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Bootsy Collins Tour Keeps James Brown Alive

Above: The original JB’s lineup in 1970. Bootsy is third from the left in the top row.

Before he was a stunna shades pioneer/bass player for P-Funk, Bootsy Collins was an original member of James Brown’s band The J.B.’s. Legend has it that he was actually kicked out of the group in 1971 during a mid-show acid trip, when he walked off stage because he believed his guitar had turned into a snake.

Regardless of how it went down, the flamboyant bassist is paying tribute to the Godfather James Brown by reuniting with the J.B.’s for a dedication tour, starting September 25th. Although the legendary Bobby Byrd also passed away recently, Collins rallied Byrd’s son, JB’s daughter, and original J.B.s members John “Jabo” Starks, Clyde Stubblefield, and brother Catfish Collins. Last year, the crew proved they can still bring the funk when they scored Superbad. After the jump, watch a classic clip of the band tearing down a Paris stage in 1971 while performing “Ain’t it Funky Now.”