• Registered: 2006-04-22
  • Posts: 1,168

Topic: My Year in review...2008

Hey Everybody,
             I've just walked in the door in Malibu California,(many thanks to Kevin Shirley and family for letting me stay in their very wonderful beach house) officially moved back after the horrible experience in Georgia.  I have been doing a lot of thinking about the whirlwind that was 2008. I m typing on my new computer, (thank you very much  Bob and everybody at APPLE ) So were do I start.. Well professionally it was the absolutely the best year of my life.  We had the best crowds, played the best venues of my career.. I cant believe all the things I have worked for the last 20 years are coming true.. Its like a surreal dream.  I only have all of you to thank. I am were I am because all the fans that have gone beyond human expectations to support me and my band.  I have recieved hundreds of congrats about selling out Royal Albert Hall in 6 days.. I dont deserve them.. You do.. !!!! So again thanks from not only myself, but from Carmine, Rick Bogie, and everybody behind the scenes that make this show run on a daily basis.. Warren, Dave, Aaron Colin, Alex, Rachael , Nick, Derek, Simon, accountant Rick, Harry,Andrew, Neil and especially Roy. all in all some 20 people who work very diligently on behalf everyday.  So my thanks goes out to them especially..  Personally you all know by now.. not a great year for JB.. Got a great album from it and I move on.. She is not worth discussing.  I lost 60 pounds total..  and to clear up some rumors its not because Im taking drugs...!!!!  It was lifestyle change that has seen me enjoy the sight and smell of food rather than the taste of it..  I got fat on some success and it showed..  Well as Rick would sat Bobs your uncle.  Anyway thank you for another great year, thanks to Planet Rock and Sirius Radio for doing the radio shows..  I m having a blast even though we are not doing the Sirius show anymore.. I plan on doing a radio show in the US in 2009..   
All the best for the new year..
Joe Bonamassa

2 Reply by srxman2001 (edited by srxman2001 2008-12-28 01:04:41)

  • Registered: 2008-06-19
  • Posts: 366

Re: My Year in review...2008

Thank You Joe!!! 

Thank you for putting out a live album in '08 that hasnt left my CD player since you released it.  And I thought I would never play an album more than Dark Side Of The Moon!!! 

Thank you for putting on a live show that is truely second to none.  Three times in '08 I got to experience entertainment at its best!!!

Good luck in '09.  Wish I could experience RAH with you.  See you in Columbus and Forte Wayne

Doug
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Re: My Year in review...2008

Thank you Joe!! Thanks to you I now am no longer afraid to expand what I play BEYOND just the Blues genre.

Thanks for putting on two killer shows in Winter Park and Springfield (and MANY more throughout the tour).

Thanks for giving all of us the wonderful memories of this year... and every year while you and the band tour for months on end.

I've said it before.......... I'll say it again..... I'm proud to call myself a Joe Bonamassa fan.


-Eric

"It makes it sound like the amp is about ready to explode, that's because it IS about ready to explode." -Joe

"I've come all the way from Colorado... Long way from my home. Give me the hammer that killed John Henry..." The Ballad Of John Henry

4 Reply by Shredit (edited by Shredit 2008-12-28 01:44:21)

  • Registered: 2006-12-28
  • Posts: 3,742

Re: My Year in review...2008

Joe we congratulate you on all the success, and moving on to an even higher plateau....if you thought this year was the highlight, well I believe the rockets are just firing....we look forward to hearing the new album and your legendary night at The Royal Albert Hall...and as far as the personal stuff, that was a test of your will, you've made it through just fine... thanks for moving back to California, I'm biased, but it's the finest state in the country smile

Happy New Year!

  • Lee
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  • Registered: 2006-04-21
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Re: My Year in review...2008

Congrats Joe, not only for your professional success, but for the lifestyle change. And you're right - the band, crew and management all deserve a huge pat on the back for a job well done!

Looking forward to an even more incredible 2009!!!

