Georgia Entertainment Scene
Georgia Entertainment Scene

Col. Bruce Hampton YouTube video shows the moment he collapsed onstage at the Fox

Col. Bruce Hampton at the start of his 70th birthday show on May 1, 2017, at the Fox Theatre. Photo: Melissa Ruggieri/AJC

Credit: Melissa Ruggieri

Credit: Melissa Ruggieri

Col. Bruce Hampton at the start of his 70th birthday show on May 1, 2017, at the Fox Theatre. Photo: Melissa Ruggieri/AJC
By Jennifer Brett
May 2, 2017

Col. Bruce Hampton, known as Atlanta's "Granddaddy of the Jam Scene" turned 70 on April 30 and performed at the "Hampton 70" gathering in his honor.

Explore During the four-hour show’s encore of “Turn on Your Lovelight,” Hampton collapsed onstage and was later pronounced deceased.

A fan's video showing the moment of Hampton's collapse emerged briefly on YouTube. It's since been taken down. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution viewed but did not post the clip.

Indeed, the horrible moment occurs several minutes into the final rocking number. Tragically, the music continues for a while after Hampton's collapse. The low lighting, crowded stage and configuration of the musicians probably kept people from realizing immediately what had happened. The video ends abruptly as everyone (perhaps the fan who posted it included) becomes aware of Hampton's situation.

The family has asked for privacy.

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