Joe Bonamassa is an acclaimed blues rock guitarist, singer and songwriter from New York. With over 15 albums released and multiple Grammy nominations, Bonamassa has established himself as one of the top guitarists in the blues genre. If you’re considering attending one of his concerts, here is some helpful information to determine if a Joe Bonamassa show is worth the ticket price.
Who is Joe Bonamassa?
Joe Bonamassa was born in New Hartford, New York in 1977. He started playing guitar at age 4, after being inspired by his father’s extensive blues records collection. By age 12, Bonamassa was already an experienced performer, having opened for blues legend B.B. King. In the early 90s, Bonamassa was a member of the pop-rock band Bloodline, which released one album in 1994. Following the band’s breakup, Bonamassa focused on his solo career playing blues rock. His debut solo album A New Day Yesterday was released in 2000.
Since his debut, Bonamassa has been incredibly prolific, releasing 16 solo studio albums, 5 live albums, 15 live DVDs and collaborating with artists like Eric Clapton, Steve Winwood, Foreigner and Buddy Guy. Some of his most popular albums include Sloe Gin (2007), The Ballad of John Henry (2009), Dust Bowl (2011), and Different Shades of Blue (2014). He continues touring extensively and releases new music regularly.
Musical Style and Influences
Bonamassa’s style incorporates elements of traditional blues, blues rock, and even hints of hard rock. His guitar playing is immediately recognizable, featuring quick rhythmic licks, jaw-dropping soloing and soulful vibrato. Some musicians Bonamassa is influenced by include British blues rockers like Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Jimmy Page. Other influences are American blues guitarists like B.B. King, Albert King, Buddy Guy, Otis Rush and Freddie King.
In addition to being an adept guitarist, Bonamassa is also a powerful vocalist with a gritty and emotional tone. His singing voice perfectly complets his raw and heartfelt guitar playing.
Live Performance and Critical Reception
Joe Bonamassa has built a reputation as a phenomenal live performer. He usually performs with a backing band and plays a diverse selection of original tunes and classics from his influences. His concerts feature extended guitar solos and instrumental sections that showcase his talent. Bonamassa sometimes plays two full sets with up to 25 songs at his shows, offering audiences their money’s worth.
Reviews of Bonamassa’s concerts are consistently excellent. Critics praise his energy on stage, phenomenal guitar playing and interactions with the crowd. He’s noted for playing unique shows each night and putting emotion into every performance. Some live albums that capture the energy of a Joe Bonamassa concert include A New Day Now (2003), Live at Radio City Music Hall (2015) and Live at the Greek Theatre (2010).
Notable Tours and Residencies
Throughout his career, Joe Bonamassa has embarked on tours across the US, UK, Europe and Australia. He frequently headlines his own tours like the 2014-2015 Different Shades of Blue Tour. Other notable tours include opening 20 shows for the band Foreigner in 2007. Below are some of the impressive tours and concert residencies Bonamassa has done:
Tour | Year | Locations |
---|---|---|
A New Day Yesterday Tour | 2001 | UK & Ireland |
Live at the Royal Albert Hall | 2009 | London – 4 nights |
Dust Bowl Tour | 2011 | North America, UK, Europe |
Beacon Theatre Residency | 2015-Ongoing | New York City – 25+ shows |
British Blues Explosion Tour | 2016 | UK & Ireland |
These tours and multi-night runs at prestigious venues like the Royal Albert Hall and Beacon Theatre demonstrate the broad fanbase Bonamassa has built up during his long career.
