• From: Glasgow,Scotland
  • Registered: 2006-09-26
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Re: .Glasgow , Scotland The 02 Academy 27/04/09

Greenose wrote:

(deep breath) Here goes...

Joe’s concert last night was everything you’d ever want from a Joe Bonamassa show – and more!

Ben Montague was an ok support act with a nice voice, but I’d rather hear someone supporting Joe who can play a bit of blues, there are plenty of them about.   

I will spare you a track by track review but the atmosphere was electric when Joe came onto the stage playing Django, and the crowd were in for a real treat. Having seen many live concerts in recent years I have seen great guitar players sound average and average guitar players sound rather good, but with Joe last night this was a guitar player at the top of his game.  He did rocking, subtlety and everything in between, the playing with fluid and always tasteful. His vocals were strong, indeed they grew through the set and his band was superb.

Some of you may recall that one of my early posts was a review of Joe at the Arches in Glasgow last year, and if you got the feeling I was slightly underwhelmed then that was probably true.
At the time Joe was not particularly well, played too many fancy guitar parts rather than songs and the venue was cramped with a low ceiling.

See it here if you want:

http://www.jbonamassa.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=5232 hmm

Last night everything seemed to be in place and the concert was 10 times better – this was the really Joe Bonamassa experience that I’d read about on here for so long!  The balance and pace of the set list was spot on, the sound was great and significantly Joe was playing a venue worthy of his status.  So forget the discussions on venues, each artist has a stage worthy of their achievements and Joe’s has risen from 40 to 2500 in four years in this city – no mean achievement.

Was great to hear so many new songs from the new album, as Tom says Happier Times and The Great Flood were two of the standout moments, indeed I had a little bit of an Icon (Ian Parker) moment during the solo of the latter. It was also fantastic to hear Blues Deluxe for the first time - this was the third Joe song I ever heard, and doesn’t he play it so well! Woke Up Dreaming had a flamenco style into and then seamed nicely into High Water Everywhere. Lonesome Road Blues was great too (although I could not get Jools’ smiling face out of my sight lol  Unlike the reviewer above, I realised how much I like some of Joe’s songs that I really listen to, it was like that with Sloe Gin and Just Got Paid was enthralling.  To top that we got Mountain Time and a superb version of Asking Around For You where Joe sang open mic after silencing some rowdy crowd members with his finger. Yes a little more conversation would have been nice, but we were there to see Joe play, not talk. All in all Joe was a class act from the first minute to the last.  As I said, he is at the top of his game and I for one cannot wait til Monday. cool

Standing outside in the Glasgow rain was worth it too as Joe did fool us by getting from the venue to the bus without us spotting him under his beano hat, but he did then come out again to sign autographs for those of us who had waited. When I told him my forum name as Tom says he said “Greenose from the forum, that’s awesome” as he signed my copy of TBOJH. Well it was not me, or my appearance that was awesome Joe, it was you – all night! smile

Whatever happens at the Albert Hall Joe, you made me very happy with your performance last night and it’s one I will never forget.  You are head and shoulders above the rest!  As many of you may know, I don’t do gushing and unreserved praise very often, but I’m happy to make an exception in this case. Wherever you are if Joe is anywhere near to you, get yourself out to see this man and his band, he is unstoppable!


To sum up: A Superb and Breathtaking Performance! big_smile

Greenose

Sorry I missed you at one of the gigs of the year but I wholeheartedly agree with your summation of the evening's wonderful events! I am now even more pissed that I can't make the RAH as it is going to be one hell of a show.

To you and all that are going to the RAH.

