Des Moines, 5/3/12 (Page 3 of 4)

I was just minding my own business cruising along through life then something happened.

I got turned on to some guy that looked like Agent Smith with a Les Paul.

I bought the tickets mostly out of curiosity and am so glad I did.

This show was fantastic, the band is excellent beyond description.

Now I'm working backwards buying Bonamassa cd's and vids getting my musical education.

How in the world did I miss this guy?

The energy in that Civic Center was amazing, pure musical excellence was displayed.

What a fantastic event, were planning the next concert later this year.

May I be termed a "Bonahead" or does that require more time?

Indeed not! 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZMmV6xXYFw

"JGP" with Patty's #184, captured by my gal Renee. Yes, that's her "WOOOOOOOOOOOOING"! She can do it with the best of 'em!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJg1mDVT … e=youtu.be

I'm gonna' make a suggestion here, let me know what you think.

I think Iowa (pattyluvsjoe's backyard) should be the designated site for Bonaholics to gather on an annual or semi-annual basis!

As in, once a year or once every other year around Joe's birthday there is a Bonaholic Pilgrimage! Fans would know up front for good planning.

You go girl, Renee!
 

Wow Patty it doesn't get better than that. I think I would have passed out if Joe played one of my guitars during a show. You must have been beside yourself.
Cheers Ron

I'm sorry we missed you Coach. My wife had to work Saturday so a flying tour was mandated this time with an early departure that still ended up a 12 hour day on planes and airports. More than half the fun is meeting folks you've only known online for the first time. It goes without saying that Joe's fans are the best kind of folk.

That would be cool!

Well, if you saw Roy's footage from the meet and greet you'd see that I brought a replica I made of Joe's old Goldie strat. He noticed it right away and was asking me about it while I was still waiting in line for my turn. The meet and greet had like 90 people, and I'd say a comfy meet and greet only has around 20 or so... so the time was limited. Joe informed us there'd be no bus line after the show because he had to do Bob & Tom in the morning in Indiana... so we helped spread the word.

When Joe found out I was Nic from Detroit, I was having my photo taken. I had Roy take my photo, and Joe said "Roy's here, WOW... all the cats are in town! I think Patty had something to do with this." He was right.

Before the show, I passed out fliers to fulfill my street team duties with Patty and Roy. Got some photos, and I'll probably send them to Larry and thank him for putting up with my emails.

Patty had the entire 3rd row, and offered me the ticket the day after NewYears... Merry Chirstmas to me! I was right in the middle, right in front of Joe. Roy BluesMan was next to me (as usual) and he had a photopass and snapped some good photos. Patty had glow in the dark necklaces for the entire 3rd row. So when the lights went down and the band came on stage, I'm sure they could only see the entire third row.

The set was very good... I was close enough to see Carmine and Tal giggling at eachother during a couple songs. I don't know if they were flubbing or goofing off. The music was very tight and the sound was top notch.... didn't pierce the ears, but was a perfect volume.

Joe announced his presidency for 2016 at the show in traditional DesMoines style. Maybe then he could get some sleep!
He also hailed DesMoines as the "mothership" of Bonamassa (I'm thinking because Patty knows how you reel us in!   )

The encore had an iowa college hat, and he played Patty's JBLP that she won. It was SO cool.
After the show "the superfans" partied for a bit, and I asked Patty if I could strum the JB Goldtop. She said "do you have a amp?" I said yeah, in my hotel room. She said if she could hear how my Goldie strat soudns for a song, I could play the JBLP. DEAL!

I ran upstairs while Patty, Lee and Renee waited in the lobby. I grabbed Goldie, Marshall Micro amp (battery powered) and my iPad.

I queued up some songs that Joe didn't play at the show (and some that he did), and just started playing along with them. "I'll let Joe sing em." I said. The first song I played with Goldie and the rest with Patty's JBLP Goldtop #184 or 185?

You Upset Me Baby
Miss You, Hate You
If Heartaches Were Nickels
Had To Cry Today
Walking in my Shadows
Never Say Goodbye
Django
High Water Everywhere
Steal Your Heart Away
Mountain Time

The JBLP Goldtop play very smooth and worn in. Heck, it was still warm from when Joe was playing it mere hours before. What a treat.  I must say Gibson did a great job giving the guitar a worn-in feel without going overboard. I have some Les Pauls from the 70's and I'd say the JBLP has the feel of a vintage instrument that has been heavily played but cared for. I don't like buying new guitars because they are hard and edgy on the neck. The JBLP had nice soft edges on the neck, medium action so strings don't slide under your fingers, and a natural sustain that sounded great even unplugged. Huge thanks to Patty for allowing me to get my fingerprints all over a piece of JB history.

My profile photo has my Goldie on the left and Patty's JBLP on the right.
<-----------

well, that's all I can think of right now... just great times and good people. I had a pleasure meeting all the people I did and seeing all the peeps from the Crossroads Joe pre-festival party in Illinois again.

I'm off to Vegas for my friend's bachelor party this weekend. I'm the best man. Crazy weekends!

- Nic from Detroit... posting on JB's Forum since 6-2-2006
Ask me about my handwound Great Lakes Guitar Pickups
Since 2010, Bonamassa fans have taken advantage of my JB friend discount = my cost + shipping.

After reading about his show in Des Moines, I'm super excited about seeing Joe, tomorrow night in da "burgh!