Rubber Biscuit by The Blues Brothers Live at Winterland 1978

Regarding unique live performances, Rubber Biscuit by The Blues Brothers at Winterland, San Francisco in 1978, remains one of the most talked-about acts. Known for their mix of comedy and genuine musical talent, The Blues Brothers created a style all their own. This particular show, held in one of rock’s most historic venues, captured them in top form. With Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi front and center, this performance of Rubber Biscuit by The Blues Brothers is a glimpse into a time when music, humor, and personality combined for something truly different.

A Witty, Wild Performance from a One-of-a-Kind Act

The Blues Brothers began as a sketch on Saturday Night Live but quickly turned into a legitimate band with a devoted following. Their take on classic R&B and soul wasn’t just parody, it was a heartfelt nod to the original artists, supported by a band of seasoned musicians.

Rubber Biscuit by The Blues Brothers is one of their more playful songs. Originally a track by The Chips in 1956, the song is known for its gibberish-style lyrics and doo-wop rhythm. During the 1978 Winterland show, The Blues Brothers took that zaniness and cranked it up. John Belushi, in character as “Joliet” Jake Blues, performed his all, moving across the stage with unpredictable timing and bringing comic timing to the nonsense lyrics.

Dan Aykroyd, playing Elwood Blues, held down the harmonica parts and contributed to the rhythm section with precision. It was this contrast, tight musicianship with off-the-wall vocal delivery, that made Rubber Biscuit by The Blues Brothers stand out that night.

Want to see the full performance?
Watch Rubber Biscuit by The Blues Brothers live at Winterland, San Francisco, CA, 1978 — Click here to view the full video.

Why This Performance Still Matters
A Show Unlike Others

The Winterland performance was raw, unfiltered, and full of personality. The band wasn’t just playing music, they were putting on a full stage show, complete with physical comedy and surprise moments.

A Perfect Song Choice

Rubber Biscuit by The Blues Brothers wasn’t a chart-topper, but it gave Belushi the freedom to perform with total abandon. It’s the kind of song that lets a performer have fun, and that came through loud and clear.

Real Musicianship

While many viewed them as a novelty act, The Blues Brothers had real chops. Their backing band featured some of the best session players from Stax and Muscle Shoals, and the quality of the music proves it.

Why This Show Still Has Fans Talking

The 1978 Winterland show stands out in the history of The Blues Brothers. The combination of location, era, and spontaneity made it something fans never forgot. It wasn’t just about music, it was a performance that had soul, humor, and a touch of chaos, all wrapped up into one night.

It also captured a special moment in time, before the movie, before mainstream fame, where two comedians and a band created something that genuinely moved people. And even if the lyrics didn’t make much sense, the performance said everything it needed to.

Conclusion

Rubber Biscuit by The Blues Brothers live at Winterland in 1978 is more than a novelty; it’s a perfect example of what made this act so compelling. The humor, the band, and the sheer originality of the moment still draw in fans decades later. This wasn’t just a live performance, it was a snapshot of what made The Blues Brothers truly unique.

Rubber Biscuit by The Blues Brothers Lyrics:
Do you want to hear Elwood do a song?
Ah
Elwood, do you want to do a song?
Ahh

Ok
Elwood go nuts

Bow bow bow…

Hee, hee, hee, hee the other day you know I had a wish sandwich
Well a wish sandwich is the kind of a sandwich
Where you have two slices of bread and you
Wish you had some meat
Bow bow bow

Hee hee well the other day you know I had a ricochet biscuit
A ricochet biscuit is the kind of a biscuit that’s
Supposed to bounce back off the wall back in your mouth
Hee hee hee if it don’t bounce back… hee hee you go hungry!
Bow bow bow

The other day I had a cool water sandwich
And a Sunday-go-to-meetin’ bun…
Bow bow bow

What da ya want for nothing? … a rubber biscuit?
Bow bow oooh
Elwood
Elwood
I’m Jake
This is the Blues Brothers band

This next song features ah
Matt “Guitar” Murphy on guitar

Songwriters: Charles Johnson / Paul Fulton / Samuel Strain / Shedrick Lincoln / Nathaniel Epps
Rubber Biscuit lyrics © Emi Longitude Music