Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Experience a jaw-dropping, high-voltage masterclass in multi-instrumental rock virtuosity. Welcome to the official live music archives, presenting a beautifully restored, high-definition broadcast of Edgar Winter delivering an electrifying, roof-raising performance of his legendary instrumental masterpiece, "Frankenstein."
Recorded live on December 16, 1981, at the historic Capitol Theatre in Passaic, New Jersey, this pristine archival recording catches Winter headlining the venue's famous 10th Anniversary celebration. Flanked by long-time collaborator Rick Derringer on guitar, Winter takes absolute command of the stage—seamlessly switching between strapped-on keytar synthesizer, screaming saxophone, and a frantic timbales percussion breakdown.
🚀 The Live Lineup:
🎹 Edgar Winter – ARP Synthesizer / Keytar, Saxophone, Timbales, Percussion
🎸 Rick Derringer – Lead Guitar, Backing Vocals
🎸 Charlie Torres – Bass Guitar
🥁 Bobby Torello – Drums
📋 5 Fast Facts About the Performance:
• **How the Monster Got Its Name** – The track earned its famous title during the original 1972 studio sessions for *They Only Come Out at Night*. Because the jam was so long and complex, the band spent hours physically cutting and splicing the master tape together with razor blades—leading drummer Chuck Ruff to joke that the song was built like Frankenstein's monster.
• **Pioneering the "Keytar"** – Edgar Winter made rock history by becoming one of the very first artists to attach an accordion strap to an ARP 2600 keyboard controller. This allowed him to step out from behind stationary keyboard rigs, walk the stage, and trade heavy riffs directly with lead guitarist Rick Derringer.
• **A Multi-Instrumental Showcase** – "Frankenstein" wasn't just a synth track; it was a full display of Winter's staggering musical versatility. During this 1981 performance, he alternates effortlessly between playing heavy synth leads, blowing wild jazz-rock saxophone solos, and dueling with drummer Bobby Torello on the timbales.
• **The Capitol Theatre 10th Anniversary** – Recorded on December 16, 1981, for iconic East Coast concert promoter John Scher, this show was part of a historic multi-day anniversary celebration at the Capitol Theatre that also featured milestone sets from legendary acts like The Allman Brothers Band.
• **A Rare #1 Instrumental Titan** – Released as a single in 1973, "Frankenstein" achieved the rare feat of hitting #1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, going Gold and selling over one million copies during the peak of 1970s progressive album-oriented rock.
#EdgarWinter #ClassicRock #Frankenstein #LiveMusic #RockHistory
Experience a jaw-dropping, high-voltage masterclass in multi-instrumental rock virtuosity. Welcome to the official live music archives, presenting a beautifully restored, high-definition broadcast of Edgar Winter delivering an electrifying, roof-raising performance of his legendary instrumental masterpiece, "Frankenstein."
Recorded live on December 16, 1981, at the historic Capitol Theatre in Passaic, New Jersey, this pristine archival recording catches Winter headlining the venue's famous 10th Anniversary celebration. Flanked by long-time collaborator Rick Derringer on guitar, Winter takes absolute command of the stage—seamlessly switching between strapped-on keytar synthesizer, screaming saxophone, and a frantic timbales percussion breakdown.
🚀 The Live Lineup:
🎹 Edgar Winter – ARP Synthesizer / Keytar, Saxophone, Timbales, Percussion
🎸 Rick Derringer – Lead Guitar, Backing Vocals
🎸 Charlie Torres – Bass Guitar
🥁 Bobby Torello – Drums
📋 5 Fast Facts About the Performance:
• **How the Monster Got Its Name** – The track earned its famous title during the original 1972 studio sessions for *They Only Come Out at Night*. Because the jam was so long and complex, the band spent hours physically cutting and splicing the master tape together with razor blades—leading drummer Chuck Ruff to joke that the song was built like Frankenstein's monster.
• **Pioneering the "Keytar"** – Edgar Winter made rock history by becoming one of the very first artists to attach an accordion strap to an ARP 2600 keyboard controller. This allowed him to step out from behind stationary keyboard rigs, walk the stage, and trade heavy riffs directly with lead guitarist Rick Derringer.
• **A Multi-Instrumental Showcase** – "Frankenstein" wasn't just a synth track; it was a full display of Winter's staggering musical versatility. During this 1981 performance, he alternates effortlessly between playing heavy synth leads, blowing wild jazz-rock saxophone solos, and dueling with drummer Bobby Torello on the timbales.
• **The Capitol Theatre 10th Anniversary** – Recorded on December 16, 1981, for iconic East Coast concert promoter John Scher, this show was part of a historic multi-day anniversary celebration at the Capitol Theatre that also featured milestone sets from legendary acts like The Allman Brothers Band.
• **A Rare #1 Instrumental Titan** – Released as a single in 1973, "Frankenstein" achieved the rare feat of hitting #1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, going Gold and selling over one million copies during the peak of 1970s progressive album-oriented rock.
#EdgarWinter #ClassicRock #Frankenstein #LiveMusic #RockHistory
