37 Reply by Kenny (edited by Kenny 2013-03-28 04:43:58)

  • Kenny
  • Kenny
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  • From: Aberdeen, Scotland
  • Registered: 2009-09-04
  • Posts: 3,713

Re: Shepherds Bush Empire

Like Ian I was at the back beside the stairs, left hand side and would agree with everything he said re. overcrowding etc. Having said that I had a great view and the highlight for me was The Great Flood.........WOW.

38 Reply by Ian916 (edited by Ian916 2013-03-28 06:06:07)

  • From: Sussex UK
  • Registered: 2009-07-12
  • Posts: 1,465

Re: Shepherds Bush Empire

jc1303 wrote:

Im confused by the people saying that the venue was too overcrowded.

the crowd issues were awful last night, - without doubt the venue was oversold (just to add that my harsh words are in no way a reflection on Joe or his team, it was the venue and a small minority of those there). There were people that could only fit in behind the bar area so they could not have seen a thing all night, - we got lucky and found a space at the top of the steps next to the bar and actually had a superb view but felt for those behind who really could not have seen much at all. We got barged, bumped throughout the gig, not a single song could go by without some disturbance or issue, - don't have a problem with people wanting to go back and forth really but it was the way that some did that I did not like, - and the action of some of the venue staff.  A small minority of those there were just the biggest A-holes you will ever come across (and again this has nothing to do with Joe). - I was actually relived that my son was too ill to come last night so took the wife instead but she didi not enjoy the experience (and she is been in Rock in Rio) because it was on the edge of getting nasty a few times; - the heavy squad turned up to remove two guys, because one had stood on the bottom step, - they ignored the other 3 that were doing it opposite but focused on him, - not nice. There was a girl beside us who you could tell was really nervous about what was going on.

Somebody turned up in a wheelchair and they had so much trouble getting him through because there was just nowhere for people to go to move out of the way. sad

REALLY looking forward to RAH and a nice comfy seat, - yes I am now officially old....very old.

Finally just to add another side to all of my negativity above, (if I did not say this before) - there were some absolute moments of brilliance last night and it was an honour to witness them first hand, - the horns on Last Kiss; fantastic, The Hammond on BOJH, brilliant!

Kenny, - you must have been a few feet away from me.

My YouTube channel with plenty of my Joe's videos dating from 2009 inc his first Hammersmith Odeon ones:
http://www.youtube.com/ian916fun

Ian916's Website

39 Reply by eva

  • eva
  • eva
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  • From: germany
  • Registered: 2007-03-15
  • Posts: 1,885

Re: Shepherds Bush Empire

The set didn't seem short to me at all. I think it was so well arranged and "round" in a way. I had such a great time watching this completely different show after the 'time capsule' Borderline experience...very emotional show. The horns were a cool addition!
I told everyone who wanted to hear it last night that Paul Kossoff's brother thought Joe played better than Eric Clapton. wink
Also I think Arlan's playing was out of this world again... I catch myself waiting for his solo whenever they play John Henry.

And I'm proud to say I got a ride back to my hotel in Pete the Cabby's famous Cab! Thanks Pete!!

  • Registered: 2011-10-23
  • Posts: 12

Re: Shepherds Bush Empire

It sounds like the overcrowding issues were far worse at the back. I didnt have any issue down the front at all

I could use a little more cowbell
  • From: Massachusetts
  • Registered: 2007-10-23
  • Posts: 1,929

Re: Shepherds Bush Empire

Other than cold noses and toes from waiting in the queue last night was great.

As Eva said the show was very well rounded, and I honestly didn't realize until I read it here that it was less than 2 hours.  Not knowing what song was coming next was positively awesome - really wish it was always like this.  I don't know if it was because of the horns but it reminded me a great deal of the 2009 RAH show.  John Henry was killer, and so nice to hear Asking Around for You.

We were down the front so didn't notice what was going on up the back.  My biggest problem was the cameraman who kept standing right in front of me (at the RAH they stayed crouched down and out of the way).

Overall an awesome night of music, old friends and new.  Hammersmith tonite.  Pictures when I can get the internet to cooperate better.

Sandy

"There's a lot of people that are in so much of a hurry to be, I guess, to be famous or that they don't want to take the time to learn to play and do all that.They'd rather just knock it down off a computer and maybe get on a game show and get famous..That's fine if that's what you want to do.
"We're more old school than that. We like creating the sounds."  - Tom Petty
  • From: Cliftonville Kent England
  • Registered: 2006-07-30
  • Posts: 2,150

Re: Shepherds Bush Empire

Stellar Blues Night at The Shepherds Bush Empire, great like old blues club feel with sharp dressed horn section in suits and the band looking suave and stylish, very bluesy and mostly slow burners and shuffle tunes, just perfect variety from the night previous.

