[ Closed ] I don't want to sound corny, but.......

You are not alone.

Couldn't have said it better!

I have to admit I felt a big lost when we lost Stevie.  That lasted until I heard this guy a few years back, Joe Bonamassa.  To tell you the truth I don't even remember how I discovered him, but that doesn't matter now.  When Stevie liked someone, or how someone played, he would say they were "real".  Joe Bonamassa is the definition of real.  Many guitarists can play, and play well, but not many can make the sound of a guitar an extension of their very soul.  That is the "it" that Joe has.  I'm truly thankful to be able to experience this Blues Oracle.  Thank you Joe...

Jeep,

I'm 55, still rocking, so don't feel bad at all.  I have 2 grown girls, and 2 grand kids now.  I'm also a mobile DJ and I plan on rocking till I die, hopefully, while I'm playing a kick **** Joe song on stage! 

Peace, Love, Beatles and JOE!

I remember reading a post a while back on this forum that Joe's father had to buy him and the band R.C. cars to stop him from actually practicing on the road. So supposedly Joe spends a lot of time with the guitar in his hands even, when he shouldn't be. Now, I will not chop down the people I idolize or farther, lionize, to prove a point. But the musicians that I listen to and quote as my influences(besides the legends that we all quote and dont even mention because they are always in the equation) musicians such as Joe, Philip Sayce, Warren Haynes, Richie Kotzen, Zakk Wylde and Jeff Buckley (atleast for me) have been glued to their instruments since their ages were in the single digits. They've all paid some serious dues and kept pushing. Finally they've all gotten the respect they deserve as not only amazing guitarists but as musicians and song writters. I'm sure that most of the people on this forum are familiar with the names I mentioned so I dont have to tell you what they've accomplished in the past few years. If you're not familiar then, youre missing out and I highly suggest a google search.
I do think that the fatal flaw out of all of this, in my opinion, is comparing these future 'Legends' to the ones of the past. You may hear a 'tip of the hat' to the past in some of their playing but guys like SRV, Clapton, Hendrix all the 'Kings' and 'Alberts', stood apart from the crowd. I personally think that Joe is a stand alone. From his days in Bloodline, through out the years to now has proven that he can not only write a 'pop-radio' hit (miss you hate you or my mistake) to rock or blues radio hits that are far too numerous to mention. Joe is starting to get the recognition that he's worked so hard for. Personally, Joe's music and playing has made me stop what I was doing, rethink and go a different direction..always for the better. Like any great art piece or form, it should make you rethink what youre doing as an artist. I'm sure that Joe gets a smile and it makes him feel great knowing that he's getting put in the same catagory as the 'greats' But I think the 'greats' have their own ball parks.
I saw Joe in Virginia at a show that had maybe 30 people at it and this was right after So its like that. He laid it all out on the line night and its still one of the best shows I've seen. He came out at the end of the night and made sure everyone had their hands shook, their memories signed and even though it was a horrible turn out, that show remains in my mind. That makes him a stand alone in my mind. I will buy his albums till one of us is gone.
This is not to chop down the other comments on this topic but a lot of people think that Blues died with Stevie Ray Vaughan and was reborn with Kenny Wayne Shepherd. Personally I have my own opinions of KWS, opening for him once and seeing how he acted towards two young boys begging for an autograph, I will never buy an album of his nor speak of him without a bad taste in my mouth. The Blues never died, many torches were passed though. SRV took it in one direction and I think, Joe has taken it in another. So maybe its time that everyone starting building Joe his own ball park to play in.
Of course thats only my opinion and opinions are like a**holes, everybody has one and not that many of them are pleasant smelling..lol.

*** All good points, and I agree with everything you stated. Joe is in his own elememt, and in the very near future... it will be very humbling to hear other bands playing Joe's music as covers (it'a already happening!).
Just as the old saying goes... " If you build it Joe, they will come". I've had the pleasue of knowing Joe since 2002, and can hear the vocals improving every new CD. His guitar playing speaks for itself, and is unparalleled to none...  in any musicians I've ever heard. At Joe's young age.... its hard to imagine where he will be musically, in the next 5 to 10 years! ***

Cheers from Texas,

Glen Winfrey

I sit here now after rehearsal with my Les Paul on my lap..lol. Anyway, its funny that a lot of people that have been pidgeon holed as mean or cocky, have been really nice to me. Also there have been people that I heard are fantastic in person but came off as rude or cocky when I met them. I was 19 and living in Buffalo NY when I opened for Kenny. We werent even supposed ot get that slot, it changed on that day because of a 'tiff' between KWS and the main agent at the whole affair who was a friend of mine and the band I was in. Its a long story but anyway, if he's changed, great. It would take a nice sit down with him inorder for me to respect him again. The real road warriors who are out there 24/7 are usually the sweetest people ever. Either way its all everyones opinion and perceptions. Hell, their dog coulda gotten hit by a bus full a nuns and exploded.
Anyway..just got a call gotta run..more later..