Score and Setlist Examples
To give an idea of what a typical Joe Bonamassa setlist looks like, here are some examples from recent tours:
March 13, 2022 – Savannah, GA
- Evil Mama
- King Bee Shakedown
- Mountain Climbing
- Sloe Gin
- Don’t Lie to Me
- Midnight Blues
- Dust Bowl
- I Got All You Need
- Plynth (Water Down the Drain)
- How Deep This River Runs
- Boogie with Stu
- Last Kiss
- Hummingbird
April 23, 2022 – London, UK
- Evil Mama
- Self-Inflicted Wounds
- Oh Beautiful
- Love Ain’t a Love Song
- Heartache Follows
- Blues of Desperation
- No Good Place for the Lonely
- I’ll Play the Blues For You / Hey Baby
- Sloe Gin
- Just Got Paid
- Mountain Climbing
- Walk in My Shadows
- Boogie with Stu
- How Many More Times
Setlists vary from night to night but often include new tracks, popular hits, blues standards and classic rock covers. Songs range from slow blues ballads to upbeat hard rocking numbers and extended jams.
Opening Acts
Most Joe Bonamassa concerts feature an opening act, usually a rising blues guitarist or band. Opening for Bonamassa gives up-and-coming acts exposure to big crowds and his dedicated fans. Some artists who have opened for Joe Bonamassa concerts and tours include:
- Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown – Rock band, opened in 2016
- Simo – Blues rock trio, opened in 2017 & 2018
- Jade Bird – British singer-songwriter, opened in 2019
- Larkin Poe – Roots rock band led by sisters, opened in 2020 & 2022
- King King – British blues rock band, opened in UK in 2022
Ticket Prices
Ticket prices for Joe Bonamassa concerts vary depending on the venue and location but are comparable for similar high-profile blues rock musicians. Here are some average ticket prices:
Seat Type | Average Price |
---|---|
Lower Level Seating | $125 – $250 |
Floor General Admission | $125 – $150 |
Upper Level Seating | $80 – $150 |
Balcony Seating | $70 – $100 |
At large venues like the Red Rocks Amphitheatre or Royal Albert Hall, the best seats can cost over $300. However, even the cheaper upper level seats still provide decent views and sound for these shows.
Merchandise Prices
Bonamassa concerts also feature a merch table selling shirts, posters, accessories and music. Here are typical prices for some popular merchandise items:
Item | Price |
---|---|
T-Shirts | $25 – $40 |
Long Sleeve Shirts | $35 – $45 |
Hats | $25 – $35 |
Hoodies | $45 – $60 |
Posters | $20 – $30 |
CDs and DVDs | $15 – $25 |
Branded merchandise is a nice memento from the show. Bonamassa also offers higher-end collectors items like signed guitars and custom amps direct from his website.
Is Joe Bonamassa Worth Seeing Live?
In summary, here are some key reasons why seeing Joe Bonamassa perform live is an incredible experience:
- Jaw-dropping guitar skills and incredible stage presence
- Unique and dynamic setlists at every show
- Powerful vocal performances and raw emotion
- Length of show – usually over 2 hours long
- Opportunity to see a modern blues rock legend in person
- Lively concert atmosphere with dedicated fans
- Both intimate club and big stadium shows
- Affordable ticket prices compared to similar artists
Of course, personal music preferences are subjective. However, Joe Bonamassa consistently gets outstanding reviews from both critics and fans alike. His concerts offer excellent value for money and a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see one of the greatest living blues guitarists in action.
For longtime Bonamassa fans and blues rock enthusiasts, catching one of his energetic live shows is considered an absolute must. Even casual listeners can appreciate his world-class talent and charismatic performing style in the live arena. If he’s playing near you and you have the opportunity, do yourself a favor and go watch Joe Bonamassa do what he does best – simply put on an incredible show.
Conclusion
Joe Bonamassa is considered one of the top blues rock guitarists in the world, with an acclaimed decades-long career. His live shows provide a stunning display of virtuoso guitar playing and powerful vocals, mixed with a high energy performance style. While ticket prices can range depending on the venue, Bonamassa represents excellent value compared to other musicians of his caliber. For any blues fan or guitar aficionado, the chance to watch Joe Bonamassa shred live on stage makes for a truly special concert experience.