Been a fan for many years. Saw him many times...
Early Stevie - lots of fire and angst in his music.
Mid SRV (the cocaine years) - lots of notes with nowhere to go, just be there.
Late SRV (dammit! Only too short!)
True virtuosity, prescient feeling and a connection to his calling/gift/craft that lived and breathed in a different zone.
I was blessed to see him on the same bill with Jeff Beck during their '89 tour. A great concert!