• From: Massachusetts
  • Registered: 2007-10-23
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Topic: Where were you six years ago (May 4, 2009)?

I can't believe it has been six years since Joe's first Royal Albert Hall show.  It was a night to remember in so many ways.  The video that resulted was key in rocketing Joe to a new level in his career, and those of us who were lucky enough to share in that night were never the same, either.  Lots of great friendships were formed that night, and we all will probably recall this as the concert of a lifetime.  A truly life changing event for so many.

No cameras during the show, but here are a few from that night, and the after party at Cocoon:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/24057301@ … 853015980/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/24057301@ … 763983511/

Ah, memories.

Sandy

"There's a lot of people that are in so much of a hurry to be, I guess, to be famous or that they don't want to take the time to learn to play and do all that.They'd rather just knock it down off a computer and maybe get on a game show and get famous..That's fine if that's what you want to do.
"We're more old school than that. We like creating the sounds."  - Tom Petty
  • From: The East Coast of Nowhere, UK
  • Registered: 2008-02-11
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Re: Where were you six years ago (May 4, 2009)?

Hi Sandy,

I just dropped by the forum from vacation and saw your memory tugging post. We knew that day in 2009 was going to be special for Joe, the band and all his fans on the forum, but I don't think anyone realised it would be such a career defining event for Joe. The DVD of this first RAH show brought on board so many news fans and propelled Joe's career into the stratosphere.

The whole day was very special for those who were in London that weekend and you're right, many lifelong friendships were made. smile

One regret I have is that I wish I'd plucked up the courage to make a speech at the after show party at Cocoon. It was such a special occasion and with Joe making a guest appearance at our soirée it would have been nice to thank him for a great show. Maybe next time, eh? wink

Great photos, Sandy, they bring back many happy memories.

Your lifelong friend
Phil

Ars Longa, Vita Brevis

“The guy who has helped the blues industry the most is Joe Bonamassa and I would say he is more rock than some rock stuff, so to me blues is whatever you want it to be!”
Simon McBride in my interview with him in Blues Matters! Issue #56
  • From: Edinburgh, Scotland
  • Registered: 2010-10-19
  • Posts: 190

Re: Where were you six years ago (May 4, 2009)?

Bloody hell!!  I actually discovered Joe about a month before the RAH show, so it's always been a reminder of how long I've been a fan.  Doesn't seem that long ago.

  • RickB
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Re: Where were you six years ago (May 4, 2009)?

I was sitting at home looking at the reports from the fans on this site. I had just recently discovered Joe and didn't have the time or funds to make a last minute run to London. Thanks for the memories Sandy. cool
Rick

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5 Reply by RoadcaseBoy (edited by RoadcaseBoy 2015-05-04 09:48:02)

  • From: Seymour Duncan's Hometown, NJ
  • Registered: 2012-03-05
  • Posts: 2,309

Re: Where were you six years ago (May 4, 2009)?

In New Jersey ... because someone has to be here. sad

Thank you for reposting your picture links Sandy to commemorate International Joe Bonamassa Day!!

"I was in Space for less than 2 weeks … and suddenly Jeaniene’s back … half the Band is off the gd wagon … we have comedians opening for us … and the nice kid that ran our website is now a kleptof’nmaniac.  Boy ... did you guys miss me!!"  Phil Valentine - Road Manager - Staton House Band

JBLP#251 (unaged) ... thank you Ron.
  • From: Deep in the forest
  • Registered: 2007-02-11
  • Posts: 5,296

Re: Where were you six years ago (May 4, 2009)?

I consider myself totally blessed to have had this London experience. The Brits rolled out the red carpet for all of us. Aynsley Lister the night before, the pre-gig meeting in the park, the concert itself and the after party. As time passes it becomes more dear to me. We all remember the first note of the first song. Everybody got teary. Friends for life indeed smile

7 Reply by Lester

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Re: Where were you six years ago (May 4, 2009)?

I was there too, doesn't seem like six years.
This was only my second concert having seen Joe previously at a much smaller venue.
seeing Clapton on stage was a bonus.

Lester

  • Registered: 2012-05-31
  • Posts: 1,308

Re: Where were you six years ago (May 4, 2009)?

Thanks for the reminder and the photos.  As a late to the party fan of Joe's I totally appreciate the love and hard work you all had in promoting Joe and can feel your joy in these photos.  It was a life changing moment.  A true watershed moment

  • From: Baden Württemberg / Germany
  • Registered: 2012-04-13
  • Posts: 703

Re: Where were you six years ago (May 4, 2009)?

Unfortunately I didn't know anything about this BONAWHO?! I first experienced his music 2 months later in July 2009 in the Centralstation in Darmstadt. The lady secretary of my hubby introduced us into him and we were blown away by his performance and playing above all. We didn't hear of that RAH "gig" then, but after hearing Django/Mountain Time  on DVD we were hooked and will be lifelong fans as long as we shall breathe. Because of our jobs we missed RAH II but I swear: We will be there if Joe will do his next London appearance at  RAH III, hopefully ASAP...

  • From: Indianola, IA
  • Registered: 2006-07-26
  • Posts: 4,429

Re: Where were you six years ago (May 4, 2009)?