  • Libby
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  • From: Sunny Southern California
  • Registered: 2008-02-14
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Re: My Year in review...2008

You think YOU had a great year, Joe...... WE had a great year because so much of it was spent listening to, watching, talking to, and following YOU!!!  LOL!!!  I'll bet there had to be a time or two this year when you scratched your head and thought....... hmmmm....... didn't I just see her at the last show..... all the way across the country??  Yes, I did take my Joe shows a bit seriously this year.  We thoroughly enjoyed each and every one of them, as well as each opportunity we had to chat with you.  We are also very happy to have witnessed for ourselves the incredible people who DO surround you, beginning with the AWESOME THREESOME who make up your band, as well as your terrific road crew, and, finally, your management - and yes, most especially Roy.  What a great guy.  smile  I'm also very grateful to the people who work very hard for you, quietly, on a daily basis, running the Street Team and this Forum.

Speaking of which, I thank you VERY personally, and deeply for the GREAT gift of this place.  It has brought me unbelievable joy in the form of awesome people, DEEP and abiding friendships, exposure to other artists (both new and old), an ongoing education,  technical savvy, and opportunities to stretch and grow and give ...... I could go on and on...... but, especially the friendships, Joe.  I don't know if you truly have any concept of the incredible things that begin on the Forum and end up as a permanent, beautiful addition to our lives.  That's the way it's been for me anyway. 

We thank you for the music...... for Live From Nowhere In Particular, and for all of the LIVE shows where we WERE Somewhere In Particular.  We thank you for your professionalism and your demand for perfection.  We thank you for your hard work and generosity.  We thank you for the opportunity to experience YOU an incredible thirteen times in 2008.  We look forward to the new album, and to many more dates in 2009, even if Royal Albert Hall won't be one of them.  We hope you understand that that is not a reflection of a lack of support.....  we WILL be there in spirit ........ and, if you concentrate, you'll recognize me......I'll be the ghostly image shooting stills with one hand and video with the other, as I've been known to do a time or two ....... front row, center, of course.  LOL.    wink   Cheers, Joe!! 

All best wishes,

Libby  smile


P. S.  Great congratulations on your incredible weight loss........ it's not easy, I know.  Also ........ WELCOME BACK TO CALIFORNIA !!!!!!   

Note:  Bob's your uncle is the equivalent of "so, there you have it".  tongue

I know that Joe could play one of those kid's guitars with the plastic strings and make it sound good-
Bill S.

7 Reply by BluesMan (edited by BluesMan 2008-12-28 03:55:14)

  • From: Wisconsin
  • Registered: 2008-08-15
  • Posts: 7,284

Re: My Year in review...2008

Joe,

We all had a great year, because YOU made it that way with your music, skill and hard work. I wish you continued success and hope RAH propels you to new heights.

On a personal note, I want to thank you on behalf of one little boy whose Thanksgiving/Christmas you made extra special, because of your words and who you are. Thanks on behalf of Nathan.

Roy

Joe is the Best!

8 Reply by Ges (edited by Ges 2008-12-28 03:22:00)

  • Ges
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  • From: NW England
  • Registered: 2006-09-25
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Re: My Year in review...2008

Yes what a great year.

One of the best bits ?
Joe staying true to his fans.
Staying humble.
Staying real.
Such great success and still feet firmly planted on the ground....but the music is soaring.
Fantastic.

Listen to the interview Joe gave to the Lick Library guys.
No Edmund Hillary.

Indeed smile

Thank you Joe and the band.


Edited 'cos I gave the smiley a nose first time.

  • From: Roma
  • Registered: 2008-03-28
  • Posts: 161

Re: My Year in review...2008

We all just have to thank you Joe for this beautiful year... I hope the next would be better yeaaaaaaaaahhhh I know you can!!!! In you we trust...

JB jr

"but if heartaches were nickels...I'd be the richest fool alive"

bonamassa junior's Website

  • Geoff
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  • From: Moreton, Wirral, England
  • Registered: 2006-09-26
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Re: My Year in review...2008

Libster, you said it all!

Thanks to you Joe

Friends are the Family you choose for yourself - I'm made a few friends here thanks to you!

See you next year!

Geoff O

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

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  • From: near Nürnberg Germany
  • Registered: 2008-04-19
  • Posts: 1,204

Re: My Year in review...2008

Hi Joe,
good to read this very personal review of the year. How wonderful when change in lifestyle and professional success go hand in hand. Again: thanks for a wonderful CD and three exciting concerts.
Günter

Rock On and Keep the Faith

Guenter's Website

  • From: Was NY now FL/GA line
  • Registered: 2007-12-16
  • Posts: 2,855

Re: My Year in review...2008

Thank you Joe for letting us be a part of your life.

