I know it's been a few weeks - I've been away from the forum and decided it was time to come back and tell you all what a wonderful time I had in San Francisco at this gig.
What a pleasure it was for me to attend this show with Joe Bonamassa Forum friends!!!! I was able to meet, for the first time, JDawg (John), Shredit (Dave), and Bluezman (Daryl). Let me tell you, not only did we have FUN together, but they took EXCELLENT care of yours truly. Even though I was trying to INSIST that I could take the ferry or the BART across the Bay, they were not going to let this little girl get swallowed up by the big city. John and Dave insisted on driving to my cousin's home to pick me up and deliver me back safely too (of course). How sweet.....and chivalrous. Thank you boys. 
So, we drove into the city early, I got to meet John's friends and new JB Street Team members, Doug and Mary - they are SO nice - SO much fun...... and we met up with Daryl at the Hotel Utah Saloon. The six of us then hoofed it thru the streets (eeek - I didn't wear my WALKIN' shoes) and had a great dinner. We hopped back over to the Saloon (in a taxi, thank goodness!!) just in time for a bit of soundcheck.
Really, I can't stress enough how nice it was to be surrounded by these great people that I've been linked to thru this Forum. To finally be able to meet them, face to face, and to laugh with them and really enjoy one another - REAL camaraderie - and to know that we were brought together thru our common love of Joe, and then brought to Back Door Slam because of him and because of this place...... it just felt so right...... being there to enjoy ALL that we share.
The show itself was great. Each time I've seen the boys, I see changes and growth. This particular evening, they seemed to have even MORE enthusiasm and energy which may have been due in part to the special guest in the audience.... a significant someone from their past - Arthur Fife - their vocational guidance counselor from school. Can you imagine how thrilled he was to see them living their dream? He was - take it from me. I spent a bit of time with him - a FANTASTIC guy - and he was 'peel me off the ceiling' kind of excited. And THEY were equally excited. It was, for me, just extra heartwarming - knowing that these young men, who had been so far from family and friends, for four long months were in the company of an old friend who represented a bit of their home.
The evening opened with Eoin Harrington, a talented, Irish born singer/songwriter, guitarist and keyboard player. Eoin has opened for BDS on numerous occasions in the past. His set was FUN and energetic and I'd see him again in a minute. He just OOOOOZES with Irish charm. www.eoinharrington.com
So, are you getting the picture that it was just BLOODY GREAT!!!?? LOL !! It was, as John says, both literally and figuratively. Yes, Davy sliced his thumb open.....yes, the pickguard WAS a bloody MESS by the end of the evening, and YES, I got the BLOODY PICK!!! Davy, as I told him later, suffered for us......and we were most appreciative.
The venue, built in 1908 (that's ANCIENT by California standards), was the teeniest I've ever been in. I have no idea how many people were crammed in there (150? 200??), but, I'm certain the Fire Marshall would NOT have been pleased. Not at all. I was right in front of Davy, against the stage (just where I like it) and, thankfully, was surrounded by friends. My protectors. Thanks again John and Daryl. Dave and Doug were busy protecting Mary. Here's the website: http://www.thehotelutahsaloon.com/history.html
Other than there being a few challenges with the sound - the amp in the beginning blowing and then Davy's vocals not being amplified enough during a couple of songs - it was a FABULOUS set. It was long and powerful and had both new songs and "old" favorites. The band, who are, after all friends, REALLY seemed to be enjoying each other - playing off each other - encouraging and even laughing with each other, all night. There was something extra in the air on this night...... and I was glad to be standing where I was able to see it all unfold. Lovely indeed.
It's fun for me to watch this band move from hard rockin' blues into songs that reflect their roots - the music of their heritage. They are well rounded and can perform either type of music so beautifully.
I'd like to make mention of the fact that, much like Joe, Back Door Slam is surrounded by a great bunch of people. Positive, energetic, welcoming, warm folks who have been very kind to me, and I am MOST appreciative.
After the show, the boys were happy to spend time with all of their fans, including this one. They were attentive and, as always, SO grateful for the fans that were there that night, and for all of the positive attention which has come from many fans on this Forum. They ALWAYS ask me to get that word back to YOU and to JOE, so, there it is. Message delivered. Sincere and deep gratitude from the bottom of their hearts.
They'll begin their tour with Gov't Mule tonight and I'll catch up with them again in just a few weeks. THAT is SO exciting!!! This will be my FIRST Mule experience!! Warren Haynes!!! Wow. I can hardly wait. I see this as a sort of pebble in the water thing - each good thing leading to another - and another. Concentric, ever-widening circles of opportunities to fill my life with more great music, good friends and POSITIVE things. I sincerely hope that my enthusiasm for this band, or any other doesn't bother anyone here. In light of the recent posts, I was hesitant, but, here it is......take it for what it's worth. I appreciate the opportunity to share it with you.
Libby
I know that Joe could play one of those kid's guitars with the plastic strings and make it sound good-
Bill S.
