• Geoff
  • Geoff
  • BONAMETAL
  • Offline
  • From: Moreton, Wirral, England
  • Registered: 2006-09-26
  • Posts: 1,603

Topic: Crewe Report

MAnaged to get an earlier flight back from Aberdeen so landed at Manchester about 3.30pm. Played hide and seek to find my car in the car park and gave Sue a ring to check she had collected Michael from Lime St Station and headed home to get changed and grab a bite to eat, then we all piled into the car and headed off to Crewe. Arrived at the venue and managed to park right outside the front doo at 6.20pm, wound the windows down on the car and listened to Back Door Slam whilst we waited for the first fans to arrive, needless to say, Michael was in his usual place in the queue - first. Doors opened at 7.25 and we all piled in - jeez this place was quite big, much bigger than I expected - up to 1000 standing with plenty of serving space at the bar!
Crosby Loggins, despite a really heavy cold presented a stellar performance, with excellent guitar work - if you haven't picked him up yet, he is well worth a listen! A half hour set with some excellent songs and a bit of humour thrown in. Son of Kenny Loggins (Footloose) and Melissa Ethridge I think!
Stage cleared ready for the boys then out strolls Joe sporting a new "page boy" haircut and a dapper brown pinstripe suit! Hooray, lights are a great improvement on Pacific Road so I should be able to get some decent pics tonight. Michael throws his arms around me and I recoil in disbelief!!!! He hadn't even had a drink!!!!! We all get settled into the music and it's clear he is going down a storm with the full house. Something wasn't right though! Joe was not his usual self, which I think only regulars will know, because apart from him coughing every now and then, his playing was absolutely on the money! There were no highlights for me, every song was just brilliant, but clearly Joe was getting frustrated with himself towards the end of the set. He clearly wanted to give more than his voice would let him. Asking around for you was a poignant moment for Sue and Joe clearly felt he was unable to do the acapella section of the song, but again, only those who knew the song live will have noticed this. Joe, you are your own worst critic. You can out perform everyone else even if you are not 100%. Joe's the daddy!!!! Along with three of the nicest guys in the business, their playing tonight was quite simply sublime!!!!

Set list
Bridge to better days - Walk in my shadows - So many roads - Mountain time - Another Kind of Love - Sloe Gin - Ballpeen Hammer - Don't Burn Down that Bridge (new version) - Woke up Dreaming - Django - Just got Paid - One of these days - Asking Around for You - You Upset me Baby. Joe dropped Highwater everywhere because he really was not a well bunny.

After the show it was no surprise he headed straight for the tour bus after a wash down back stage. But he still found time to sign our set list. Our best wishes to Joe  and hope he gets better soon. I'll post a link to some pictures on the Pics Page

Geoff

Geoff O

Visit my Casino Images website http://www.casino-images.com/

Geoff's Website

  • From: Near Crewe, UK
  • Registered: 2008-02-23
  • Posts: 162

Re: Crewe Report

Firstly.... WOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!

I don't feel as qualified as Geoff to write a review as this was my first JB gig. In common with, I suspect, many folks I became an instant Joe fan after hearing him on the Radio2 Paul Jones show. We were delighted to discover that Joe was about to play Crewe, booked tickets and immediately ordered 'Sloe Gin', which we listened to over and over. I couldn't wait to see him live.

It was also our first visit to the M Club, which was packed for the sell-out gig. It's a good venue, with good visibility in most areas and good acoustics. It has the usual bar crowding problems and the step up to the bar area isn't very visible; I saw loads of people trip up it. And with such a big crowd last night, it was like a sauna in there.

I enjoyed Crosby Loggins very much; some great playing and he gets a wonderfully full and rich guitar sound. Song-wise I particularly liked the last (?) one he did that he said was a new song.

With regard to Joe, I'm going to keep this brief, otherwise I will ramble on for ever about how impressed I was.

