Although nothing had been said officially, word soon spread on the Japanese Bluesvine. Rumor was given substance on Monday (May 17), when Japan Blues Carnival 2004 kicked off at Namba Hatch in Osaka. Shortly after the show, a post appeared on a Japanese fan site reporting how Rush had to be assisted onto the stage by his wife Masaki and a staffer from the promotion company and that he could hardly play or sing. A more detailed account appeared following Rush's performance the following night at the Bottom Line, Nagoya, posted by guitarist Tetsu of Yuka & the Hot Brothers: "Otis could hardly walk or sing or play the guitar. We share his difficulties and his feeling that he wants to sing, but sometimes can't make it. We were all moved by Otis on stage." Fans in the Kanto region of Japan, where Tokyo is located, had the opportunity to evaluate the situation themselves when, following a scheduled rest day, Rush performed at Club Citta in Kawasaki on Friday (May 21). Following performances by the carnival's other two headliners, the Derek Trucks Band and Mavis Staples, the Otis Rush Band took the stage. After a warm-up instrumental, drummer Brian Jones introduced Carlos Johnson, referring to him as "the heir apparent of left-handed Chicago Bluesman." Johnson walked out onto to the stage and tore into a Blues number, presenting his credentials-which were validated by the audience's response-as one of the next legends of the Chicago Blues.  Jones then introduced Rush, explaining the situation regarding Rush's health by paraphrasing Rush's 1956 hit on Cobra Records by saying, "He couldn't quit you, but he had to put you down for awhile."

Rush was escorted onto stage by Masaki, walking a little unsteady, taking a seat with Johnson sitting on his right. It is sad to report, but Rush was in pretty bad shape in terms of motor skills, which obviously affected his guitar playing. His vocals to were weak and at times difficult to understand. But having said that, and although he may have wavered in his delivery at times, he ended each phrase on time and on note. Moreover, what Rush lacked in mechanical ability, he more than made up for in terms of the intensity and passion of his delivery. He reached out and touched the audience especially deeply on one number, "As The Years Go Passing By," with a poignancy that I have never witnessed at any Blues-or any other-concert before in my life. Some members of the audience were openly crying and Rush's band mates, including Carlos Johnson, were close to tears, having shared a moment that will live in the memories of all of us blessed enough to have been part of it. On Saturday and Sunday, Rush repeated his magic at the outdoor Hibiya Park arena. Despite overcast skies and occasional rain, Rush electrified the audience each night. Despite the strain, Rush wouldn't comprise, insisting Saturday that he perform a number with Mavis Staples, the other headliner that day, and likewise Sunday ending the Blues carnival with customary grand finale of all the performers who had played that day, which comprised the Derek Trucks Band, and local support acts Fusanosuke & His B&O, and the Black Bottom Brass Band. We have all heard the phrase "The show must go on." For Rush, they are not mere words, but a code by which he lives. -by Les Coles / Tokyo-Blues 

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