Bobby Whitlock played at the Saxon last week for the SXSW “Legends of Texas” night.  He lives in Austin, and today Austin has declared “Bobby Whitlock Day” with a ceremony at the State House.

Bobby and his band will be rockin’ tonight at the Saxon.  I’m tempted to talk Will into going with me to join the party.   I will wear ear plugs and pretend to know the songs.

Robert Plant has been known to sit at the bar–he lives in town now, with Patty Griffith.  Maybe he’ll be there, not that I’d recognize him.

I missed the whole 70’s rock era.  I was having babies and living a life of bread-baking, fire-stoking, baby-nursing and quilt-making with Banjo Man.  We had a subscription to the Columbia Record Club and every four weeks a new Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings or John Denver album would arrive at the post office.  That was about as exciting as it got.

So…back to Bobby Whitlock.  He wrote “Layla” and many other now-classic rock songs.  He was in Eric Clapton’s band.  His autobiography is a hit.  He’s a character with lots of stories.   He gives everything he has to every song he performs, which can be a little frightening because he looks exactly like a guy who’s had a wild rock star life and could expire at any minute.

While he was setting up for his 10 PM show last Thursday, he spotted Banjo Man and did a double take.  Then he smiled at him.

Then he waved.  Banjo Man tentatively waved back.  Thought the guy was being friendly, in that “nice to see folks come to see the show” way.

But then he called Banjo Man over to the stage.

Man, you look familiar, man!  Do I know you, man?

Banjo Man, chuckling:  I don’t think so.

You’re a musician, right?

Banjo Man: Uh, no.

No?  You look just like a member of the Whitlock band!

Bobby still didn’t believe Banjo Man wasn’t a former member of his rock band.

I don’t know why not.  Banjo Man (circa 1971) looks ready to go on tour.  Maybe there’s an electric guitar in that suitcase.