My Bonabaptism at the Hard Rock in Hollywood (Page 1 of 2)

Sorry for the delayed review- the past week was a whirlwind and I wanted everything to sink in and digest before I shared my thoughts with you guys.

I had been introduced to Joe over the phone before, but my first time meeting him was on Tuesday before the Melbourne show, where I also got to meet Rob P before the Meet and Greet- always nice to put faces to names. I was up there tending to some business, getting what I had to set up and meeting the crew. Everyone was incredibly nice and in great spirits, given this was the 3rd-to-last show for the Fall tour. It was almost like a summer camp atmosphere with all the guys (and Ashley) cracking jokes and having fun. Everyone had a job to do, but they all seemed to enjoy it. 

Around 3PM, Joe and the band walk in. After watching him shred a little during soundcheck and marveling at THE roadcase, I went back to what I was doing. Joe went back to his dressing room and I met Rick and Tal (before their naps) and Carmine. It was incredibly cool to be where I was and have those guys just walking around, going about their business.

A little later, I had the privilege of being a fly on the wall in his dressing room. I didn't really have much to say, so I just shut up and listened to him jam. He had his little amp set up in the bathroom (had to do with the acoustics and he showed me how opening and closing the door, even by the smallest increments, had a different effect on the sound) and was playing around on a '57 Les Paul if I recall correctly. Roy came in to hang out before the show and that turned into a lesson on applying vibrato while Mike (Joe's guitar tech) looked on. You could see Joe's eyes light up as he shared his knowledge and talked technique and theory with Mike and Roy. It was incredible just being in the presence of people who are so passionate about and talented at what they do. Mike is hilarious and definitely knows his stuff. The chemistry between him and Joe carries over on-stage.

I'd like to reiterate what most of you already know- Joe's one of the nicest, most humble rock stars you could meet. You've probably heard the line that “he's just a guy who loves to play the guitar”. That sums him up in a nutshell. I think that's something we all need to keep in mind. As easy as it is to get caught up in the excitement of meeting him, at the end of the day, Joe is still a person like you and me. He also has an incredible memory, given all the people he's met over the years. Seeing him at the meet and greet, then again at the bus after the show, maybe even a few times a year, can be overwhelming for him, so I ask that you please keep that in mind and try and limit your interactions- for Joe's and your own sake. The more overwhelmed he feels, the less he's going to want to give you guys the exposure and access that you're accustomed to, it's just human nature. The meet and greets are one of Joe's ways of thanking you all for the support that you've given over the years and for helping him get to where he is in his career today. On that note, Joe's actually a pretty shy guy. 

Thursday was my Bonabaptism. I'd heard his music and seen footage of him, but that didn't prepare me for what I saw in person. Not even close. I now fully understand the transformation from the humble guitar geek that I met on Tuesday to Joe "The Titan of Blues" Bonamonster when he dons those sunglasses and takes the stage. Awesome is an overused word, but it's fitting here. My favorite from the acoustic set was Dislocated Boy, hands down. Tal on bongos made an excellent accompaniment to the song and I loved the happy little breakdown/bongo solo.

The electric set was great as well. The highlights for me were probably Wee Wee Hours and Young Man Blues (because I can personally relate). I believe it was after the opening of Mountain Time, Joe took his glass slide off and threw it to Mike, who caught it with a baseball glove off-stage. Another thing that really impressed me- at one point Joe was doing something that made it sound like he was playing a violin. Had I been blind, I would have sworn he actually was.

The lights and sound were incredible, our techs do a great job at that. I don’t know what the other reviewer meant when he said -

I'm not sure if he was watching the same act I was, but we put on a laser light experience that was very much in sync with the song at the time. Blues during Midnight Blues, reds and whites flashing during the chaotic breakdown in Young Man Blues, the opening to Slow Train and what looked like a lightning storm when Tal soloed.  I also don't know what he expected out of the rest of the band as far as stage presence. They're there to support Joe and he did a great job of sharing the limelight with Rick, Carmine and Tal in particular, giving them all plenty of solo time and shout outs. The chemistry between the band was just great.

I also took issue with this line from the other Hollywood review-

I haven't been around long enough and don't know enough about the Blues to speak to this with complete authority, but I feel like Joe isn't trying to imitate anyone vocally. I think he's just being himself. He's been hurt. He's loved, he's lost. He's lived the majority of his life on the road. His vocals have definitely improved over time and I think they'll continue to do so. He’s not the best singer in the world, but he sings well and his voice meshes with his playing. Everyone's a critic, right?

The pacing of the show was great. I felt like I was on a roller coaster with the juxtaposition of fast and slow songs. Joe's solos were just enough to blow your mind, but not enough to have you looking at your watch.

I can honestly say that had I paid for my tickets, I would have walked away from that show feeling like I got my money's worth and then some. My girlfriend, who isn't even really into Blues (and the Hardrock show was more of a bluesy set, from what I understand), could appreciate his talent and I caught her bobbing her head to a few of the rock tunes. The other 3,498 people in the arena seemed to enjoy themselves as well. ESPECIALLY the fans in the floor seats. ESPECIALLY the fans in the first few rows. You guys put on a show of your own! Another thing to note- there aren't too many shows I can think of that are good, wholesome, family entertainment, but this is definitely one of them.

Something else to keep in mind- he's 35. While he has been doing this for 20 years, can you imagine him with another 20 years under his belt? He's incredible now, but I think when all is said and done, he'll be held in the same regard as Clapton and King- a legend. We know he is already, the rest of the world just needs to understand what we do. It's our job to let the unaware know what they're missing out on. Prior to my interview, I had never heard the name Bonamassa. Now, my go-to line when people ask about him is "he's the best guitarist you can't believe you've never heard of".

I feel incredibly blessed, lucky and fortunate to be in the position I'm in- supporting one of the best Blues and rock guitarists on the planet and working with fans as supportive and passionate as you. Thanks for reading.