Joe's talent & virtuosity goes without saying. Like Geoff I enjoyed it all... every second! It has been a very long time since I have been so moved by music. Joe's passion & commitment just oozes out of every pore. My impression was that he 'feels' every single note. Guitar solos can be a bit predictable and boring... but NOT Joes! Never before have I seen anyone play like this; Joe blew me away and I could have gone on listening to him all night. The fact that he's still not fully well makes the performance even more awesome.

Great performances from the rest of the band too.

Very, very hard to pick out highlights, as Geoff said, it was all fantastic.. although I really loved Mountain Time... during the solo I was utterly transported, and loved 'One of These Days' which Joe played as an encore, to celebrate, he said, his new pop status in the UK, 'Sloe Gin' having reached number 22 in the album chart.

I can't wait to see Joe live again, in the meantime I will just have to order the back catalogue, and while I'm waiting for that I'll be glued to the website!

Cheshire_Lass/Libby smile  (Bonabaptised: 22 Feb '08)

If I'm alive when I'm 99 I'm still gonna be saying, "Remember 4th May 2009 when we saw Joe at the RAH... what a night that was!"
  • Ges
  • Ges
  • Titanium
  • Offline
  • From: NW England
  • Registered: 2006-09-25
  • Posts: 845

Re: Crewe Report

Hi Cheshire Lass

A very warm welcome to the forum.
It's populated with really nice people who share your feeling so excellently put above.

Get ALL the CDs and DVDs you can as they are all excellent.

Keep in touch with the forum.


Ges.

  • From: Near Crewe, UK
  • Registered: 2008-02-23
  • Posts: 162

Re: Crewe Report

Hi Ges!

Thanks so much for the warm welcome... much appreciated.

I just can't believe it's taken me this long to come across Joe! But at least now I can revel in catching up.

CL


Ges wrote:

Hi Cheshire Lass

A very warm welcome to the forum.
It's populated with really nice people who share your feeling so excellently put above.

Get ALL the CDs and DVDs you can as they are all excellent.

Keep in touch with the forum.


Ges.

Cheshire_Lass/Libby smile  (Bonabaptised: 22 Feb '08)

If I'm alive when I'm 99 I'm still gonna be saying, "Remember 4th May 2009 when we saw Joe at the RAH... what a night that was!"
  • From: Deep in the forest
  • Registered: 2007-02-11
  • Posts: 5,296

Re: Crewe Report

Thanks Geoff, I'm glad you all got to share a show. CL..Welcome and have fun!   I'm not sure how Joe's going to get healthy at this rate..Aren't there any Healers over there?  Cathy

  • From: The Netherlands
  • Registered: 2006-09-26
  • Posts: 667

Re: Crewe Report

Well sounded like you guys had a great time and We know that Joe wasn't satisfied with himself.Glad that you all enjoyed it anyway.
Great reading your reviews!

Marianne's Website

  • From: Stoke-on-Trent, England
  • Registered: 2008-02-25
  • Posts: 473

Re: Crewe Report

As a newcomer to this forum, and to all things Bonamassa, I felt compelled to leave a message about what was quite easily the best gig I have ever been to. I do hope you bear with me!!

I first heard the name Joe Bonamassa about a year and a half ago from a friend of my Dad's, and he said to look out for him, and that he was the best he'd ever seen. So, I commited it to memory and kept it on the back-burner. It was only by chance a couple of weeks ago....through Planet Rock radio that I saw he was coming to Crewe. As immediate panic set in, I set about getting tickets, and luckily 3 minutes later I had got them (judging from people I spoke to at the gig I may have got some of the last ones, THANK GOD).

What followed was two weeks of research, watching videos on YouTube and the ordering of "A New Day Yesterday-Live", and "Sloe Gin". Coming up to the gig, I knew it was going to be something special, but I wasn't prepared for how special it actually was.

