Gang,
Figure this a GREAT place to write my review. I became a fan of Joe's after reading a little piece in Guitar World, announcing Smoking Joe Bonamassa was playing in a new band BLOODLINE, and that he was an amazing talent discovered by BB King. Bought the Bloodline cassette ( yes, that is how long ago it was!! ) and after hearing Since You're Gone solo was blown away and have been a fan ever since.
Living in Northern Maine, Caribou to be exact, 11 miles from Canadian border, not many chances to see Joe, without planning a roadtrip. Came close through the years of going to boston, but day job keeps me flying, so never materialized.
Every cd, 2 of them in the collection, bought more cds / dvds for gifts for friends, to turn them onto this gifted player then I can count. Earlier this year, received an email for the 1st lithograph going on sale....looked at the deal, signed lithograph, 4 tickets and meet and greets --- that was a NO BRAINER...pulled the trigger within 15 minutes of the email.
So, this Saturday night, it all came together.....for those that attended show, this weekend was amazing weather for N.E., for this time of year....66 degrees at Hampton Beach in the middle of November, mark the calendar.
We rolled into Hampton Beach to find venue, as we were driving, told the group that I brought with me, there is Joe sitting outside having lunch....they did not believe me. We parked, and went for walk, as we walked by Joe and manager Roy Weisman, said hello, and that looking forward to the show. I kept moving did not want to impose, afterall the man has to enjoy some private time too....but my friend Wayne, wanted to say hello, and Roy asked where we traveled from for the show...so, Wayne and Mary ( my better half ), introduced themselves and shook hands, I was "too nervous" and "speechless", we stayed a minute and moved on.....
Couple hours later, getting ready to go to box office for tickets and meet and greet passes, Joe, Rick and Carmine were all in lot where we parked....spoke with Carmine for a moment, very gracious and he stepped away for a minute. Spoke with Rick for a few minutes and he graciously posed for a couple pics....so star struck, never thought to ask for autograph, man o man!!! Little slow on the up-take!!!!
Wait by the box office, the Meet and Greet starts at 4:30, thought there would be more, the M&G group was about 15 to 20 people.....my group was second to last in line. We go into hall, and there he is, what am I going to say? WOW, here is a hero of mine, and I am like a little school girl...tounge tied....
Wayne and his wife, Lynne step up, talk with Joe for a couple minutes, pose for some pictures, get a couple autographs and lots of smiles....Joe was very gracious and humble.
Mary and I step up to meet Joe, and the cat has my tounge. Roy, joe's manager noticed that I had a JB Rugby Jersey on, and ask me how I like it, and states that I was one of the 43 people that ordered one, and Joe made a comment about how he doesn't even get the cool new JB merchandise.....
Joe signed couple cds covers for me and my meet and greet pass, finally, I started to catch my composure....I am part of the executive management team at my job, speaking to large groups not an issue, tounge tied -- NEVER an issue, but not today....mentioned that I have been a fan since purchasing the bloodline tape and have been hooked ever since. Posed for a picture or two with me....and then moved forward as the next couple: Richie and Paula ( an AWESOME couple we met at show and hung out with after meet and greet with ) stepped up.
As we were gearing up to leave, ask if it would be possible to run over to stage to check out the guitar rig, without even blinking an eye, Joe ( the man himself ) said, "Sure, give me a second". Holy **##, damn near crapped my pants. When I asked, was hoping to run over -- take a couple pictures from the edge of the stage and then move on.....I was very happy with my 5 or 10 minutes with Joe at Meet and Greet, but here joe walked me over to the stage...and for the next 20 to 25 minutes, my hero was talking to me about his rig.
I am a "Guitar Head" to the 10th level, and enjoyed this banter like you could not even imagine. Inquired about the work with Rienhold on a possible JB Bogner, and talked about the Jub. amps ( which are stock, unlike I was told by a fella that claims to have worked on the amps, when it turns out that he sold some tubes, pretty liberable endorsement of "modded those amps" ) The rig is what joe has been using, nothing new there ( did have whirlwind phaser on board )
From there, Joe took me ( and a few people that were following us -- honestly, was not even paying attention to anyone else at that time ), behind to check out his guitar closet, showing a couple new additions to his arsenal ( made a comment about roughly 70 new guitars to collection in past year --- nice additions I might add!!! )
So, here I am, talking with my hero, and he is personally showing me his gear. Even went as far to open up a case or two to show me some other pieces....now, I realize he wasn't just showing me, but since this is my story here, I will tell you, it was amigo to amigo talking about gear.
