holmefirth

The whole day for me was one that will live long in the memory. The beautiful scenery as I drove with my mate John and my 17 year old son, Simon from Olham to Holmfirth in glorious sunshine. Chatting to fans and making new friends in the pub next to the venue. Meeting the man himself, getting our tickets autographed and having photos with him.
The buzz both outside and inside the venue was incredible.
What struck me about meeting Bonamassa was his quiet shyness and soft voice and I wandered if that was going to be the same persona he would carry onto stage.
The beer at the pub was too welcoming for us to catch the support act, who I believe were warmly received, but we comandeered a prime spot (maybe a little too close to the speakers) when in the fantastically intimate venue.
At 9 pm the place erupted as Joe and the band toddled onto stage. What followed was 1 hour and 45 minutes of virtual perfection. Although obviously a brilliantly gifted guitar whizz, this man is blessed with a stage presence which exudes charm and charisma. I thought to myself "if he couldn't play a note of any musical instrument, his voice would carry him into any band without any doubt whatsoever.
His band were right with him and complemented him superbly.
I have been to massive gigs, Queen at Wembley in 1986, great medium to large size gigs like the excellent Muse at the MEN arena, but nothing can compare to live intimate sized gigs.
I hope that Joe, if he becomes as big as I think he deserves to be, remembers the crowd that were there last night, most of them like me, shaking their heads in disbelief at the dexterity and fret blurring genius in front. Particularly his mid set acoustic burst.
Pure unadulterated Bliss

Hey and what about those body swerves Joe has introduced, great blackmore type showmanship, LOVED IT
At one stage during the acoustic set with his fingers spanned out playing a speed I never thought was humanley possible.
And the new found aggression in his soling..................

Still sat here stunned

Ian

Couldn't agree more with everything that's been said so far about the Holmfirth gig. Beautiful setting in the Yorkshire countryside; terrific,friendly atmosphere at the pub next door to the venue; Joe himself chatting,signing autographs and posing for photos outside before the performance (he's such a nice guy) and then the eagerly awaited show itself.
Wow! What a performance. This is the third time I have seen him and he justs gets better and better. He sang with a passion that was inspiring and his playing was hotter than the weather (and it was hot). But lets not forget the other guys in the band. Bogey was exceptional and played a blinding solo during Just Got Paid Today. Carmine on bass was very cool and Rick  on keyboards brought a new dimension to the sound especially on Asking Around For You.
Joe's acoustic section was, as usual, 'jaw dropping' as has so often been said but is so true.
High Water Everywhere and If Heartaches were Nickels were a couple of highlights for me and I really liked Sloe Gin- that's going to be a future fave- can't wait for the new album.
Finishing on an acoustic solo Miss You, Hate You, Joe looked exhausted. The heat in the Picturedrome was stifling but we all enjoyed the intimacy of the place. I do hope he will still be able to play this type of venue in the future.
A massive thank you to Joe and the band for the pleasure they give. Please keep coming to England cos we love you.

Tripsy x

Nice reviews and shared experiences all!  Now it's one if by land, two if by sea, and three if....where the hell did the spaceship land?!

Rock On & Keep the Faith (spread it too),
Rocket

You got If Heartaches Were Nickels treat?! Nice!

"He still doesn't charge for mistakes! "
http://jbonamassa.com/tour-dates/
"Everybody wants ta get inta the act!"
“Now, this isn’t your ordinary party crowd, here.  I mean, there are professionals in here.”

What can I add. Fantastic scenery on the way to the gig, beautiful town, a parking space in the car park in front of the pub next to the gig, getting out of the car and literally bumping into Joe, Carmine, Rick, Bogey, Dave and the boys. This was my 4th Joe gig, partner Sue's 3rd and 13 of my mates Bonababtism - of fire - jeez it was hot inside as well as out. Well, as soon as we got out of the car I gave Joe a copy of his Pacific Road gig that I recorded last year (hope you like it Joe  - sorry about the first 4 and a half minutes mate!) Then Sue handed Joe a letter?????? She wouldn't tell me what all that was about. Stood and chatted to Carmine for while (really nice chap, very friendly indeed - thanks Carmine) whilst the boys manhandled all the kit over the bridge by hand and started to set up the very small stage, jeez this was a SMALL venue compared with anything I'd been to before, and dare I say it a bit delapidated. Cracked a few jokes with the Joe and the boys about Michaels's Batman antics at Tavistock - Michael, you must apologise to them next time you see them!!! When I asked Joe about the episode his only comment was "NO COMMENT" before turning on his heels and darting off into the venue. So to the pub lunch - still recovering - to say it was sizeable is an understatement, I'd even ordered a starter!!!!

Started to line up outside the doors about 6pm Folks were milling round and it was like dejavu all over again, people everywhere explaining how they happened to find out about Joe. It was a truely fabulous atmosphere. Met up with the guys from Stone Soul River who supported Joe Last year and at Shepherds Bush, surprised that they were not supporting Joe at this gig, but they are support act for Fish later this year, so will take a look at them at Pacific Road!! Great bunch of guys who didn't have tickets to the gig and were relying on Joe being able to get them in. Guess you made it boys!!

So, onto the gig, got my position centre stage just to the right of Joe's mic, where he would be doing his soloing!!! Checked out the video and the camera to make sure all the settings were fine and on came the support band - and they were excellent!! Sorry guys but I just can't remember your name - they were to provide more music after the gig in the upstairs bar!!!

Video Ready - Enter the boys and what a blistering pace, rocking from the start. A fantastic mix of old and new, variations on popular themes, new renditions of established favourites and what did I see Dave doing in the background.... Oh yes Joe's favourite baby was being made ready for my all time favourite, yes, you guessed it the ORIGINAL Gigliotti and "Mountain Time"!!!! YEEEEEEAAAASSS. Joe straps on the bronze beauty and steps right to the front of the stage, literally two feet in front of me. The master towers above me and begins what for me was another emotional memory. I had to crouch down to get Joe's guitar into video frame he was that close. As he stepped back to the mic, Sue turned to me to say she had asked Joe in her letter to play "Mountain Time" just for me. My jaw just dropped and as he returned to his position right in front of me he winked and played an absolutely blinding finale to the song, which just wiped me out - until the next tune - what a star!

Joe then picked up the Takemine and proceeded to give an absolutely faultless display of guitarwork many will remember to their dying day. Yes this night will go down as one of the hottest gigs of the year, in every way possible. Never mind the diet Joe, just play seven nights at the Picturedrome!!. LOL

Stayed behind after the gig and Joe and the boys looked absolutely all in. No-one could blame them for just getting in the bus and heading for the hotel. But no, for those fans who hung around the bus after the gig, Joe came out, looking totally knackered, and chatted and gave autographs and posed for photgraphs - what a really nice guy!!! You are well appreciated Joe, Thank you - from everyone at the Picturedrome!

Geoff

Geoff, really interesting review of the day and the show itself.  Mountain Time has to be one of the most impressive songs there is and to hear it live is something special.  Sounds like a really small venue, I wonder how many people were there?  Glad you guys had a good time...