood has had his act together for quite awhile now. Never gets old.

[@B4theend4]

Yes you’re right. But in 72’ it was just another form of rock and roll.

[@ryan-xm5nt]

This is one of the best songs ever written. Music, sweet music, at its best.

[@raulregalado5344]

This song is not only a masterpiece but amazing, I'm in my mid 60's and have enjoyed listening this song since it came out. One of the classiest songs in prog rock, just mind blowing.

[@dennisadorno6721]

I have been enjoying this song for 40 years plus..Last night I realized one of the best components of this song is the simplicity. The clapping, percussions, saxophone and the lack of a lead guitar....Who writes a song with no lead guitar?? Absolute genius!

[@thomasburke4042]

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS ALBUM

[@chinookvalley]

Incredible. I'm 58, this is still some of the greatest music out there, and I'm glad I can listen to it on a Sunday afternoon. In memory of all my friends, long gone. Love you guys. We will together soon!

[@steveturowski7659]

+chinookvalley I'm 49 and always love older music.Don't you just love you tube?

[@margaretmartell5704]

chinookvalley I’m almost 65 and this song makes me so happy 😀. Not sure what it means, but who cares!

[@feliciawhite6777]

Yes we were in Jr high getting high

[@roohamm2456]

Ditto!!

[@sibyl999]

@@margaretmartell5704 I am not sure either- not sure about the heels- how high are they?

[@juliejacobs3707]

Nothing like a little Traffic to start the day. I absolutely love Stevie Winwood!! His voice is amazing!!

[@esquibelle]

Steve Winwood is a genius. Such a joy to see him when he was this young.

[@judygreskowiak1306]

My Son ,Gregory, enjoyed this Mello Music, Remembering him Always!!!!

[@JoeNocella]

Steve Winwood is a truly great musician. He plays everything well and sings beautifully.

[@crobarus]

Very cool. Love Traffic. Most underrated band ever.

[@duanescribner5070]

I couldn't stop listening to this song when it came out in the 70's. Amazing arrangement from a musical genius who started his stardom at the ripe old age of 16 with the Spencer Davis Group. He was never afraid to expand his talents, and we were all the beneficiaries.

[@talileali]

This was one of the heaviest bands of all time! Especially this album! WOW!

[@coasterigh2684]

Funny that you use the word "heaviest." Traffic was heavy, in that they had a definite literary and profound aspect, but I wouldn't call them heavy in terms of their sound. Quite the opposite, I think of traffic as more cerebral than visceral. But, cool... We agree, I think, that they were great.

[@bouncesparks5173]

Sounds softer but u listen and it's all built around a strict foundation, freedom born out of a strong discipline and remember winwood was very very young

[@siemonjf]

If you see something that looks like a star And it's shooting up out of the ground And your head is spinning from a loud guitar And you just can't escape from the sound Don't worry too much, it'll happen to you We were children once, playing with toys And the thing that you're hearing is only the sound of The low spark of high-heeled boys The percentage you're paying is too high priced While you're living beyond all your means And the man in the suit has just bought a new car From the profit he's made on your dreams But today you just read that the man was shot dead By a gun that didn't make any noise But it wasn't the bullet that laid him to rest, was The low spark of high-heeled boys If you had just a minute to breathe And they granted you one final wish Would you ask for something like another chance? Or something sim'lar as this? Don't worry too much It'll happen to you As sure as your sorrows are joys And the thing that disturbs you is only the sound of The low spark of high-heeled boys The percentage you're paying is too high priced While you're living beyond all your means And the man in the suit has just bought a new car From the profit he's made on your dreams But today you just read that the man was shot dead By a gun that didn't make any noise But it wasn't the bullet that laid him to rest, was The low spark of high-heeled boys (heeled boys) If I gave you everything that I owned And asked for nothing in return Would you do the same for me as I would for you? Or take me for a ride And strip me of everything, including my pride But spirit is something that no one destroys And the sound that I'm hearing is only the sound The low spark of high-heeled boys (heeled boys) ; 7 D

[@steveturowski7659]

+siemon j. franken thanks for the words! I was right I did understand all the words.rock on

[@lofisounds]

He chases a melody gets it right in his head while simultaneously melding with the piano. So soulful.

