Traffic Concert: 'Light Up or Leave Me Alone' at Santa Monica Civic Center
Venue: Civic Center
Location: Santa Monica, CA, USA
Date: February 21, 1972
On February 21, 1972, Traffic performed a live concert at the Civic Center in Santa Monica, California, capturing a pivotal moment in their career. Leading up to this recording, the band had released their acclaimed album "The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys" in late 1971, which marked a significant shift toward more intricate compositions and a fusion of rock and jazz elements. The live performance of "Light Up or Leave Me Alone," a track from this album, showcases the band’s evolving sound and their improvisational skills, highlighting their status as an influential act in the early '70s music scene. Notably, this concert is one of the few filmed live performances of the group from that era, providing fans with a rare glimpse into their dynamic stage presence and the chemistry among band members, including Steve Winwood's virtuosic keyboard work and the unique arrangements characteristic of Traffic's style.