We were right at the front of the stage for the gig chatting to people that had seen Joe several times, and the atmosphere was buzzing. Then on came Crosby Loggins, and I can honestly say I would have paid the ticket price to see just him. Considering he was under the weather, he put on a really good one-man set, one that's prompted me to order his album this morning.

Then it was time for the main event. What can I say, any expectations I had (which were already high) were exceeded within the first minute, and I was totally blown away. I've never been moved so much by live music, or been that close to a genius at work. Just the passion, the tone, the way he feels every note from inside was awe-inspiring to me. Being right in front of him as he performed his soloes was breathtaking to witness. I couldn't name one stand alone highlight as it was all immense, however I do have a soft spot for Django. In a word...stunning!!

You could tell later on the gig he wasn't feeling too good as he went to the side of the stage and was visibly upset with himself, but as soon as he came back and resumed playing, only the veterans would have noticed any difference such was his level of commitment to giving the crowd a good time. He really was hard on himself unnecessarily. Despite the way he felt, he still gave the grateful crowd two encores.

The gig may not have been up to Joe's extraordinarily high standards, but for me it was a once in a life-time gig (until the next time I see him that is wink) and he was the consumate professional, and I hope he comes back soon!! Joe Bonamassa....I salute you!!

Sorry for rambling on..... smile

"Music should strike fire from the heart of man, and bring tears from the eyes of woman."
                                                                                                   Ludwig Van Beethoven
  • From: Near Crewe, UK
  • Registered: 2008-02-23
  • Posts: 162

Re: Crewe Report

Hi Paul smile

Welcome! I'm a newbie to the forum too, I joined on Saturday, having seen Joe (for my first time) at Crewe too.

Your paragraph that I've quoted below completely echos and sums up how I felt too. Thanks for sharing your experience.

Libby/Cheshire_Lass


PaulB74 wrote:

Then it was time for the main event. What can I say, any expectations I had (which were already high) were exceeded within the first minute, and I was totally blown away. I've never been moved so much by live music, or been that close to a genius at work. Just the passion, the tone, the way he feels every note from inside was awe-inspiring to me. Being right in front of him as he performed his soloes was breathtaking to witness.

Cheshire_Lass/Libby smile  (Bonabaptised: 22 Feb '08)

If I'm alive when I'm 99 I'm still gonna be saying, "Remember 4th May 2009 when we saw Joe at the RAH... what a night that was!"
  • From: Stoke-on-Trent, England
  • Registered: 2008-02-25
  • Posts: 473

Re: Crewe Report

Thanks for your nice reply Libby. It was something else wasn't it!?! I got home that night and listened to both of my newly acquired albums before I went to bed, just couldn't get enough. I'm upset with myself for not being a fan sooner...but it does make catching up all the more enjoyable as well!! smile

"Music should strike fire from the heart of man, and bring tears from the eyes of woman."
                                                                                                   Ludwig Van Beethoven
  • From: Stoke-on-Trent, England
  • Registered: 2008-02-25
  • Posts: 473

Re: Crewe Report

Thank you for the warm welcome BluesMan, it is a nice place to be indeed. There seems to be some really nice people in here too. Like I said before, am just sorry it took me so long to get here. I hope Joe gets better soon, he did appear to leave everything he had on stage. To use that much energy night after night, gigging as much as he does must take it's toll at some point.

But, like I've read elsewhere in here, and a point with which I whole-heartedly agree , even at 50%, Joe still blows everyone else out of the water. I'm just glad he graced lowly Crewe with his presence!!

"Music should strike fire from the heart of man, and bring tears from the eyes of woman."
                                                                                                   Ludwig Van Beethoven
  • From: Deep in the forest
  • Registered: 2007-02-11
  • Posts: 5,296

Re: Crewe Report

Thanks Paul...We all understand and share your enthusiasm! We also get the "How did I not know.." You know now and have found the place to rave! Luckily, we get reviews from other Bonamaniacs to hold us over.    Cathy

  • From: Stoke-on-Trent, England
  • Registered: 2008-02-25
  • Posts: 473

Re: Crewe Report

I've managed to upload a video I took from the Crewe gig. Sorry, the audio is not fantastic, it was filmed on my phone....plus I was closer to Carmine's stacks than Joe's!! smile

Tried filming Django but my phone memory ran out half way through...was slightly gutted, but thankfully there are plenty of other videos out there. (huge nod to Michael Lynch) smile

The solo parts sound nice though.