You will have the time of your life so enjoy your socks off big_smile

All the best

millhouse

"Stars fall like tears from your eyes"
  • Registered: 2008-02-14
  • Posts: 2,578

Re: .Glasgow , Scotland The 02 Academy 27/04/09

Millhouse, you've got another chance on 5th December in Edinburgh. get you ticket soon, I expect many of the folks at Glasgow will be going to that one too, and it does have a smaller capacity.  I won't be taking the car for that one!  smile

"The recently formed Edinburgh Blues Club has identified an appetite for the personal communication between musicians and audience that the blues long ago perfected." The Herald Newspaper (Scotland)
http://www.edinburgh-blues.uk
  • Registered: 2009-04-28
  • Posts: 1

Re: .Glasgow , Scotland The 02 Academy 27/04/09

Hi All,
I've only been introduced to Joe B's work fairly recently (18 months or so) when a friend let me hear Sloe Gin but since then I've have become a BIG fan and now own the whole catalogue of his recorded work! I suspect the gig last night at the O2 Academy won't rate as one of Joe's favourites, as I too thought the majority of the crowd didn't really get 'into it' - he mentioned it himself after the band had been knocking out tunes for about an hour.
I personally would have liked the sound mix to be a little more guitar and a little less bass & drums - but hey, there isn't a venue I've been to yet which I think is flawless from acoustic quality measures....
The stuff off TBOJH is strong in the set list he played and rightfully promoting his great work on the new album - agreeing with the earlier comment about the practicality of combining fan favourite songs into manageable set list lengths ensures that there will inevitably be songs dropping in and out of Joe's live set that we'd like to hear every time we see him play live - a shame that so many of my favourites were missing last night, what I did hear was well delivered.... Stand out tracks: TBOJH, Sloe Gin, Another Kind Of Love & High Water Everywhere (somewhat contradictory to my earlier comment - the tub thumping drums on the new arrangement of that song were top notch)
He is a fantastic player, it's great to see him commit to playing in Scotland (it seems fewer and fewer quality acts do) and to be doing so again so soon I'll be out to capture a ticket for Edinburgh ASAP.

22 Reply by Greenose (edited by Greenose 2009-04-28 14:07:09)

  • Registered: 2008-02-14
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Re: .Glasgow , Scotland The 02 Academy 27/04/09

MikThw wrote:

Hi All,
I suspect the gig last night at the O2 Academy won't rate as one of Joe's favourites, as I too thought the majority of the crowd didn't really get 'into it' - he mentioned it himself after the band had been knocking out tunes for about an hour.

Hello MikThw, nice comments, most of which I agree with, however I'd like to make a point about the above statement:

I think that comment was just said to encourage people to join with him on in singing the last line in Blues Deluxe i.e. toying with the audiance rather than a gripe.

The crowd were not jumping about, but they were certainly very appreciative (more so than the crowd there to see Gary Moore last week).

"The recently formed Edinburgh Blues Club has identified an appetite for the personal communication between musicians and audience that the blues long ago perfected." The Herald Newspaper (Scotland)
http://www.edinburgh-blues.uk
  • mbcl
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Re: .Glasgow , Scotland The 02 Academy 27/04/09

Yes he does this in one version or another at most shows. At Wolves it was 'Rick they are not, what is it, oh yes 'not feeling me and I have been doing my best'.
It is Joes get the crowd to singalong piece. I like it as its not cheesey like most are left side go 'la la' right side go 'ba ba' middle go 'hoo raa' etc etc.



Greenose wrote:
MikThw wrote:

Hi All,
I suspect the gig last night at the O2 Academy won't rate as one of Joe's favourites, as I too thought the majority of the crowd didn't really get 'into it' - he mentioned it himself after the band had been knocking out tunes for about an hour.

Hello MikThw, nice comments, most of which I agree with, however I'd like to make a point about the above statement:

I think that comment was just said to encourage people to join with him on in sining the last line in Blues Deluxe and I think I read he used similar words at Gateshead.  The crowd were not jumping about, but they were certainly very appreciative (more so than the crowd there to see Gary Moore last week).

Martin
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  • varn
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Re: .Glasgow , Scotland The 02 Academy 27/04/09

Hi All,

Sounds by the majority that this was a good performance by Joe, everyone has their own opinions on how it was for them on the night, this makes the world go round and gives everyone something to talk about.

I myself have only seen Joe once (couple of years ago), will be seeing him again tomorrow night at Cardiff and I am taking my 15 year old son (Alex) to his first proper gig as he has been wishing to see Joe along with a few other bands for the past couple of years.

