Topic: Sheffield "The Plug" Sun 24th February 2008
Firstly, I would like to thank the audience- because, after all, without them, Joe Bonamassa wouldn’t be here in Sheffield! I also would like to thank two members of the audience for their act of kindness to one of my very good friends, Sarah. One of the men was in a Walter Trout t-shirt- and we were on the far right of the stage at the front. They know who they are and we thank you kindly for keeping an eye out for the rest of the evening.
Intimacy- that was the thing I first noticed about this gig- Sheffield “The Plug” is an awesome place for a concert, I must admit. How, in a crowd of 1100 people, can you feel at the same time like you are the only one in the room? Admittedly, I had a good view- right at the front, so close I could touch the stage, in fact. We were the first ones in line, and the first through the door (or thereabouts), and that’s a good feeling.
The set list was awesome, and although I didn’t know all the songs off by heart- I did know them, and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment. The first song of the night was “Bridge To Better Days” . One song I actually did know! Stand out songs for me, personally were “So Many Roads”, “Mountain Time”, “Woke Up Dreaming”, “Django” and “You Upset Me”. But how can you fault any of it? You can’t.
I think Joe has a particular love affair with “Woke Up Dreaming”, because in those minutes he played that song, you could see how much he loved it. His playing is impeccable. My friend, Sarah (who has no idea who Joe Bonamassa is!) said last night after he played that “I don’t know about you but I’m f’in knackered!” (pardon my French!)
“Django”- now this is a song and a half! The beginning is hypnotic, so much so that I think you could have heard a pin drop in the audience. But personally- I wouldn’t have noticed if a 747 decided to park up in front of me. It’s the pure intensity of the song , it gives me chills. And also the fact that I was right in front of the speaker…
“You Upset Me Baby” the very last song of night. The sounds that just emanate from him and his guitars are utterly impressive. The passion on his face incredible. Mouth wide open. YES!
Obviously, I do NOT know Joe personally (such a shame!) but to me he comes off as an incredibly nice guy, funny and passionate and you know? He owns that stage no doubt about it. He thanked us for the well wishes- and a lot of people don’t have the time for their fans- and he does. He makes us feel so important. He also thanked us for our advice on getting well- although very obviously a joint wasn’t quite what he had in mind!
It is awesome to think, that last year he played to such a small crowd, and that this year the crowd just about tripled in size. And that somehow, he managed to reach number 22 in the UK POP CHARTS… Yes, HOW does that happen? I think his fan base is growing here for sure, and its only going to get bigger.
10 out of 10 from me- hands down, best concert. Though in some respects, I will miss the smaller venues. I cant wait to see him again- maybe next year- we will see! Onward and upwards for sure.
My friends also enjoyed the concert thoroughly- and although, I give Sarah her dues, it was NOT her taste in music- she admitted there was no doubt about it- he is an awesome guitarist, and I think it was a great choice for a first concert for her. She did, however, take quite a lot of notice of the guy sorting out the guitars for Joe… And the drummer- though she didn’t really have a good view of him… So just so everyone knows-Joe wasn’t the only one noticed on stage! Ha ha! I also thank Nik, for coming and Sophie, for driving us around sheffield- those TOM- TOMs havent got a clue where they are going, Im telling you! And wow - £15 for a shirt! Awesome- even I could afford one!
Thanks for such an awesome night Joe, and not to forget the rest of the guys up there- they were all awesome, but Joe- he just steals the show! I would also like to thank Crosby Loggins, he has incredible courage to stand up there on his own with only a guitar as support. I had never heard of him before, but I thoroughly enjoyed him as support!
Amanda
