Celebrated blues-rock guitarist and singer-songwriter JOE BONAMASSA will return to tour the UK for the first time in three years, when he performs five concerts in April and May 2022, including two nights at the legendary Royal Albert Hall on Thursday 5 May and Friday 6 May.
Joe will also perform concerts at Glasgow SECC on Wednesday 20 April, Cardiff Motorpoint Arena on Friday 22 April, and Brighton Centre on Saturday 23 April.
The 2022 UK tour follows the news of Joe’s highly anticipated 15th solo studio album “Time Clocks” released on 29 October 2021 via Provogue/Mascot Label Group in Europe and J&R Adventures in North America. Pre-order the album HERE.
Joe Bonamassa says of ‘Time Clocks’: “What started out with the intentions of being a trio record turned into probably my most adventurous and involved record to date.”
Joe’s 2022 UK tour will feature the guitarist performing alongside a hand-picked group of world-class musicians playing songs from his forthcoming studio album “Time Clocks”, as well as tracks from his vast catalogue of albums such as “Royal Tea”, “Redemption”, “Blues of Desperation” and “The Ballad of John Henry”, plus classic Bonamassa fan favourites.
Watch the music video for Joe’s new single “The Heart That Never Waits”HERE.
Blues rock star JOE BONAMASSA has announced highly anticipated new studio album ‘Time Clocks’, set to be released on October 29th via Provogue/Mascot Label Group in the UK and Europe, and by J&R Adventures throughout North America.Bonamassa soars beyond expectations with prolific new record as one of the music industy’s most revered storytellers sharing his life on the road.
New single ‘The Heart that never waits’; an instant blues rock classic packed ear to ear with genius guitar playing and poetic lyrics of heartbreak warfare.
‘Time Clocks’ is a testament to his credentials and a toast to his longtime fans. His new sound has a raw and vital flavor, combined with a resolute skill that can only be gained through years of perseverance and unyielding dedication. It’s Joe Bonamassa at his finest, ready to rock. “What started out with the intentions of being a trio record turned into probably my most adventurous and involved record to date,” explains Bonamassa. His longtime producer Kevin Shirley adds, “I think Joe Bonamassa has made an album that is truly transitional. From a blues musician to a superstar artist, [and] I’m so thrilled to be along for the ride.” Joe and Kevin brought on the legendary Bob Clearmountain to mix the epic tracks, and Bob declares that “This is one of the best albums I’ve mixed in years. Joe is not only one of the finest blues & rock guitarists of our time, he’s also a brilliant songwriter, [which is] impressively apparent on this record.”
Recorded in New York City, the album rediscovers Bonamassa at a newfound peak with heartfelt songwriting and an unparalleled Blues Rock prowess. ‘Time Clocks’ follows Joe’s constant evolution as he continues to forge ahead, bending genres, breaking down walls and defying the odds of the music industry. He’s known as “the man in the suit”, loved by many as the ultimate guitar hero, cited by critics as “the world’s biggest blues guitarist” (Guitar World), and now the music mastermind has found yet another layer of immense new artistry to share with his fans. As one of today’s most in-demand touring acts the road has been long and winding, but the rough journey has molded his craft into gold.
For the album, Bonamassa hit the studio with longtime collaborators Kevin Shirley as producer and manager/business partner Roy Weisman as executive producer. The album was recorded in New York City at Germano Studios/The Hit Factory and mixed by Bob Clearmountain (Bruce Springsteen, The Rolling Stones, Toto, Bon Jovi). The band members include Steve Mackey (bass), Lachy Doley (piano), Bunna Lawrie (didgeridoo), Bobby Summerfield (percussion), and Late Night with David Letterman‘s Anton Fig (drums and percussion), along with Mahalia Barnes, Juanita Tippins, and Prinnie Stevens on backing vocals. The fantastic artwork on the album was created by famous graphic artist Hugh Syme (Rush, Aerosmith, Whitesnake).
