Blues legend Koko Taylor’s backing band, the Blues Machine, was involved in a serious van accident in Wisconsin on Saturday. Taylor herself was not in the van, but guitarists Calvin Louden and Shunsuke Kikuta, bassist Ricky Nelson, drummer Brian Parker and keyboardist Stanley Banks all suffered broken bones and required surgery.
Driver Jesse Hutson and road manager Lee Threatt (who’s married to Taylor’s daughter) were treated and released from the hospital. None of the injuries are considered life threatening, and all involved are expected to make full recoveries. Cards can be sent to individual band members care of Alligator Records, PO Box 60234, Chicago, IL 60660. ―Russell Hall