[@rich50ful]

"If you just had one minute to breath, and they granted you one final wish, would ask for something like another chance"

[@ambriadaniels-dovolis7496]

I love that particular line as well.....

[@enriquepalacio2312]

Great!

[@juliejacobs3707]

I would beg for another chance to do my 61 years over.

[@juliejacobs3707]

@@ambriadaniels-dovolis7496 My favorite is "From the profit they've made on dreams

[@1balkcabl]

one of those voices that will never die. unmistakable. classic, and true rock.

[@cmaccusweil4728]

absolutely a bunch of severely gifted musicians!! Steve Winwood incredible. Where have all the musicians gone today!! It's all controlled by big business When will we take it back. Today's music aint got no soul.Thanks Traffic for the beautiful music. Cheers

[@LorenzoNW]

+C maccusweil Nah, there’s plenty of great music out there today, way more than you have time to hear. You just have to look for it outside of the mainstream. I’m fortunate to be living in Seattle where there are many small to medium size venues featuring extremely talented musicians you won't hear on commercial radio plus we have the Earshot Jazz Festival each year. And check out podcasts of The Caravan on KBCS FM.

[@cmaccusweil4728]

I agree only somewhat. Big business has so much control over the industry today.This is why the beatles created Apple.I will say though, things are starting to look brighter!!

[@LorenzoNW]

And if you're more into rock, check out KEXP FM.

[@ZOOTSUITBEATNICK1]

imo as a legit geezer (74), I figure I should be complaining like you are but I find more aces music than I have time for in places like SoundCloud, et al. Fuck big biz and its corporate hit machine, digital gave everybody the chance to do their shit. My advice is to look and enjoy.

[@user-rj6de5xj6u]

C maccusweil Your geezerness is showing all too proudly.

[@jsc1227]

Me too, I was mesmerized by all early traffic, blind faith, I'm bored to tears by most new music, except bluegrass, irish, cuban, or african. These guys were true innovators, I am as blown away today at age 51 as when I was 16 years old listening to it for the first time. Dave Mason was equally incredible with some of his songs

[@laurieannelane-cadieux6196]

If you close your eyes you can imagine visions of New York City in '71 and places where the junkies night have hung. Like some movie intro and the saxophone playing is often a lonely sort of haunting sound which along with Stevie Winwood's voice lends to the entire tune having an appeal that just creates for myself incredible imagery and lost soul sort of sounds of departure from everything whole and into the darkness of a New York night screaming agony and self-machinations within some hidden alley way just outside everyone else and their normal lives... Thanks for sharing is great song with us!

[@jbelden36]

Reminds me of 1973 age 17 in the summer by the lake with coed friends and drinking some beer, smoking some weed, sitting around a campfire and listening to music like this on the radio-very good times.

[@JAAGSTOCK]

Allman Brothers

[@ambriadaniels-dovolis7496]

Umm...Whipping Post.

[@ronnietoots6797]

One of the coolest songs ever.....sax. good guitars, lilting vocals by Stevie Winwood.....

[@barbarastepien-foad4519]

this is just soooo cooool, glad I grew up with you s type of music ,,,yes

[@CarolanNathan]

a magnificent rendition of an incredible composition.....

[@topcat6495]

One of the best of the 70's! I remember cranking up the old 100 wat Sherwood receiver/amp with a pair of Jenson speakers and Technics turn table. Sounded great back in the day!

[@davisonh1]

..tripping...watching the next door neighbprs windows shake from the bass :)

[@AbbyNormal777]

davisonh1 Try watching ET in a dark theater for the first time & the movies over...lights come & freak out..time.

[@ambriadaniels-dovolis7496]

Just dont visit a KFC trippin...not good :/

[@rossness1000]

100 watts? Awww. Cool.

[@Juliamiller56]

JEEZ I miss my old Pioneer

[@CompleteOutsider]

Bringing back some wonderful memories of seventies music, thank you. It was good to see Steve Winwood have another go round later in his career and another whole generation falling in love with his music.