Recently Bonamassa dropped hints of the new album with his reeling anthem “Notches”, and with today’s exciting news he’s revealed the next Blues-heavy single “The Heart That Never Waits,” another instant classic that takes a tale of heartbreak and turns it around into an undeniable showstopper meant for the stadiums. Joe sings compassionately with an air of independence, in a voice that’s only gotten better with time – a rarity for an artist with such longevity in their career. These songs are a collection of stories that shed new light on Joe’s life as a journeyman, constantly creating and always on the run. Looking back on recording during COVID-19 and the original intention behind the album, Bonamassa reflects, “Twenty years ago, I recorded a record of covers that eventually was called ‘Blues Deluxe.’ It was recorded at Bobby Nathan’s studio in Manhattan. It captured an energy and purpose that always stuck with me as an artist. I lived in New York City at the time and times were pretty tough. My weekly routine was a combination of hustling sessions, gigs, and opportunities that seemed few and far between. I was hungry. Literally and figuratively. The music business is tough, very tough. Especially back in those days when major labels pulled all the strings and, in my case, all the punches. I subsisted on a basic diet of peanut butter and jelly and ramen noodles, purchased at the bodega on the corner of 83rd and Columbus Avenue.
Cut to 2019 and I find myself back in New York and inspired by the city again. My living conditions had changed dramatically in the subsequent 20 years, but the energy that makes New York City great still remained.
In February 2021, we found ourselves at Germano Studios, cutting music as a trio (but not trio music) and having to invent ways of making records when your lifelong producer is stuck in Australia due to travel restrictions. Kevin Shirley came up with a way of linking continents and consoles to where we had literally zero latency. Add Steve Mackey and Anton Fig to the mix, a few masks and curse words and we have the ‘New York Record’ aka ‘Time Clocks’.”
Now, with an even bolder energy than ever before, Bonamassa holds the power of controlling both his artistry and his business in both hands. With 24 #1 albums, yearly sold-out tours worldwide and custom annual cruises, he’s a hard act to beat. Joe knows his worth, and albeit humble, he plans to continue to beat the odds and exceed the expectations of naysayers. ‘Time Clocks’ will also be Bonamassa’s first album mixed to utilize spatial audio with Dolby Atmos and available for fans on Apple Music. Bob Clearmountain adds, “the Atmos version is simply breathtaking.”
In releasing new music that’s destined for the loudspeakers, Joe is elated to get back to the stage. Recently completing a short summer tour in the US, he’ll be back on tour for the fall season with shows across the country before taking the stage at sea for his sold out Keeping The Blues Alive At Sea VII cruise, sailing from Miami, FL to Ocho Rios, Jamaica on February 21-25, 2022, by way of the Norwegian Pearl. For tickets and full tour dates, visit https://jbonamassa.com/tour-dates/.
For everything Joe Bonamassa, visit his website at jbonamassa.com.
Blues rock artist Joe Bonamassa is back with a brand-new single from his highly anticipated upcoming album, due out later this year. “Notches” exemplifies the unwavering journey Joe has experienced while taking the road less travelled leading him to ultimately find success. A bit older in years, but wiser in knowledge earned, his new sound has a raw and vital flavour, combined with a resolute skill that can only be gained through years of perseverance and unyielding dedication. The first single arrives today as a foot-stomping, fist-pounding dose of rock mastermind that pays homage to the artist’s resilient history, with an eye on the future as he continues to bend genres, break down walls and defy the odds of the music industry.
Joe belts out the Blues-tinged lyrics in “Notches” with a vocal range that gets even better with each release, diving deeper into his rock capabilities as he croons the resounding chorus, “I got miles under my wheels. Notches in my walkin’ cane.” He takes no prisoners with his hard-hitting anthem and holds nothing back, delivering a fresh unchartered sound that is not like anything he’s done before. The cinematically excellent official music video was directed by Paul van Kan.
For recording “Notches,” Bonamassa hit the studio with long-time collaborators Kevin Shirley as producer and manager/business partner Roy Weisman as executive producer. The track was mixed by Bob Clearmountain (Bruce Springsteen, The Rolling Stones, Toto, Bon Jovi) and was co-written with Charlie Starr (Blackberry Smoke). Recorded in New York City at Germano Studios/The Hit Factory the band includes Steve Mackey (bass), Lachy Doley (piano), Bunna Lawrie (didgeridoo), Bobby Summerfield (percussion), and Late Night with David Letterman’s Anton Fig (drums and percussion), along with Mahalia Barnes, Juanita Tippins, and PrinnieStevens on backing vocals. The fantastic artwork on this single was created by famous graphic artist Hugh Syme (Rush, Aerosmith, Whitesnake).
