Wondering if anyone has any insight into whether Jack is still playing? There haven’t been any dates on his Calendar on his official site the last little while. He was always a pretty safe bet to sit in with Tedeschi Trucks when they played Nashville - but he hasn’t the last few years. Wondering if he’s maybe stepped away from playing live?
Sadly, the answer is no, he does not. Was talking about Jack last night with Pat Bergeson, Charles Treadway and Joshua Hunt, and we're all bummed, but we understand. The tinnitus that drove him from the ABB has turned pernicious and has caused him to have spells of vertigo that include him having several falls at his house. We all talk with him regularly, but his health has declined to the point that he can seldom play the guitar anymore. If he does, it's only for a few minutes before the arthritis starts to inflame, and when he does, it's never plugged in. He has not played an amped electric for about 2 years now. We all agreed that if things were to change, we will all quit whatever we're doing and immediately go to play with Jack. Prayers won't hurt one bit, so if you got 'em, send them up.
Friend of a friend at a Nashville radio station who is savvy about the local music scene in Nashville said Jack Pearson is retired for health reasons.
I had not heard this until today.
Jack was tremendous. And one of the best slide guitarist ever.
Remembering Jack!!
@mikewest aw man that's is awful, I'm sorry to hear. Definitely a loss for all of us music lovers, but unimaginable loss for Jack. Hope he stays healthy.
Very disappointed to hear this, Jack is one of my very favorite players. I hope that he can eventually get some relief from his health issues, vertigo can be particularly debilitating to say the least.
"Is that a real poncho or is that a Sears poncho?"
What a shame. Never saw him live but the video's tell it all about his virtuoso guitar playing.
Kinda reminds me of the Peter Frampton situation.
Sending prayers.
I kind of wondered - I was in Nashville a few months ago to see Jason Isbell at the Ryman, and looked to see if Jack was playing anywhere. Was disappointed that he wasn't playing anywhere. Well, at least I got to see him at the Jam for Duane in Gadsden when Lefty and No Mercy played there. I think Col. Bruce and the Quark Alliance played there too - that was quite a weekend ...
I also remember the ABB playing in Chicago (actually Tinley Park) when Jack was with them. He had just had his appendix out or something like that, and he was seated on a swivel chair. Watching him swivel back and forth while playing Jessica was actually a highlight of that show. Also saw him with the ABB in a small venue (Rosemont Theater) when he sat in for Warren for a few shows. They did Dimples, which he also was great on.
Best wishes for Jack.
This is so difficult to hear
all best wishes to Mr. Pearson
Jaimoe said it best, some nights it was like the 1st band all over again w/Jack up there
main thing, get well soon bro
Love and Healing Karma out to Jack! I saw the ABB tour with Jack and Dickey on guitar in 1997 (that was right after Warren and Allen Woody left the band to concentrate on Gov't Mule. That also was the tour that Oteil joined the band on). And Jack is SUCH a nice guy. Derek replaced Jack not long after that. This website posted an email for Jack if you wanted to wish him well. I did, and he took the time to write back! I told him how great the show was that I saw. He said, "Thanks Rob and God Bless. I'm sure Derek will be great with the Brothers."
Jack is in my prayers for certain. I got to see him twice with the ABB. One was a show in Huntsville in 2005 and he sat in for Derek who was at a wedding. GREAT show! Early in the setlist they played Sailin' Cross the Devils Sea. But Gregg didn't start singing the first verse and the music played and played for a long time. Gregg motions to Jack who comes over and they huddle as the music continued. Eventually Gregg starts singing.
After the show we had a chance to visit with the band members and Jack was very generous with his time. What a nice guy. I asked him what Gregg said to him while Sailin' was playing. Jack smiled and said that Gregg couldn't remember the opening lines and was looking for a little help. He really came across as a very humble guy with a lot of class. I do pray GOD will bless him with good health.
Amen to that KCJimmy. Health is always #1. Day of show I went online and scored 3rd row center for Moran Theatre in Jacksonville. 1998. They were doing the acoustic to start set 2. Loved the Dickey/Jack combo. Outstanding Dreams that night. Good health to you Brother Jack.
http://www.blackstrat.net/ABBFOX/ABBFOX
Sending positive vibes over the pond to Jack ... One of my favourite live recordings is the 1997 show at the International Horse Park in Conyers ... Skip did a really good job of cleaning that one up and is classic Jack era ABB
Time remains undefeated.
Jack’s trio at Callahan’s in Mobile. Thank you, Mr. Pearson.
I will have to check my concert ticket collection but pretty sure I saw Jack with the Brothers in 97 era. I definitely
saw him with Les Brers and was simply amazing player. I truly hope there is a break through medically for his condition.
I can fix it: "I Can Fix It" - LES BRERS at Peach Festival - 8/12/16 - YouTube
Very saddened to learn Jack is suffering from significant health problems. He contributed to the ABB, in wonderful fashion, and led his own bands with sparkling playing. Hopefully, the advances in medical technology will provide relief for his multiple conditions.
I figured in order to help support Jack during hard times I would sign up for his Guitar Academy. It seems to be gone. Was it costing too much to maintain?