[@tspriggsabq]

+Terri Johnson He just did it for the chicks. maybe. lol.

[@fstued]

the guy still has it today 40 yrs latter voice sounds great like it hasn't aged

[@cosmo123]

very cool!

[@maryt8428]

One of my all time favorites!

[@krishnaarun4058]

Man! This is magic!

[@gerardoerak]

Traffic= S. Winwood, Ch. Woods (r.i.p.) & J. Capaldi. If you want to hear them as their truly best please listen to "John Barleycorn Must Die". That`s a beautiful album !!!.

[@cymballine1]

Had a real groovy pair of red and grey suede high heeled loafers at the time, also. They were all the rage in the 70s, along with combo denim and corduroy jeans! Wish we had young artists like this today. This was a great concert! Miss that era dearly. It was the best time of my life! Thanks for the post. It really brought back memories!

[@Enzo-hb2zi]

Awesome song I could listen to over and over again..look's like Kelso on the sax...

[@timris]

Steve Winwood is A Talent and long career,From Young Singer//songwriter,with Hammond and Piano In Spencer Davis Group,then Traffic :) Whole Band has, as Mentioned All very Talented Musicians!! So,Thanks for Sharing!!

[@patrica9129]

This band was only slightly before my time but I think Traffic is on of the most underrated bands of the early seventies. I heard an urban legend that Steve Winwood was only 15 when they went on their firs tour.

[@mandoprince1]

In fact, Steve Winwood was about 19 when Traffic were formed, however he had been in the Spencer Davis Group from the age of 14.

[@65dmack]

Man! The music was so sweet back then. Not all the crap we have today.

[@beckylink]

Memories!!! My brother and all of the gang back in the Day, listened to this a lot. Great song, thanks for sharing it MrSalzano. There is no substitute for a real piano.

[@mrsalzano1]

you're welcome Rebecca! 😝

[@beckylink]

Sal-Sal !!! 😁 You're ubiquitous!! (Or am I??!) 🤣

[@texasroxs25]

2012 here at the Majestic Theater in San Antonio I had the privilege of seeing Steve Winwood. What a genius and amazing artist! How amazing to see such talent these days. HE IS in a class of his own....pure CLASS.

[@bruceelkins8811]

Saw this tour in Denver. J J Cale opened. One of the best shows ever. Front row seats didn't hurt. Lots of good music from that era...........

[@anniebrownsimon7713]

I did a class performance for a gym modern dance class at Penn State to this song back in 1976. I played it on a tape or album. I wasn't very good but loved it. Loved the high heeled boys back in Philly around 1974.

[@ddesign63]

Every College Town in the country use to jam and party every friday and saturday nite. Music from the dorm, head-shops, apts, garages, individual food shops, etc. I was a kid but the vibe is seared into my memory. Kids were so much Cooler then. Creativity Abound! Thanks to my older cousin for taking my under his wing. Turning me on to fine chicks at a young age: ) PEACE

[@Digmen1]

I was around n the 60s and 70s and into music but not Traffic. Then I heard this on the radio 5 years ago and I love it. The guy said it was by Traffic. So I got home and did a search for long traffic songs and found it. Its a great song - so cool.

[@sydneygavigan1577]

Amazing. Simply amazing.

[@pajaritodecolores]

En Guatemala por los 70 existia una radio pirata llamada RADIO JUVENTUD en AM, y se podia oir de 16:30 a 21:00 horas un dia escuche por primera vez esta cancion y a la fecha sigue siendo una de mis favorita.

[@janaschwehm3059]

Sí. ¡Y mí tambien!

[@garylibra]

never knew a live clip of this song ever existed! Thank you SO much for putting this up for us. 70's awesomeness!! This ladies & gentlemen was a BAND. This is when music was music and a concert was an event. No flash & dazzle, no autotune, no stupid outfits or pointless dancers. You paid your 7 bucks, snuck in your beers and cheap-ass Boone's Farm strawberry wine and had the time of your life with your friends creating the soundtrack to your life. :)

[@bandpassmess]

Firsttime I heard thIs was LONG VERSION thank god , you can get lost in this jam that main riff is a wicked hook !