Highlights .....

Chains and Things ..... So Sublime and sweet
Stop ....... So Awesome to hear that again and JB's Voice was better than the RAH version
So Many Roads ........   Uplifting as always and Great to hear again 
Asking Around For You .. some of the softest notes Joe has played  just Blues/Jazz

But .............

If you put ALL THE GREAT FLOODS TOGETHER IN A LINE ...    They will all still come up short combined on this version tonight
Cos it was IMHO    One of Joe's Finest Stage Moments .. it was just the Greatest "The Great Flood"    end of ....

INCREDIBLE

............. Michael

Joe Bonamassa .......  His Greatest 3 Videos ... IMMHO   After Much Deliberation
3rd ...... Mountain Time / Rockpalast       http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h01xa6NMsJo
2nd ...... Sloe Gin       /  Vienna            http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRASS8O8ZnE           
1st ....... Blues Deluxe / The Borderline    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnl3E_KLxYg

43 Reply by RickB (edited by RickB 2013-03-28 08:20:11)

  • RickB
  • RickB
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  • From: San Diego
  • Registered: 2009-10-30
  • Posts: 12,198

Re: Shepherds Bush Empire

As Ian said, we must be getting old. I was very glad for the seats right at the front in Circle. Staff were more than courteous and even let Helen check a couple of souvenir items from her purse that were on the proscribed list. After the show we were escorted to the stage door to retrieve them. The sound and view were faultless where we sat.

The poor forum gals from the front of queue were shuttling back and forth to the pub where Helen and I sat enjoying good food and plenty of good forum company to thaw frozen noses and feet a few minutes every half hour. I'm pretty good at hanging for hours for a shot down in front but not with the wife in tow in freezing conditions. She's a fan but has her limits. Headlines this morning said "Coldest March in 40 years!" Even Joe's music can't do much to warm it. Global warming? Ice age is closer to the truth. 

I thought the entire show was fantastic. Short? Every single show I've seen of Joe's has been too short. wink Song selection was superb throughout, with each few first notes giving me that "Oh YEAH" moment and Arlan is a great addition. Subtle fills where just a touch is needed and then ripping off in a blazing sonic assault on BOJH. Give me more of that stuff! I think the Rock gig tonight at Apollo is going to be over the top.

I got the whole show on vid again but the range was mostly long and the lights and fog gave my camera's auto focus fits. I'll rip the audio for a personal cd but I doubt much is worth putting up. Pete had the spot and will produce the goods once again. Having my partner team up for quick battery changes is sure nice! Joe doesn't leave much time between songs. A touch and she's there with the fresh battery in hand and taking the spent one in a jiffy. smile She's a star!

We'll be heading down to the Blue Anchor for another pre show hang in the warmth and comfort with pals enjoying good food and spirits while the queue crowd shivers again. roll

Front Row Center Circle tonight.
Bring It Joe!
Rick

Free download from Vienna! http://mbsy.co/bNLR
Lots of unique videos of Joe http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwd5vL8fXTw
Buy Joe's merchandise here. http://www.jbonamassa.com/affiliates/id … hp?id=1381

RickB's Website

  • From: South Wales, UK
  • Registered: 2011-03-10
  • Posts: 80

Re: Shepherds Bush Empire

honied druggist wrote:
Bonafan JP wrote:

I think we've been spoiled by Joe playing 2 hours plus every night on previous tours. 1hr 45mins is a good length for a gig, especially with no intermission. Some bands will play that long and have 15mins off stage in the middle of it.

I think 8pm is a perfectly acceptable time to start the gig. If you're opening doors at 6:30 or 7 or whatever, you can't expect people to hang around for hours with no support act. 8pm is a perfect time, as it gets the gig done and you home fairly early. If you can't make it until later, either accept that the gig will have started, or don't go smile

Looks another incredible gig, roll on tonight and Saturday!

I WILL ACCEPT THAT THE GIG WILL HAVE STARTED AND I'M AFRAID I WON'T BE GOING AGAIN
AS I SUSPECT WE WILL HAVE TO WATCH ON A LARGE VIDEO SCREEN AT SOME SOULLESS ARENA NEXT TIME AROUND.

SORRY TO BREAK UP THE JB LOVE-IN

No need to shout. I wasn't having a go at you, just making a point. I agree on the arena comment, but what can you do, Joe's big time now. I guess it's a blessing that he's willing to do something like these London shows, for the fans that can make it/afford it.