The lyrics allude to Joe’s tenured uphill battle with the music industry. Looking back, he reflects, “Twenty years ago, I recorded a record of covers that eventually was called ‘Blues Deluxe.’ It was recorded at Bobby Nathan’s studio in Manhattan. It captured an energy and purpose that always stuck with me as an artist…The music business is tough, very tough. Especially back in those days when major labels pulled all the strings and, in my case, all the punches.” Now, maybe more than ever, Bonamassa holds the power of controlling both his artistry and his business in both hands. With 24 #1 albums, yearly sold-out tours worldwide and custom annual cruises, he’s a hard act to beat. Joe knows his worth, and albeit humble, he has no plans to back down now. “Notches” is a testament to his credentials. It’s Joe Bonamassa at his finest, ready to rock.
“Notches” is a song that begs to be heard live in an audience, banging loud from the speakers. Luckily for fans, this month Joe heads back out on tour for 42 shows, starting on the West Coast in the US at the end of this month, then traveling around the rest of the country throughout the fall season before taking the stage at sea for his sold out Keeping The Blues Alive At Sea VII cruise, sailing from Miami, FL to Ocho Rios, Jamaica on February 21-25, 2022, by way of the Norwegian Pearl. For tickets and full tour dates, visit https://jbonamassa.com/tour-dates/.
Last year when COVID-19 put the live touring industry on hold, guitar hero JOE BONAMASSA did something unprecedented for his fans – he put together a one-night-only show at the iconic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN to be livestreamed for fans everywhere. That night he united people across 44 countries worldwide for a phenomenal live music presentation of his brand-new album “Royal Tea” before it was even released. The concert was re-mixed and mastered for physical release as “Now Serving: Royal Tea Live From The Ryman” on June 11th and will be available to own on CD, DVD, Blu-Ray and Double LP. The DVD will include a film introduction narrated by actor Jeff Daniels. The stellar performance includes 12 incredible live tracks, featuring the best from his latest studio release Royal Tea, Joe’s 24th #1 record on the Billboard Blues chart, which was recorded at Abbey Road Studios in London. It also includes 3 electrifying tracks from his 20th anniversary album A New Day Now. Get your serving and relive the excitement time and time again with this once-in-a-lifetime release from one of the most celebrated Blues Rock entertainers!
Recalling the magical night, Bonamassa shares, “I have always wanted to film a show at the legendary Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. Our band has had the honor of playing there now 8 1/2 times over the past 10 years. The audience is always alive and electric, hanging on every word and phrase. It feels like the greatest, most intimate gig you will ever do but there are 2,300 people sharing this joy and musical journey. I love the place as it is a national treasure and selfishly close to my house. Here’s where I get to the 1/2 part. We missed you. As great as it is to be on that stage in any capacity, YOU the fans make it special. You are part of the show and a big part of it. As this show was being filmed live, almost 100,000 eyes were on us in various forms around the world in front of TVs and computers alike. But you were not in the room with us.”
In normal times, the legendary venue typically seats 2,300, but for one night only, the real crowd was the size of a major stadium, and in-house nearly every seat was filled with a custom cardboard cutout of a fan. The event sold over 17,000 tickets, reaching a global audience and bringing people of all different cultures together during a time when it often felt like the world was falling apart. Considering the number of households watching concerts together from home, one ticket could actually account for an entire family, so the true number of viewers would likely skyrocket.
Joe continues, “We played as good as we could in front of those 1700 cardboard cut outs of your faces and tried to imagine you there. For split seconds I would catch a glimpse of the room and it almost felt normal. Then the song would end and there would be dead silence. Only the footsteps of our crew could be heard. With all of that said, this DVD is a snapshot of a concert performance within the confines a vast sea change of the world. A world that had temporarily deemed us unnecessary. Nobody knows when I will ever get back to this stage in front of a full house again, but I sure do know that I do love it and miss you greatly. This show counts as a 1/2.”