One of the best days of my life and my most favorite Joe show ever.  I also have included here Joe's post from that day.  cool




129pattyluvsjoe2009-05-06 02:13:12
Topic: Joe at Royal Albert Hall - A Night To Remember (6 replies, posted in General Topics)
I will never forget May 4th, 2009.  What a most spectacular day!  The get together in Hyde Park started everything off with a sweet flavor.  What a wonderful group of people in this family of Joe Bonamassa fans.  I was so touched and honored to meet each and everyone of you.  It was so much fun hugging all of you in person.      From the park to the venue....how exciting walking up to RAH and seeing the lines.....and it was so emotional to meet Lindsay & Michael, Alex, and Len & Debbie Bonamassa.  I never dreamt that I would ever have the opportunity to meet them.  They are all so very kind and so proud of Joe.
Stepping into Royal Albert Hall was breathtaking and the air was filled with electricity.  And I so loved getting a Joe Bonamassa Concert Program!!  YES!!!!  And to be sitting in the front row seats center stage was the "cat's meow."  To see Joe standing in the wings before he came out was very touching...what a big night for him.  He looked very handsome in his suit and decorative shirt...hair was perfect    looking very fit and trim and confident!  I couldn't have asked for anything more from Joe and the boys.  For me it was all spot on and I give them a PERFECT 10!!!!  I thoroughly enjoyed myself and of course when you are surrounded by Bonabuddies that you love dearly it makes it all so easy to just sit back, relax, and enjoy....well maybe not relax as we had alot of swinging,swaying, and marching going on.  It was so much fun to see Joe playing with Eric Clapton.  Joe had a big grin on his face when they were trading licks.  Joe looked so proud.  Loved hearing all the new songs!!  Top notch from everyone!!
The aftershow party was so much fun!  More fun with all the dear Bonabuddies and meeting even more new people that weren't at the park earlier.  It was a beautiful posh place and many thanks to Michael & Phil for all their hard work.  It was also very exciting to meet Roy Weisman, what a gem of a guy.  And I was truly touched by meeting Mike Himelstein.  I just can't get over what a kind soul this man possesses.  No wonder he writes beautiful lyrics.
And what a great guy Joe is to come to the aftershow party.  He had to be totally exhausted, but there he was for his "peeps"  ever the gentle man...thanks Joe it completed a perfect day. You are so loved by your fans and now there are even more.....well done Joe!
And to all the Bonabuddies in attendance, you are all bright shining stars.....love you all so much.It was so much fun getting to know you all. Special place in my heart.  And to those of you who weren't there physically, your spirits were felt at the RAH and Coccoon.  Thought of all of you, too.
Also, a special shout out to Steve Costello, his mom, and sister who were in attendance.  Steve won the contest.  What a very kind young man he is.  Steve, I didn't even know where to begin to find you at RAH and missed you at Coccoon.  Congratulations again and I hope the concert was everything you dreamt it would be.  I know you think the world of Joe and aspire to be as great as him some day!
And to the gang I have been hangin' with,  we have been havin' some fun...it's truly been some kind of wonderful.  I feel truly blessed.
                          Reporting from London,   pattyluvsjoe 

JOE'S POST ABOUT THE DAY, PRIOR TO SHOW smile

Re: So the day has come.. (59 replies, posted in General Topics)
Joe Bonamassa wrote:
My Family is here....  My crew have worked so hard to prepare..  ( some gigs didnt go so well because of trial and error) May 4th 2009 Royal Albert Hall..  enough said ,  wish me luck.. I know many have worked just as hard as I have to be here on my behalf..  enjoy, laugh, cheer, cry..  It is what it will be now.. no more no less..
Love
Joe B

"I'm not nice to any guitar!"      lol
                 Joe Bonamassa 05-03-12

JBLP CHILD #184
  • Rocket
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Re: Where were you six years ago (May 4, 2009)?

I was in London...

Where Patty was...



Rock ON & Keep The Faith,
Rocket

"He still doesn't charge for mistakes! wink"
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.”
  • LynB
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Re: Where were you six years ago (May 4, 2009)?

The same thought about it being SIX years ago crossed my mind yesterday.  I was so shocked that I had to do a double recount (where did those years go???)   But what a night!  It was such a thrill to have been there and an honour to have been invited to the afterparty at Cocoon.

13 Reply by Lee

  • Lee
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  • Registered: 2006-04-21
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Re: Where were you six years ago (May 4, 2009)?

It turned into what may be a once-in-a-lifetime trip for me and Renee. Spent about 18 days total, mostly in London, but also Bath, Cardiff, Oxford and even three nights in Paris. We were lucky to have near perfect weather our whole trip.

I know some people there knew ahead of time about Clapton's appearance. I'm glad I had no clue about even the possibility until moments before Joe took the stage. Of all the shows I've seen of Joe's, "Further On Up The Road" with EC is easily my favorite live JB moment ever.

The fan gatherings, especially at the Cocoon, made the whole event even that much more special, and to have Joe and his family show up was definitely the icing on the cake.

The other thing I will never forget was how lucky I was to snag two seats in the second row dead center about 20 minutes into the ticket sale. It took me about another 30 minutes of reading and re-reading my ticket confirmation, and trying to gather myself,  before I made what was my 1000th post on the forum. Post #17 on page 1 of the topic: https://forum.jbonamassa.com/viewtopic.php?id=8404

  • From: Crystal Lake, Il.
  • Registered: 2006-04-22
  • Posts: 5,120

Re: Where were you six years ago (May 4, 2009)?

I started out watching Joe play clubs in front 50 to 200 people.
I was not going to miss the Royal Albert Hall show, knowing this was Joe's childhood/lifelong  dream. Honestly, it is the greatest show I've ever been to and provided memories to last a lifetime!
The trip there, the traveling with great friends old and new, the after show at the Cocoon, and spending 10 full days with my youngest daughter in London & Paris.

"Rock ON & Keep the Faith"