Spider

  • From: Germany
  • Registered: 2008-04-23
  • Posts: 553

Re: My Year in review...2008

Joe,

thanks for sharing your thoughts with us. It was a great year of blues and rock.
I enjoyed to see you twice and it was a blast each time.
To me and to speak behalf everyone I know, you are the future of blues/rock
and I look forward for everything that follows.

Have a great year 2009 and stay healthy (loosing 60 pounds is just insane...;) )

all the very best
Alex

...it's a musical journey
www.u2-experience.de

Stratovari's Website

  • From: West Yorkshire, England
  • Registered: 2007-08-02
  • Posts: 1,587

Re: My Year in review...2008

I too am proud to call myself a Joe Bonamassa fan. Thanks for everything Joe.

Tripsy smile

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

Re: My Year in review...2008

Joe Bonamassa wrote:

Hey Everybody,
             I've just walked in the door in Malibu California,(many thanks to Kevin Shirley and family for letting me stay in their very wonderful beach house) officially moved back after the horrible experience in Georgia.  I have been doing a lot of thinking about the whirlwind that was 2008. I m typing on my new computer, (thank you very much  Bob and everybody at APPLE ) So were do I start.. Well professionally it was the absolutely the best year of my life.  We had the best crowds, played the best venues of my career.. I cant believe all the things I have worked for the last 20 years are coming true.. Its like a surreal dream.  I only have all of you to thank. I am were I am because all the fans that have gone beyond human expectations to support me and my band.  I have recieved hundreds of congrats about selling out Royal Albert Hall in 6 days.. I dont deserve them.. You do.. !!!! So again thanks from not only myself, but from Carmine, Rick Bogie, and everybody behind the scenes that make this show run on a daily basis.. Warren, Dave, Aaron Colin, Alex, Rachael , Nick, Derek, Simon, accountant Rick, Harry,Andrew, Neil and especially Roy. all in all some 20 people who work very diligently on behalf everyday.  So my thanks goes out to them especially..  Personally you all know by now.. not a great year for JB.. Got a great album from it and I move on.. She is not worth discussing.  I lost 60 pounds total..  and to clear up some rumors its not because Im taking drugs...!!!!  It was lifestyle change that has seen me enjoy the sight and smell of food rather than the taste of it..  I got fat on some success and it showed..  Well as Rick would sat Bobs your uncle.  Anyway thank you for another great year, thanks to Planet Rock and Sirius Radio for doing the radio shows..  I m having a blast even though we are not doing the Sirius show anymore.. I plan on doing a radio show in the US in 2009..   
All the best for the new year..
Joe Bonamassa

Hey Joe,

No one more deserving than you...and the band...and the crew...and management!!  You've surrounded yourself with a fantastic group of people.  And you are so loved!  You make us all proud ?  I think it is just going to get better and better and better......that's what happens when you're The King!!  I thank you again from the bottom of my heart for my beautiful guitar & strap and trip.  I will never forget the "wonderfulness" of it all.  Here's to 2009....the Year of Joe Bonamassa!!!!  Cheers!                       luv ya'  Patty

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

JBLP CHILD #184
  • From: the Netherlands
  • Registered: 2006-04-22
  • Posts: 315

Re: My Year in review...2008

Dear Joe,

Your a great guy, a greater guitarplayer and the greatest of entertainers!

Thank you: for being YOU.
                      Your Shows
                      Your Friendship and all the friendships that started because of you

                      And most of all your Music that gives us so much when we need it!!

Hope that Japan turned out well.

All the succes, health, luck and love for 2009!

See you soon,

Love , Annelies

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

Re: My Year in review...2008

Joe,
2008 was indeed a wonderful year to be a Joe Bonamassa fan, so I imagine it was way beyond that for you.
As great as 2008 was, I think 2009 will exceed everyone's expectations. There are already two milestones coming up that has everyone here looking forward in anticipation: The release of TBoJH and the show at RAH.
Thanks so much for this past year and for the hope of an even better 2009!

Bill S

"Rock ON & Keep the Faith"
  • From: Harrison, Arkansas
  • Registered: 2006-04-21
  • Posts: 3,155

Re: My Year in review...2008

2009's gonna be better. The Ballad Of John Henry, here we come!!!

"And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make"

My ReverbNation page for Dees & Friends - check us out!
www.reverbnation.com/deesfriends