Hope you enjoy.


Mountain Time    -     http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxvZxHScGRA

"Music should strike fire from the heart of man, and bring tears from the eyes of woman."
                                                                                                   Ludwig Van Beethoven
  • paulm
  • Bronze Member
  • Offline
  • Registered: 2006-10-01
  • Posts: 27

Re: Crewe Report

Hi PaulB74,

Welcome to the forum, if you are new to Joe you might be intereted in the link below.

http://www.play.com/DVD/DVD/4-/857832/J … oduct.html

All the best

PaulM

  • From: Stoke-on-Trent, England
  • Registered: 2008-02-25
  • Posts: 473

Re: Crewe Report

Hi PaulM, thanks for the welcome...great name too... wink

Hopefully....fingers crossed I should have a DVD package identical to that waiting for me when I get home today!!! Then I will be even more excited than I was yesterday, when I got home to see that "You and Me" had been delivered.

It's great fun playing catch up I must say!! smile:)

"Music should strike fire from the heart of man, and bring tears from the eyes of woman."
                                                                                                   Ludwig Van Beethoven
  • From: Newcastle under Lyme
  • Registered: 2008-02-29
  • Posts: 320

Re: Crewe Report

Hi PaulB74 - do I know you - if your dad's also Paul and his mate is Terry then I do

Great show at the M Club wasn't it

The gig at the Cockpit was also brilliant!!!!! - I think Joe has recovered somewhat although he did say he feels like he's got this bug for ever not just the month or so he's already been suffering - it just won't go away - not surprising though with how hard he works both on and off stage, theres just no time to recover is there?

We got to see the sound check and had our pic taken with Joe at the cockpit, shook hands with the man himself and got some stuff signed too!

He's a real gent, no frills, what you see is what you get, a real genuine guy

I'm also new on the forum - I've signed up for the photo page too and posted my not so brilliant mobile phone shots of Joe at the M Club and the Cockpit

All the best - are you going to the gig at Liverpool Academy July 7?

Vickyh31

"Stellar" a word used by Joe Bonamassa (also apt as a description of the man himself cool)
  • From: Stoke-on-Trent, England
  • Registered: 2008-02-25
  • Posts: 473

Re: Crewe Report

Hi Vicki, you are right on the money there!! I do remember you. It's a small world innit!?! smile

Glad you had fun at the Cockpit, well i suppose you could call it fun, having your picture taken with the man himself.....:) (jealous as hell but pleased for you) smile

Where would I find these pictures of yours?

Not going to the Liverpool gig I'm afraid, gonna have to wait a bit longer for my next live dose, I take it you're going too yeah?

All the best to you and yours smile

"Music should strike fire from the heart of man, and bring tears from the eyes of woman."
                                                                                                   Ludwig Van Beethoven
  • From: Newcastle under Lyme
  • Registered: 2008-02-29
  • Posts: 320

Re: Crewe Report

Paul

Go to the photo gallery - mine are the last additions on page 1 - I don't know how to group them so they are all over the place

Vicky

"Stellar" a word used by Joe Bonamassa (also apt as a description of the man himself cool)
  • From: Stoke-on-Trent, England
  • Registered: 2008-02-25
  • Posts: 473

Re: Crewe Report

Vicki,

Nice work. Looks and sounds like a fab time was had by all. So is this tour the first time around for you too, or had you seen him before?

"Music should strike fire from the heart of man, and bring tears from the eyes of woman."
                                                                                                   Ludwig Van Beethoven