[@ariellyn7253]

He sure was a cute kid with that long hair and small features. Always loved the song but never saw them near and in Chicago back the 70's. Thanks for sharing it with us.

[@arthursquest]

In '72 I was living at Barber's Point NAS, Ewa HI. This was the beginning of my appreciation for Traffic after Steve Winwood left Blind Faith. What a great piece of music. Watching this always takes me back to the beaches of Oahu.

[@bandpassmess]

One of the most coolest songs I’ve ever heard just kick back that wicked hook kicks out the jam blues jazz fusion perfect mix !

[@craigmanning2439]

I was 4yo when this came out. I was too young. So glad good friends turned me on to this great music. RUSH, YES, and Steve, so awesome, A lifetime of good music.

[@richieg6019]

Couldn't get enough of this band. Traffic took you where you wanted to go.LOL

[@harmvandeseijp8607]

This album, but most of all the title song, brings back many memories: I was in the SJOC youth center in Holland, smoking pot and drinking beer, projecting ink on the wall, and slowly waiting for the sun to rise again. I lived daily, feeling free without worries and social media. What an era!!!!

[@thomasclendening2664]

I listened to this and a few other classic albums as I prepped food for the night crew in the restaurant I worked at. It was a time I'll never forget with some of the greatest music ever performed as a backdrop. Funny how the humblest times in life often provide the most evocative memories. It was a time of pure sensory pleasure....and I was as broke as could be, living on friends' sofas, with only one change of clothes and one pair of shoes. I wouldn't trade that time for anything. Glad I moved upward and onward, but grateful for the memories that this great music brings back. I can even smell the aromas in my mind.

[@nanceenurse]

I used to play this album over and over and over. Remember it skipping because it was so worn out.

[@leftybass5860]

Saw him play this live a couple of days ago, opening for Steely Dan. The man still has 95% of his voice; don't know how he does it !

[@dmhdux001]

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[@dmhdux001]

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[@dmhdux001]

Aa the same time I a2

[@dmhdux001]

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[@dmhdux001]

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[@tenorsax929]

I'm 2 minutes in and I have to chime in , the saxophone is outstanding...

[@Fiddlestixed]

58 people have no understanding of Great Music!

[@UndergroudMusic]

Great tune, great times, great memories! 1967-1974 were the best musical years ever!!

[@djroxanne4429]

1944, Born on this day, Chris Wood, sax, flute, Traffic, (1967 UK No.2 single 'Hole In My Shoe'). Wood died on 12th July 1983!~sax on this song and happy Birthday we celebrate your life..which was cut early as was this video..

[@marvinbellomy3874]

I feel this song, music those days, had passion and soul.

[@msstevie1951]

Couldn't agree more,he is so multi-talented it blows my mind! He's touring soon! ♥

[@joeok8641]

There are many great long songs from British bands of period 1968-1974...this one is a standout and never becomes dated or irrelevant.

[@davisonh1]

Phil K Oh I don't know Allman Bros came close

[@joeok8641]

Yes Allman's version(I'm a Richard Betts fanatic) of Luther Allison's "You Don't Love Me" is exceptional however the British bands specialised in long classics from The Nice & Traffic to Pentangle & Fairport.

[@sandisoles3384]

This brings back so many good memories! Love it!!!!

[@MrLittlepump1]

Been listening to this since I was 10 on my friends older brothers record. Still as awesome today. Tonight I see Steve live and cant wait. I AM PUMPED

[@colcam306]

Wow, 40 years ago... I hadnt heard this one but love the rhythms and melodies..... what an underrated band.....CC

[@winterblue8887]

My favorite album..... Rockin' the 70's away

[@jamesadamico]

My second album ... first concert ... Olympia in Detroit 1974. .... by a gun that didn’t make any noise ... thanks gentlemen.

