Joe Bonamassa Tour
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Frequently Asked Questions
What songs will Joe Bonamassa play in concert?
Joe Bonamassa is an accomplished master of the guitar, so his setlists tend to contain some of his most dizzying instrumental performances. The artist released Driving Towards the Daylight in 2012, and though this is not necessarily the touring cycle for that album, he represents it accordingly. “Dislocated Boy,” the 6+ minute opener appears towards the middle of the set.
The album is chock full of covers from artists such as Tom Waits, Bill Withers, and folk legend Robert Johnson. This is perhaps why the artist leans heavily on covers throughout his sets. He also plays the title track from the album, one of the only originals on it.
Bonamassa has no problem handing out a few wonderful covers for fans. Jazz master Charles Mingus is well represented in his sets, with his whimsical rendition of Mingus’ own “Jelly Roll.” Bonamassa is an open lover of British blues, preferring the stylistic forays of Jeff Beck and Tim Curry over, Muddy Waters. This makes cover entries, such as Bobby Parker’s “Steal Your Heart Away” unsurprising. The artist also attempts the impossible by trying to do justice to the Tom Waits masterpiece, “Jockey Full of Bourbon.” It is absolutely riveting. Below is a sampling of a setlist from the current Bonamassa tour.
Woke Up Dreaming
Seagull
Jelly Roll
Black Lung Heartache
Driving Towards the Daylight
Jockey Full of Bourbon
Dislocated Boy
Ball Peen Hammer
Athens to Athens
Dust Bowl
Oh Beautiful
Who’s Been Talking
Midnight Blues
Slow Train
Love Ain’t A Love Song
Sloe Gin
The Ballad of John Henry
Django / Mountain Time
How does Joe Bonamassa bring about his crazy studio sound?
Joe Bonamassa is a bit notorious for flinging various ideas at the wall and praying they stick. Amazingly, they almost always do, which makes bringing out these musical ideas difficult in a live sound. Joe Bonamassa will play the banjo, mandolin, theremin, and dobro on stage at various times. Sometimes only one or two of these unique instruments will make an appearance.
He often divides his set into two distinct portions; the acoustic set and the electric set, which is somewhat new for 2015. This helps balance out the older material with the newer material.
Does the artist have any new material to play?
He may have some new material for a new record, but he does not bring it out live. It has been close to three years since Joe Bonamassa has put out a full length record, not counting his mostly cover release in 2012. With that said, the artist stays away from new material this time out, focusing on mixing the set with brand new cover material and some hidden gems of his early 2000’s catalog.
How do I get access to presale tickets for Joe Bonamassa’s tour?
The artist does not have a fan club that offers presale tickets on a steady basis, but makes infrequent announcements through his official Facebook page. Every once in awhile, presales are offered for fans, usually in the form of a password that is used on TicketMaster.
For the 2015 tour, presale ticket information is listed on Joe Bonamassa’s official website.
Who is Bonamassa’s publicist and press contact?
The artist collaborates with J&R Adventures based out of Boca Raton, Florida. They can be reached through customerservice@jbonamassa.com. The marketing section can be reached by emailing marketing@jbonamassa.com .
You can get especially hands on by contacting his publicity manager directly. Interestingly, there are two distinctive emails available for interviews and press photos. For the former, contact interviews@jbonamassa.com and the latter can find presspics@jbonamassa.com most viable.
Media and publicity can be directed to Michael Jensen at Jensen Communications at 626-585-9575 or email info@JensenCom.com.
Concert Reviews
“Following the acoustic set, the lights dropped down to nothing and Bonamassa’s band took their places on the stage. When the theatrics resumed, Bonamassa stood facing drummer Tal Bergman and hammered on the opening line to “Slow Train”, as if to say, “What acoustic set? I have no idea what you’re talking about. That didn’t happen.” The man’s ecstatic, devious smile could be seen from all the way back in the cheap seats where the lowly journalists are kept.” – Alexander Harrison at QRO
“I have said it before and I will say it again: Joe Bonamassa is the King of modern day blues. Nobody can touch this guy live. Don’t misunderstand me – there are dozens of quality players in the “top 5 percent of modern day blues guitarists,” but Joe is in 1st position and he is starting to pull away.” –NA of The Guitar Buzz
“Joe Bonamassa and his band played the Palace Theater Tuesday night, and when one takes the stage dramatically backlit in a blaze of floodlights, the performance really needs to measure up to the rock-star entrance. In Bonamassa’s case, there’s no need to worry, because you’re unlikely to come across a more obviously gifted guitarist. Whether he’s laying down blazing-fast licks with mystical dexterity or coaxing much more subtle and melodious notes out of his array of guitars, Bonamassa is mesmerizing to watch.” – Selena Frye of Louisville Press
Tour Archive
Joe Bonamassa North American Tour
Tour Opening Acts: Warren Haynes, Earl Slick
Started April 12, 2013 in Seattle, Washington | Ended December 13, 2013 in Los Angeles, California
Driving Towards the Daylight: An Evening with Joe Bonamassa
Tour Opening Acts: Greg Koch, Bernie Marsden, Sandi Thom
Started April 14, 2012 in Cleveland, Ohio | Ended December 11, 2012 in Melbourne, Florida
Joe Bonamassa: Touring with Dust Bowl 2011
Tour Opening Acts: Greg Koch, John Hiatt, Beth Hart, Ian Moss
Started February 18, 2011 in San Diego, California | Ended December 14, in Portland, Oregon
Black Rock Tour 2010
Tour Opening Acts: Sandi Thom, Jason Bonham
Started March 9, 2010 in Sacramento, California | Ended June 26, 2010 in Bridgeview, Illinois
The Ballad of John Henry 2009
Tour Opening Acts: Paul Jones (special guest for parts of tour)
Started March 13, 2009 in Denver, Colorado | Ended November 7, 2009 in Ft Lauderdale, Florida