Topic: The RAH story as seen through my eyes…..
Sorry this is a bit late, but.......
How do I begin? Was the show everything I had hoped it would be? It was well beyond anything I could have imagined it would be and even more, because I got to meet Joe’s family too. What is Royal Albert Hall really like? One of the greatest places on this Earth to see a show; a temple of sorts with the feeling of one of the world’s great Basilicas!
As I dressed in my room at the Hyde Park Towers Hotel, a really bad thing happened to me. As I went to button my suit pants, the button securing the top of the pants popped off. This left the flap that secures to the button sticking straight out. Of all the things that could happen, this had to happen as I was getting ready to meet lots of friends for the first time and to see Joe perform at Royal Albert Hall! Realizing I had no means of securing my trousers other than my suspenders, I frantically knocked on Patty and Rhonda’s room door to enquire if they had a safety pin. Unfortunately, they did not and so, I then knocked on Bill and Jamie’s door. They too did not have a safety pin, but bless Jamie’s heart, she had bobby pins and was able to secure the flap with one. It would be up to me to keep this hair pin in place for the night. Why do things happen like this at times like these, I’ll never know!
As all of us walked through Hyde Park, I looked at the people playing with their children and lovers enjoying themselves on this day. What a glorious feeling to be in London and so much excitement for what was to come. As we entered the pre-show get together in the Park, there was a familiar face in the crowd. My goodness I thought, is that Rocket? Sure enough and so while shaking his hand he said, “Here’s a beer for you!” as if right on cue. As I turned around there stood Tripsy and her husband Simon, what a wonderful feeling to meet these lovely people. And then there was Tom, Lee and Renee; gosh, so many great people in one location!
As I sat with Michael and Sharon, a young man walked in with what appeared to be his parents. I had a feeling that I knew him, but couldn’t believe that no one else among this crowd had recognized him. Finally, after about 15 minutes, I could wait no longer and went up to the young man and asked, “Aren’t you Oli Brown?” He answered in the affirmative and then introduced his wonderful parents to me. As we took a picture together I asked him, “Can you believe a Yank recognized you right away and not one of your Countrymen present had?” We both laughed and had a very nice chat. What a pleasant young man!
So many people to meet and so little time to do it, we shortly found ourselves at the time when we needed to walk the additional distance to Royal Albert Hall. Amazingly for this time of year, this was the only rain that our group saw the whole time we were over in France and England. Just a light little rain and fortunately, I brought my umbrella. However, I used it mostly to shield Sharon as she was dressed in a stunning white suit. As soon as we reached the Hall, the rain subsided and the excitement began. As our group consisting of Michael, Sharon, Patty, Rhonda, Dave and I looked for our entrance door, with great luck we came upon Joe’s mom and dad. I had never met either of them before and to say I was thrilled is not enough. Joe’s mom is as sweet a person as you’ll ever meet and Joe’s dad couldn’t have been more cordial to us. We asked Len Bonamassa if he knew of any “special surprises” that were in store. He told us there was a big one, but he had held the secret too long to let it out now. But he did indicate how excited he was. My mind immediately focused on Eric Clapton and something told me that was one of the surprises. Mr. Bonamassa also told us that if we saw his son, that we should remind him that he still owes his dad money for guitar lessons. So Joe, pay up! 
When I entered the building it was as if I stepped into another world. My goodness, could this place with all of its history, be any more beautiful than what my eyes were seeing? Greeted by a lady usher, she pointed the way to our seats. Entering the Hall itself made me feel as if I should bow and also made me feel very privileged to even be able to walk in. When I saw our seats, I just couldn’t believe it. Yes, I knew they were first row, but not only were they first row, they were just a bit right of center. I had no idea we would be that close to the stage! There is only one person to thank for that and that person is Michael Lynch. I will never be able to repay him enough for this privilege. An usher came by and told us that photos were not allowed during the show, but prior to the show we were allowed to take some of the Hall.
As we took our seats I looked at Patty and asked if she could believe that we two Midwest kids, were actually sitting in London at Royal Albert Hall. Patty was just as starry eyed as I was. Dave and crew came out to make final preparations and to test Joe’s opening guitar for sound. It was a flurry of activity as the time drew near. Just then I heard Patty say, “There’s Joe!” and sure enough, Joe’s head could be seen just to our right. It was just about time for the show to start when Michael and I gave each other a high five, hugged and then shook hands as I thanked him again for this wonderful opportunity.
Then, with no introduction and Rick playing a beautiful lead in, the sweet and familiar sound of “Django” rang out from behind the set; what a sound to behold! And then of course, out stepped the young man that we all came to see, our very own Joe Bonamassa! Looking as dapper as ever with a dark suit and a white very decorative shirt, he at first looked a bit awe struck himself and who wouldn’t be? 20 years of a 32 year old life had been devoted to reaching this pinnacle where all of the greats have played. Nearly 5,000 people let out a cheer with many of us standing and applauding as if welcoming home a great warrior from battle; truly an inspirational moment not only for Joe, but for all of us in attendance.
As we settled back into our seats, Joe and the Band thrilled us with their playing! Having both Bogie Bowles and Anton Fig on drums was a shear delight although I must admit, they are very different from each other while performing. Anton is so serious while Bogie darn near had a smile on his face the entire time. It almost looked as if Bogie, as a young boy, had gone to a candy store and was told he could eat anything he wanted. Shear joy is what his face said to us. I must also say, both men are some of the finest drummers you’ll ever find!