[@johnkemp2556]

This is MUSICIANSHIP at its best ..Thank U Stevey

[@gilpelletier8800]

'72. I was hangin' around Rochdale College in Toronto doing what we all were doing at the time. Sex, drugs and music. Some of us never made it, going home in an ambulance or the coroners van. Life had a different meaning then.

[@chrisbuck2844]

shut up.

[@kathrynmcmorrow7170]

Chris Buck and listen.

[@gilpelletier8800]

Excuse me for reminiscing!!!!

[@robertplautz9722]

unfortunately, drugs still can kill. young folks continue to have sex, and pop music lives on in its dotage years. (not that i would exactly classify this as "pop".) but sure, you are right too. cherish your memories, and ignore the naysayers, M. Gil!

[@avant0211]

I consider this piece possibly in the top 10 of the 70's. I, honestly, feel bad that the youth of today is not being exposed to the quality of music that came from the 60's and 70's. When did you ever hear anyone humming rap music while they drive?? You wont - it's NOT music.Low Spark is. Thanks for posting.

[@akaswoopv-town707californi3]

The kids these days just don't know real music, it just don't get any better than this !!!!

[@djroxanne4429]

1944, Born on this day, Chris Wood, sax, flute, Traffic, (1967 UK No.2 single 'Hole In My Shoe'). Wood died on 12th July 1983

[@vickiecauthen9037]

The music of my youth. Thank you

[@joeymonza3]

Hello , I saw this about a Year later at The Spectrum in Phila. Pa. It was my first indoor Concert.What an Honor it is to say I saw Rebop Chris,Jim and Steve winwood together doing this Classic.John Martyn was Fantastic as the Opener.Free couldn't show up because Paul Rodgers had broken his Ankle.What I remember and a lot of people don't realize is that Stevie is A Superb Lead Guitar Player.I will never forget this Fantastical, Magical ,Musical Event. RIP to the Lost members + Thank You Stevie !

[@BruderherzDerGroe]

Ich habe mich sehr gefreut, diesen Song nach über dreißig Jahren mal wieder zu hören! Es ist alles schon einmal gedacht worden - man muss nur versuchen, es noch einmal zu denken! (Goethe)

[@diem1836]

What Dad listened to, before Electronic Dance Music existed. Listen, Children: there are words involved, even if they don't make sense. Oh, and men wore high heels, too. They hurt like hell after four blocks. I had two pair: Wellington boots, and some brownish-red lace-ups. Yeesh. But the music rocked, like a shamanic experience, with some Jazz components mixt in. Then Disco came, and the Music died.

[@axiomist1076]

+diem1836 The only thing that died, very quickly, was f#$*&^%&@# disco ! The music lives on.

[@kellymoon3406]

This song was about the short-lived trends in music, especially glam music, which was dominating at this time.

[@ambriadaniels-dovolis7496]

Disco didnt die quickly!!! We had a whole decade and we still have disco clubs and parties-

[@MrLucky499]

this song is music history and will live in minds of people that grew up in the 70's that today are in their 50's , 60's , 70's this song will forever put pleasure in our heart's and mind's

[@beantownratt]

David I believe we around the same age. I am 60 and still rock out with my kids. We had the best music but there is some real talent around these past years, Pearl Jam is one of my favs.

[@Ewerb7]

Very nice love performance! Always loved the recorded version but it's great to see it live!

[@jackiewilliams4703]

Tell me this Isn't pure beauty. Want to talk about being @ Peace. OOOOOOHHH Yeah. Thank's Winston for bringing me back to life. Peace & OOOOOOOOHHH HAPPY MONDAY.

[@55WyldBill]

This is an Epic version of this classic tune. While many would argue (and reasonably so) that Traffic was one of many vehicals for Mr. Winwood; this song out of so many...stands out as one of the best of the 70's. It's a fusion tune of a generation, with an irrestable groove, to almost all Music lovers!! Much thanks for posting....