I haven't been to a gig in nearly 2 years and have no idea how much merchandise is these days, i.e. T-shirts etc

Can anyone give me a heads up on this as I wish to be able to get Alex at least a tour shirt to remember what will be a very special night

cheers

Varn

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Re: .Glasgow , Scotland The 02 Academy 27/04/09

If I remember correctly the tshirts were £20. I only passed by the merchandise stall so not paying much attention.

varn wrote:

Hi All,

Sounds by the majority that this was a good performance by Joe, everyone has their own opinions on how it was for them on the night, this makes the world go round and gives everyone something to talk about.

I myself have only seen Joe once (couple of years ago), will be seeing him again tomorrow night at Cardiff and I am taking my 15 year old son (Alex) to his first proper gig as he has been wishing to see Joe along with a few other bands for the past couple of years.

I haven't been to a gig in nearly 2 years and have no idea how much merchandise is these days, i.e. T-shirts etc

Can anyone give me a heads up on this as I wish to be able to get Alex at least a tour shirt to remember what will be a very special night

cheers

Varn

Martin
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/page … 35?ref=tse
  • varn
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Re: .Glasgow , Scotland The 02 Academy 27/04/09

Thanks Martin,

Gives me a ball park figure to work with

cheers

Varn

  • Registered: 2008-02-14
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Re: .Glasgow , Scotland The 02 Academy 27/04/09

Yes they were £20 last night, I'm sure Alex and you will have a great night! smile

"The recently formed Edinburgh Blues Club has identified an appetite for the personal communication between musicians and audience that the blues long ago perfected." The Herald Newspaper (Scotland)
http://www.edinburgh-blues.uk
  • varn
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Re: .Glasgow , Scotland The 02 Academy 27/04/09

cheers Greenose,

We will thx    cool

  • Registered: 2009-04-26
  • Posts: 20

Re: .Glasgow , Scotland The 02 Academy 27/04/09

I have already put this in the Introductions page ooops but hey here is a link to a pic of me and Joe that was taken in the Guitar store in Glasgow yesterday............... I am still jumping with excitement and the spot i had at the gig was just superb, i was standing just below joe right in the centre on the front row at the barrier.

www.flickr.com/scott_armour

30 Reply by BBJ

  • BBJ
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  • Registered: 2006-09-25
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Re: .Glasgow , Scotland The 02 Academy 27/04/09

Thanks for the reviews, folks. Sounds like Joe is really 'Smokin' ' at the moment. He should be on fire by Monday.

I'd be very surprised if a Glasgow audience was subdued  listening to Joe. I've been to some of the best gigs I've ever seen and heard at the likes of the Ferry, the Barrowlands, the Garage and the ABC and the atmosphere is just incredible. These guys know how to rock. Praise indeed from a native of Edinburgh. Hopefully though, Edinburgh will better that in December when Joe return!

P.S. Does anyone think that Joe may have a surprise guest or two lined up for the RAH? Just speculating.

'Try as you might to keep a lid on a good time, you can't do it. When people want to have a good time....' - Billy Gibbons
  • From: Scotland
  • Registered: 2009-04-10
  • Posts: 131

Re: .Glasgow , Scotland The 02 Academy 27/04/09

hi guys,

On the train heading back to aberdeen now.
Seeing Joe last night live for the first time was an unforgetable experience.Ive been to alot of gigs in my life but have never been to one where i was in so much awe of someone!
I had been in glasgow to see metallica play and thought of it as my fav gig but it has been beaten by joe last night.ive struggled to tell people just how good he is.i was stuck for the right words, well spinetingling would be one!
Wait out in the rain after the gig and had to say i was fooled by his disguise lol.i did get the back of my denim jacket signed which i might now retire and get framed.
Cant wait until edinburgh in december.

