Tough Night In ATL

I don't think the show sucked, but there were some issues, and JB did not seem like a happy camper. At the end of the show after they took their bows, he seemed in a real hurry to get off the stage. I'm sure that was from the frustration of the evening. 

I didn't feel that the show had the energy that last year's had. Although last year was the first time I saw him, so it has a special place:) I took my son last year, and my wife this year, and thus have converted two more people to the following. My wife was so excited we watched part of the RAH DVD we bought there when we got home at 1:30 in the morning.

I loved the double neck guitar on Ballad of John Henry, and he kicked **** with the flying V. I do wish he still closed with "Asking around for you", that really stayed with me after the show last year, it was an awesome last song.

I don't think the sound was muffled at all. But I'm old and have attended countless concerts, so my hearing may be shot.

I swore last year I would see JB whenever he comes to Atlanta, and that still holds true. I have seen a lot of bands, but he has a genuineness about him that truly shows through. You can tell he plays from his heart and soul, like SRV, and unlike players like Malmsteen, although seeing Malmsteen from 5 feet away was quite an experience.

I've seen way to many bands that make you feel that you are lucky that they graced you with their presence, whereas JB really seems to appreciate the fact that people have spent their hard earned money to see him perform. I also like the fact that he doesn't seem to gouge the fans. The ticket prices are more than reasonable, and I bought the RAH DVD for the same price as what I would have spent to buy it online.

Really the only downer was we waited around after the show hoping to get a chance to meet him and have him sign the DVD and a poster I made from last years show. We waited for a while because we were told he was at a "meet and greet" for some people that had blue wristbands. How do you get one of those?:) So we hung around outside in the rain, and even went by his bus, but he wasn't there yet. We finally left, maybe next year he'll do a signing at one of the local record stores like he did last year. I was told by numerous people that have met him that he is the nicest guy, and will sign everything you have. Hopefully we'll get a chance next year.

Sorry this is so long, but I didn't post after the show last year, and had to get it all out;)

So overall, I'd give the show a B, compared to last years A+. Considering the only other shows I've seen I would rate an "A" is Led Zeppelin at the LA Forum in 1977 and SRV at Phillips Arena in the 80's, JB's in some pretty good company. I'' be there next year!

Thats it,, the "energy" was missing,, you nailed it, some of the spark was not there,,maybe they are just tired.I agree,,last years show was much better IMHO.Still,, the sound was not up to par,,dunno if was the house system,guys at the control board or onstage gear,, he was visibaly pissed about the gear/sound.I  think that (for me) when he came out with the "V", and played that riff from dazed and confused,,was the high point of the night. Good times,,good music--regards to all---george

Joe did in fact perform in an extremely professional manner,in light of the sound issues that plagued the band for the majority of the performance.Was I disappointed,,YES,,as the sound was not befitting to the quality and caliber of the band.I saw him a few years ago upstairs(Loft) above the center stage theater,,he was unable to get in the stage door,so he got in line with us and we chatted for awhile,,later,before he took the stage, he was out in the crowd and we met again,and he told me where to go to get the best sound.He was right on the mark, every time the bass drum hit,I could feel it in my chest,his guitar was clear and crisp.He obviously knows a few things about room acoustics and sound, so while we/you/I might have thought the sound was ok,,he apparently did not, and being a music lover and amateur audio nut,I can sincerely appreciate his attention to sound quality,,he appears to be very sincere about his music and sound quality.And that my friends is a unique quality that is fast fading in todays "big money" marketplace.Mr Bonamassa,I applaude you for your outstanding professionalism especially in less than ideal situations,,you sir, are a true prince.In light of it all,I am still very glad to have been there last night.Enough of my rant,,
Peace,, and to all of his fans,I say,,Rock On.
DB--over and out.

Thanks!

I loved the show.  After the first two songs were over and the mic/sound situation got sorted out, it was fantastic.  I mean, I saw Joe communicating with his eyes and mouthing words to the side of the stage so obviously there was something more going on than the average audience member could hear.  Perhaps the location where you were at in the theater affected the sound too.  I was on the floor, row F, smack in the middle.  It was amazing after the first two songs.  His guitar was clear and concise, the bass was great, the drums were spot on...the only thing I'd say was muddled was Rick's backing vocals (couldn't hear them hardly at all) and his keys at times.  But other than that, it was a fantastic show!!! 

I do agree that the Center Stage Theatre probably wasn't the best venue for Joe and the guys.  I hope IF and when they come back to ATL that they choose another venue. 

When I met Joe, he seemed very frustrated about the sound.  He kept apologizing to the fans that waited for him outside about the sound.  I told him I thought he handled it quite well considering the circumstances (which is very true...I'm such a perfectionist, I would have probably said a few more choice words on stage instead of what he said...haha).  But I can understand why he was so upset but seriously, Joe is so talented and has such a wonderful tone that he could play out of any sound system and it would be great.

Joe was super nice.  He was a lot taller than I had imagined him (and a lot skinnier!).  He was so sweet though and didn't act rushed or anything when he was signing everyone's stuff and taking pics.  He kept calling me darling which was off-the-charts adorable (thanks Joe, if you are reading this...that made my night, my week, and my month!).  He even recognized my name from the forum/his Facebook (so for all you skeptics, yes he really does read/check his own FB and forum messages).   *sigh*  I loved Joe's music before but I gotta say, after this show, I am totally in love with the music now!  I'm a fan for life!

P.S.
I got to "meet" Carmine too and he was so nice.  He smelled A-MAZING too!

Thanks for the thoughtful comments and welcome to the newbies. I know that sound issues can really throw Joe off his game. He wants to give his best every night, and almost takes it personally when things go wrong. I can tell you're all true fans. Take comfort in knowing he will be back to your area, he'll remember the problems, and, rest assured, they won't happen again. AND, "Black Rock" will be out by then. New songs!!       Thanks again, Cathy