18th October 2011 - Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff
  • Registered: 2012-05-31
  • Posts: 1,308

Re: Shepherds Bush Empire

Thanks all for info on this gig.  Wish I could have heard asking around.  Hate that some did not enjoy.  I would love to be there , sure it will be hard to top these gigs

  • Registered: 2012-05-31
  • Posts: 1,308

Re: Shepherds Bush Empire

Pete The Cabby wrote:

...some Joe in horny heaven for you! wink

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

Pete, this is unreal. Thanks

  • Registered: 2012-05-31
  • Posts: 1,308

Re: Shepherds Bush Empire

Joe Bonamassa wrote:

Well, I dont feel it was short... 1:45 is a good length for a show, especially when its part of a 5 part series.. Last night was 1:40 but I think the intensity of the trio and the small venue made up for it..  Its been such a blast to do this but so much work..  I doubt the stamina to try this again..  But I have to say for me there is no greater pleasure in life than playing a blues shuffle with horns..  Its just me but I was in heaven tonight..  See you tomorrow for something completely different!!!
Joe B

Joe, just watched Pete's video of great flood. Not enough adjectives to describe this instead I will just say thank you, better and better

48 Reply by Ian916 (edited by Ian916 2013-03-28 18:00:51)

  • From: Sussex UK
  • Registered: 2009-07-12
  • Posts: 1,465

Re: Shepherds Bush Empire

my very short clips from last night, - you will see why they turned out so short when you see and hear the crowd problems! Sound aint bad though.

Slow Train (complete with my initial crowd issue) http://youtu.be/nPJvwoH3HRc  smile

Slow Train after the disturbance but still a bit going on hence the camera waving around: http://youtu.be/YVMxM_o5RWo - love the Firebird!

So Many Roads solo: http://youtu.be/qI6AuiMOhPg

BOJH short clip before another issue.... http://youtu.be/DX8KJ31IK0o

You Better Wash Yourself wink Sorry can never hear this without remembering 9 Below Zero playing this and changing the lyrics. : http://youtu.be/eJ41Y3QjbfY

My YouTube channel with plenty of my Joe's videos dating from 2009 inc his first Hammersmith Odeon ones:
http://www.youtube.com/ian916fun

Ian916's Website

  • Registered: 2009-02-14
  • Posts: 686

Re: Shepherds Bush Empire

As you say,ian, good sound but shame about the disturbances-some people just can't see someone videoing and think it's cool to get in on the act.Keep the faith,bro!! Thanks again.

Come on you Blades!
  • From: skamokawa, wa.
  • Registered: 2012-04-08
  • Posts: 240

Re: Shepherds Bush Empire

Ian916! Thanks so much for this vid! Glad you like TREASURE!! I know how you feel about the crowd issue. Several months ago I walked out of a Los Lobos gig after about 15 minutes because the venue oversold and the late comers were drunk jerks!

  • From: Essex
  • Registered: 2010-01-11
  • Posts: 2,119

Re: Shepherds Bush Empire

....some more horny Joe... So Many Roads!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhbxos7fE0A

...i'm outa here! ...got an existence to earn! lol

Everyone is born a genius, but the process of living de-geniuses them.
R. Buckminster Fuller
  • Registered: 2013-03-21
  • Posts: 18

Re: Shepherds Bush Empire

It was my first joe gig the other night and I have to say I loved every minute of it. Cannot wait for the Albert hall now. Personal highlight for me was midnight blues.

  • From: Sussex UK
  • Registered: 2009-07-12
  • Posts: 1,465

Re: Shepherds Bush Empire

a few more short clips from me, - not the greatest of quality but as there were a couple of different adaptions played thought that some of you not so fortunate to be there would like to see? Taken with my phone but in HD and will give you an idea of the quality of the sound that Joe gets.

This is Arlen's solo from BOJH, - http://youtu.be/PeuI5RuXLJ0

Last Kiss shuffle with horns - http://youtu.be/_TuQTEu-sDY and Pt2 http://youtu.be/m3I6LiOajJ8

Lonesome Road Blues with the horn: http://youtu.be/C8btElW5ppU

My YouTube channel with plenty of my Joe's videos dating from 2009 inc his first Hammersmith Odeon ones:
http://www.youtube.com/ian916fun

Ian916's Website

  • From: Massachusetts
  • Registered: 2007-10-23
  • Posts: 1,929

Re: Shepherds Bush Empire

http://www.flickr.com/photos/24057301@N … 120592749/

"There's a lot of people that are in so much of a hurry to be, I guess, to be famous or that they don't want to take the time to learn to play and do all that.They'd rather just knock it down off a computer and maybe get on a game show and get famous..That's fine if that's what you want to do.
"We're more old school than that. We like creating the sounds."  - Tom Petty