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

Re: .Glasgow , Scotland The 02 Academy 27/04/09

All reviews seem to have it right,great first joe gig,disappointed to be on the balcony where,the first three rows weren't allowed to stand !at all! Not even to show massive appreciation for this guys' talent .Hopefull to be at the edinburgh gig in december,though does anyone know if it's an all-seat venue?The Picture House DOES sound like it,but,hey-the seats could've been taken out years ago!One for the locals to answer,methinks!.Bought a 'joe peeping-out-from-a-gibson tee,20 quid and a fully signed upcoming tour poster,a steal at a tenner!Loved Happier Times,Bogies' drumming throughout was STUNNING,joe eteasing the audience,great tunes and .....well,i could go on but others have said it more eloquently than i.Roll on December!!!!

Come on you Blades!
  • Registered: 2009-04-28
  • Posts: 28

Re: .Glasgow , Scotland The 02 Academy 27/04/09

Last night was the first concert I had ever been to and I must say that nothing will ever top it, everyone says that clapton is god but that is strictly not true as I saw god on the stage last night.

Everything was superb from the stirring rendition of django that wound nicely into the ballad of john henry, but what really got the hair on the back of my neck standing up was sloe gin and the flamenco solo in the middle of the show, I was about 20 feet from the stage with a great view, there is no words to describe how I felt during the show but after the show was even more special as I met the man himself and have my ticket signed (soon to be framed) the man could not have been more of a gentleman and all round nice guy.

If joe happens to read this I would just like to say that you have made a new fan very very happy.

P.S

What was the name of the spanish solo he played on the acoustic guitar.

  • Registered: 2008-02-14
  • Posts: 2,578

Re: .Glasgow , Scotland The 02 Academy 27/04/09

idolbone wrote:

All reviews seem to have it right,great first joe gig,disappointed to be on the balcony where,the first three rows weren't allowed to stand !at all! Not even to show massive appreciation for this guys' talent .Hopefull to be at the edinburgh gig in december,though does anyone know if it's an all-seat venue?The Picture House DOES sound like it,but,hey-the seats could've been taken out years ago!One for the locals to answer,methinks!.Bought a 'joe peeping-out-from-a-gibson tee,20 quid and a fully signed upcoming tour poster,a steal at a tenner!Loved Happier Times,Bogies' drumming throughout was STUNNING,joe eteasing the audience,great tunes and .....well,i could go on but others have said it more eloquently than i.Roll on December!!!!

The tickets for sale are all standing! smile

BornInHell82 I was standing just beside you when Joe signed your jacket, Bonamassa Fan you must have been with us too, and nice blog article Scott smile

"The recently formed Edinburgh Blues Club has identified an appetite for the personal communication between musicians and audience that the blues long ago perfected." The Herald Newspaper (Scotland)
http://www.edinburgh-blues.uk
  • Registered: 2009-04-28
  • Posts: 28

Re: .Glasgow , Scotland The 02 Academy 27/04/09

Greenose wrote:
idolbone wrote:

All reviews seem to have it right,great first joe gig,disappointed to be on the balcony where,the first three rows weren't allowed to stand !at all! Not even to show massive appreciation for this guys' talent .Hopefull to be at the edinburgh gig in december,though does anyone know if it's an all-seat venue?The Picture House DOES sound like it,but,hey-the seats could've been taken out years ago!One for the locals to answer,methinks!.Bought a 'joe peeping-out-from-a-gibson tee,20 quid and a fully signed upcoming tour poster,a steal at a tenner!Loved Happier Times,Bogies' drumming throughout was STUNNING,joe eteasing the audience,great tunes and .....well,i could go on but others have said it more eloquently than i.Roll on December!!!!

The tickets for sale are all standing! smile

BornInHell82 I was standing just beside you when Joe signed your jacket, Bonamassa Fan you must have been with us too, and nice blog article Scott smile

I was next to you greenose with my dad, that for me was even better than the concert as I said previously joe made my night right there and then.

  • Registered: 2009-04-11
  • Posts: 11

Re: .Glasgow , Scotland The 02 Academy 27/04/09

Here's a review on Monday's show

http://www.theglaswegian.co.uk/entertai … -21318599/