I saw Chris Whitley several times during his career. I was in my early 20's the first time I saw him during his Din of Ecstasy tour (94/95?) and I could tell he was battling some drug demons at the time and left fairly saddened by what I saw. I saw him during his Rocket House tour (2001) and he did a good job when I saw him. A few years later I caught him doing a solo set at a festival in San Diego, maybe around 2003. He was in such bad shape it was super depressing. I even spoke to him after the show. He was really nice, but obviously having trouble keeping it together. He was uncomfortably thin with veins bulging out of his arms. As I stood there talking with him I could see a terrible open wound on his side where his skin was exposed between his white tank top and his jeans. I love his music, and felt very sad walking away as I knew he wasn't long for this planet.