Tommy Bolin

[Zzzptm]

 

You need to get into this guy, if you haven't already. Gone too soon, an incredible talent. Find him on Deep Purple's Come Taste the Band, but also Bang and Miami from The James Gang. Finally, best for last, get his solo works Teaser and Private Eyes.

When I'm in a moody mood, I reach for Bolin's "Wild Dogs", but any time is the right time for his "Post Toastee". Try it out.

[Axefiend]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bdeb9gTgB_g

[Sabbabbath]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bdeb9gTgB_g

Great to see you joined, Axe! 

[Zzzptm]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bdeb9gTgB_g

Yeah, "Marching Powder!"

And it looks like actual footage, not looped/edited stuff made to fit the video. So what show was this filmed for, I wonder?

[nutzrocker]

A very great talent.

listen to the stuff he did with Energy & Zephyr

Some fantastic Guitar Playing

[Axefiend]

A few of my favourite TB riffs:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93R7IfRmQE0&list=PL-WmcB7eNpq3BSjqiSBpRHmo7LyXdDKgU

[Zzzptm]

A few of my favourite TB riffs:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93R7IfRmQE0&list=PL-WmcB7eNpq3BSjqiSBpRHmo7LyXdDKgU

She's a Teeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaaser!

YEAH! Drifter!

etc., etc., very nice "greatest hits" compilation!

[Zzzptm]

A very great talent.

listen to the stuff he did with Energy & Zephyr

Some fantastic Guitar Playing

I keep meaning to get into that material... do you have a recommendation on where to start with it?

[Axefiend]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCGzCZXLm-k

[Zzzptm]

^ Very jazz-fusion-y. I usually have to be in the zone for jazz fusion, can't just get into it all of a sudden.

I like Bolin's guitar work here, but the singer is out of his ever-lovin' mind on some kind of jimson weed...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOsIR98G0hE

[Billy Underdog]

I like Bolin's guitar work here, but the singer is out of his ever-lovin' mind on some kind of jimson weed...

Not to nitpick, i know you're using Datura as a general metaphor for drugs in general. But Datura isn't a drug as such, just like Psychedelics isn't. It's a deliriant which turns you into a savage animal for three days. No way he would ever be able to focus on uttering a single word, most likely he would be sitting by himself talking to childhood friends or beloved who've passed away.
Native Americans use it to get in touch with their spirit animal, it's a rite of passage. Just as Psychs it's not something you do for fun or to feel good (though it can make you feel good too), it's to get in connection with your inner self. Hardly something to make one prepared to get on stage and do an act.
Most people think of all intoxicants as drugs, but there is a distinction. Opiates, Coke, Speed, MDMA, Cannabis, Alcohol, Nicotine and Sugar are drugs. LSD, Shrooms, DMT and such are Psychs and Datura is, as said, a deliriant.

I know this isn't something people who've never taken intoxicants understand, or is even interested in. Even most drug users don't understand that distinction, and take LSD to go out to party. 
But it's something people need to be educated about, so here's my contribution.

Sorry for derailing, class dismissed.

Back on topic, knowing a little bit about Bolins drug habits (which could make the other band members follow the same path, i'd guess Coke or Opiates.

[Zzzptm]

Most of the descriptions I've seen of jimson weed highs describe chattering, flushed features, paranoia, and erratic motor muscle behavior. But, I do agree that the vocalist is not at the peak of his potential game, not by a long shot.

[Billy Underdog]

Here's some facinating but horrible reading if you're interested: https://www.erowid.org/experiences/subs/exp_Datura.shtml
One thing i find very facinating is the reoccurring "nightshade", how all light sources from lamps to computer screens go dark. This is only for the most experimental of people, even i wouldn't touch this holocaust of a plant. Atleast not until i'm well into old age and it doesn't matter if i go off the rails forever...