At one point, thought he was going to hand me a couple of guitars, but I did not extend my hands outward....did not want to be disrespectful. During all this time, was truly blown away by Joe's kindiness and graciousiness.
As we wrapped up, thank Joe for taken time out of his busy schedule to talk with me and show me his "gear world", as I mentioned, I was merely hoping for a couple pictures of his rig to post on my Facebook page later, nothing more, but instead I got an opportunity to talk with one of my idols, about what we both love!!!! Amazing!!! simply amazing!!!!
Before departing hit the merchandise booth, bought couple pieces that I did not already own, including the new booble head figure...and made our way out of meet and greet.....Joe and band were getting ready to eat some catering and we thanked them again as we left.
I also had the chance to speak to Roy, Joe's manager for a second, prior to leaving the meet and greet, thanking him as well for the opportunity...that I was speechless over the events. Ironically, I am SO GLAD, I was near the end of the line, because it opened the opportunity to see the gear....and felt bad for the others who had already left.
Upon heading down to box office, spoke some more with Richie and Paula, and upon getting tickets, went to have couple frosties and bite to eat next door, with our newly found friends!!!
So, here we are, this great experience at the meet and greet, some new friends we enjoyed their company....oh, wait -- there is still a show to see!!!!
What can you say about the concert, that you probably have not already read somewhere on this site?? I have played guitar for 26 years, have a bad case of G.A.S. ( Gear Acquisition Syndrome ), love Eric Johnson, Robben Ford, Micheal Landau, Carl Verheyen, and of Joe.....having seen all the other players live, but never Joe, and keep in mind have been following career since Bloodline.......was F'nnnnn BLOWN AWAY at the show.
I liken it to a religious experience. Seeing Joe play, was truly inspiring. The mix was great, loud - but not too loud.....could hear every instrument clearly ( and Joe is playing with a talented group ).....the song selection, the time inbetween songs, the interaction with the audience, the production ( lights, stage, and sound ), were top-notch....a true testament to a performer who respects and appreciates his fans!!!
I have been doing my best to turn people onto Joe's music over the years, but seeing live is a whole other experience.
Unfortunately, the show came to an end....as we waited for a few minutes to let the room clear out ( Mary hates big crowds ), Roy Weisman walked by and asked me, if the show met my expectations. Not sure if he remembered me from earlier ( maybe because of the JB Rugby shirt I was wearing?? ), or maybe just wanted some feedback on the show that he manages / produces, and I was able to speak to Roy for a minute or two.
I wished Roy and Joe continued success in the future, that I was blown away both meet and greet ( the graciousiness and the opportunity for some one on one with my idol ) and the production of the show itself. What a GREAT partner Joe Bonamassa has in his manager --- both very humble, dedicated and hard working individuals, that are very appreciative of their fans.....and wanted to insure that both were aware of how appreciative their fans are of their work and dedication.
I realize this is a long post, remember told you early I am not normally at loss of words, but was earlier that night.....
I would like to publicly thank:
Alexandra Martucci - J & R Adventures: Business Administrator & Customer Service, for taken such good care of my through the lithograph purchase and all my other orders over the years......you are very much customer focused, and your efforts are appreciated.
Roy - Managers often get a "bad rep." in this business, and you are proof positive that this is misconception....you sir, run a class act and represent you and Joe with upmost integrity.
And finally, Mr. Joe Bonamassa, you sir are an inspirational player....I have been a fan for many years, and will continue to follow your career.....I wish you continued success and my your dreams become fulfilled, as you helped fulfill a couple of mine, through your kindiness.
Sincerely,
Jay Green
PS: Now we need to figure out how to get you to Maine, spoke to Roy and will send an email out with contact information for a couple venues in Maine that you will have no problem selling out and enjoying the venue to perform, we have some lovely theaters in fine State Of Maine.
Self-Professed "GOLDIE" Nut-Job!!!!
JBLP #267
As you say, Joe live is a step above his recorded music. he has that effect on all so far and there is no end in sight for his talent. Glad you posted these great first hand reports of the concert. 