Carmine a/k/a Mr. Cool, was as always, dressed to the nines. I always like to watch him play because it’s as if Carmine is giving dance lessons at the same time he plays. The man could easily set the beat for the entire band merely by moving around. Speaking of dressed to the nines, Rick was looking very dapper himself as usual. These men exude professionalism and their playing compliments Joe’s music to a tee. The added attraction to the Band of course, was a horn section which blended nicely on many of the songs. Again, the sax, trumpet and trombone players added depth and some background to the music. A ménage of terrific sounds surrounding the focal point of Joe’s guitar and voice.
And then, Joe starts telling us about one of the first songs he learned how to play, that being “Further On Up The Road”. He then said he’d like to bring out his first guest and you guessed it, out steps Eric Clapton and another standing ovation ensues. I think most of us up front were stunned to be that close to Eric who is one of the world’s greatest guitarists ever. I did chuckle a little in that everyone was so well dressed, but Eric had jeans on that had holes in them. Yes, I know, that’s the style and his jeans probably cost as much as the suit I was wearing. Watching Joe and Eric play together was truly very special. Eric for the most part stood back a little allowing Joe full control of the stage. However, he came forward when he took his part of the singing. As Joe and Eric played off of one another, my eyes focused on Eric. Every time that Joe would start and play a riff, Eric got this rather wry smile on his face. I can only think that he was impressed with not only Joe’s playing, but how Joe carried himself at this grand of a venue. Joe Bonamassa and Eric Clapton dueling with their guitars, this alone was worth the price of admission!
Later during the show, Joe brought up his second guest, Paul Jones. Not knowing that much about him myself, he played a wonderful harmonica during the song “Your Funeral My Trial”. Joe and the Band really were having fun at this point in the show as you could see more and more smiles on their faces. Relaxed and confident, the guys displayed a “bring it on” attitude and with each song the crowd got more pumped up.
There really were so many highlights during the show, it’s hard to point to one song and say that one defined the entire performance. When “Sloe Gin” began, you could hear the oooohhs and aaahhhhs from the crowd. “Mountain Time” was just as glorious for me as always and “Woke Up Dreaming” had a little bit of a different beginning. Of course, there were many new songs off the album “The Ballad Of John Henry” including its title track. During many of the songs when Joe was not singing, he would move close to the edge of the stage at different locations. When he came and stood in front of Sharon, Michael, Patty, Rhonda, Dave and I, you could see Joe up-close, the intensity of his face, the sweat pouring down and the emotion he plays with. I’ve seen Joe up close a number of times at many shows, but this was somehow different. Almost if you will, an artist with a large canvas painting the masterpiece of his life. Whenever Joe is that close, I have a very hard time focusing on anything else but his hands; each note is played with such precision that you almost forget how hard it is to play a guitar like Joe does. Skill, speed, and power are all on display, but even when Joe isn’t killing a note or chord, it’s the subtle little things that he does with the guitar that just is simply amazing.
As the show neared its conclusion and total playing time of 2 hours 20 minutes, a little bit of sadness crept into me as I truly didn’t want this experience to end after all, it had gone by so quick. As Joe usually does, the last song played was “Asking Around For You”. I know how much this song means to someone that I know and the feeling that Joe puts into it tugged at the crowd’s heart. At the very end of this song Joe spoke the words, “Thank you London for making this the greatest day of my life.”, and with that the show ended. The entire Band gathered center stage as they normally do, bowed and left to a standing ovation. The greatest show I’ve ever witnessed in the finest building I’ve ever been in……
After a quick cab ride to Cocoon, it was now time to meet more people and have some libation. As we entered the club a hostess gave us each a glass of Champagne, a very nice touch. I quickly learned after my first visit to the men’s room, that I got another glass of Champagne entering the main door again. I figured I had better not make too many bathroom trips as Champagne has a way of distorting my vision and balance.
Gosh, so many classy people gathered in one place my immediate thought was, what the heck is some hick from Wisconsin doing here? Just to name a few, Geoff, Sue who I met in Mexico, Cathy, George, Lyn, Phil, Andre, Simon, Tripsy and two of her sisters, Tom, Lee and Renee, Annelies and her Mum, Eva, Angela, Günter, Jim and his wife, David and his wife and so many more, all wonderful people! Of course, the "Bonamassa Hotel" gang were present at this gathering too. 
Conversations, drinks, music and then to top it all off, Joe and his entire family came. Needless to say, Joe was mobbed the minute he appeared. Looking a little weary from the outstanding show he had just put on, Joe was as cordial as ever greeting everyone, signing autographs and taking pictures with people. Joe’s Mom and Dad were there as was his sister Lindsay and her fiancé Michael. I must say this again, Joe’s family are down to Earth, warm people and a special thank you goes out to Joe’s sister Lindsay, who was gracious enough to take a picture of Joe and I.
And then the party was over. It was now about 4:00 AM as we caught a cab back to the hotel. Feeling a little bit intoxicated and tired beyond tired, the moments and memories from the day played through my mind as we neared our destination. And then my head hit the pillow and the feeling of great satisfaction overwhelmed me as I realized that I had witnessed something very, very special; a once in a lifetime day………
Pictures: http://www.flickr.com/photos/8384830@N0 … 059666620/
Roy
However, I was there three weeks earlier when my 10 year old son was singing at the Royal Albert Hall with his school choir on an event called Echoes 3. This was a highlight for me as the RAH is such a great venue and we got a DVD of the night where my son is dressed up as an octopus with a tentacle on his head!!!