[@JivinJane]

"The Low Spark Of High Heeled Boys" If you see something that looks like a star And it's shooting up out of the ground And your head is spinning from a loud guitar And you just can't escape from the sound Don't worry too much, it'll happen to you We were children once, playing with toys And the thing that you're hearing is only the sound of The low spark of high-heeled boys The percentage you're paying is too high priced While you're living beyond all your means And the man in the suit has just bought a new car From the profit he's made on your dreams But today you just read that the man was shot dead By a gun that didn't make any noise But it wasn't the bullet that laid him to rest, was The low spark of high-heeled boys If you had just a minute to breathe And they granted you one final wish Would you ask for something like another chance? Or something sim'lar as this? Don't worry too much It'll happen to you As sure as your sorrows are joys And the thing that disturbs you is only the sound of The low spark of high-heeled boys The percentage you're paying is too high priced While you're living beyond all your means And the man in the suit has just bought a new car From the profit he's made on your dreams But today you just read that the man was shot dead By a gun that didn't make any noise But it wasn't the bullet that laid him to rest, was The low spark of high-heeled boys (heeled boys) If I gave you everything that I owned And asked for nothing in return Would you do the same for me as I would for you? Or take me for a ride And strip me of everything, including my pride But spirit is something that no one destroys And the sound that I'm hearing is only the sound The low spark of high-heeled boys (heeled boys)

[@tspriggsabq]

+JivinJane Obviously a 4th of July celebration, at Michael Jackson's mansion, when he was alive and moonwalking.

[@lolamagenta]

+Tim Spriggs ew what a sad sad thing to try to even compare this work of art to MJ

[@tspriggsabq]

Ana R Do you like Pete Townsend?

[@lolamagenta]

Who? :P

[@JivinJane]

+Tim Spriggs , lol. yes obviously.

[@kiki1965]

Awesome performance! This real live jam session has stood the test of time... 😍😍😍

[@titlash]

Love this Song! Stevie!- Glad to Have Known you in the " GOLDEN! AGE!" of ROCK.....LUV YA!

[@leannmeixner8073]

And, Chris Wood....on sax.... all these guys are just first rate. Saw Winwood at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Fest around 2014, just amazingly good.

[@zovalentine7305]

SPIRIT IS SOMETHING THAT NO ONE DESTROYS ❤

[@maryannreed]

Boone's Farm, Gypsy Rose, Tears of Christ, Jamaican, Hawaiian and musicians and music that changed the world forever. The soundtrack of my life is so much richer because of all the concerts I went to, all the records I listened to...how sweet it was. If I close my eyes and take a toke, I can be right back there.

[@LittleFeat69]

simply amazing.....thanks for posting, sounds alot better than my worn out LP

[@axiomist1076]

Ah, yes, loved my red boots with 2 1/2 inch heels, from England. The low spark of high heeled boys.

[@johnz1027]

Always liked Stevie and his music...very multi-talented musician!

[@tgig56]

I listened to this every nite in Korea doing my "duty" in the mid 70's. I have the album and the dude who swears this is not Steve Winwood is smoking something different then we were! This and john barleycorn are two of the greatest compositions of jazz influenced music of that era!

[@lisa55held]

One of The best, '70s classic rock. Love love Traffic

[@VictoriaPyle]

That shirt though 😍

[@pland3845]

I get a buzz just looking at it....

[@cristiangabrielsalvoquezad484]

That performance is amazing...iloveit.... just:thanks..

[@WishNumberOne]

As good or better today than then..Always LOVED Stevie Winwood (One Day)

[@iluvguildguitars]

Steve looks baked...LOVED Traffic. He and the band are definitely playing in the pocket on this GREAT song.

[@readynow12345]

I sooo love Stevie a true artist, one of the best ever, multi talented.

[@craigmanning742]

Beautiful is the only way to describe this song. Steve does look totally baked.

[@ambriadaniels-dovolis7496]

Craig hows yr judgementalness workin out for ya? Who tf cares vif he's BAKED???? IT wouldnt have sounded half as good had he not been....

[@craigmanning742]

I was not judging. Glad he is baked. Good for him. Just an observation. Again this song is amazing.

[@robertwazen2607]

great song steve winwood has played with so many bands and never disapoints.

[@NewWaver80014]

Yep, I agree - he's a tremendous talent.