The night at the Ryman should also be celebrated as an event that brought the music industry together. Between ticket sales and donations during his After Party Showcase, the event raised $32,000 for Bonamassa’s Fueling Musicians program, presented by his non-profit Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation (KTBA). Supporting artists for over a year amid the pandemic, to date the program has secured $460,000 in funding for qualifying touring musicians who are suffering financial hardship since their careers have been put on hold. The program provides immediate $1,500 cash payments for essential living expenses to help musicians stay afloat until they can get back out on the road. This past weekend Joe hosted his 2nd Annual Stream-A-Thon event, featuring over 35 stunning performances and 3+ hours of music to continue raising money for the cause. The event featured a star-studded lineup including Bonamassa, Toto, Dion, Ana Popovic, Warren Haynes, Bobby Rush, Jared James Nichols, Emily Wolfe and many more.
As for the amazing set list for “Now Serving: Royal Tea Live From The Ryman”, Bonamassa has made a career out of taking risks and venturing into uncharted territory throughout his wide-ranging career and outstanding live shows, and the delivery at Ryman Auditorium was nothing short of perfection. Bonamassa shines brighter than ever, always adding new genre-bending flavor in his guitar playing and his trademark spin on the vocals. It’s no wonder he’s often praised for bringing new audiences to the Blues Rock universe. Bonamassa already has an incredible catalogue of live and studio releases that continue to evolve over the years and catch the ears of music critics far and wide. “Now Serving: Royal Tea Live From The Ryman” provides much needed invigoration for live music fans and will give them back the unbelievable feeling of being at a live concert event. With the audio/visual experience they’ll get with this release, they’ll get front row seats for one of the best touring acts around!
JOE BONAMASSA is known for being “always on the road”. This time he is bringing the concert into the homes of fans around the world in an epic pay-per-view performance from the live music capital of the world – Austin, Texas
On April 1st at 9PM ET, he will perform a specially curated set from Austin City Limits Live, alongside Late Night with David Letterman’s Anton Fig on drums and legendary bass player Steve Mackey, as a rare 3-piece Blues Rock power trio!
The live stream concert will be available “On-Demand” for 1 month after the live airing to anyone who purchases tickets. Fans who purchase the virtual live stream ticket will have the chance to watch the entire concert for repeated viewings until May 2021.
Austin is one of the first spots Joe originally performed as a three-piece, years ago at legendary Antone’s, and the city saw the rise of guitar visionary Stevie Ray Vaughan. Austin City Limits Live, known as “music’s best address,” is a national landmark and was awarded “Best New Major Concert Venue” by Pollstar when it opened.
Austin has been home to some incredible artists over the years such as B.B. King, Willie Nelson, Santana, Paul McCartney, Peter Frampton, and Bonamassa himself as well as many others. ACL Live is a world-class stage to perform at and no doubt, Bonamassa will bring his incredible power to the stage, making his own mark on its history.
This event especially goes out to the fans, who via social media, have made their stamp on the evening, selecting their favourite Bonamassa tunes from his unparalleled, extensive catalogue of 24 #1 studio albums and countless productions, to create a very special set list. It will be a new and exciting celebration of some searing hits from his earliest influences as well as amazing original compositions embodying the guitar mastery that he is best known for. This highly curated set will more than delight long-time super fans as well as captivate new ones.
There are a variety of pricing levels available for fans worldwide to be a part of this special “audience.” Tickets to the livestream event starts at $30. Fans may also purchase a $44.99 package that includes a limited-edition commemorative t-shirt, or upgrade to the Deluxe package for $64.99 which also features the Ultimate Video Collection, a 1-year all pass for Bonamassa’s on-demand service which includes 17+ concert releases from Joe Bonamassa, Black Country Communion, and Rock Candy Funk Party – available at any time on most devices.
As part of this unique concert event, fans also have the option to purchase a Commemorative VIP ticket giving them an experience they will never forget. VIP ticket holders will have their photo and name featured in the livestream credits and DVD credits as a virtual audience member.
Joe Bonamassa is one of the most celebrated performing musicians of today. Hailed internationally as one of the greatest guitar players of his generation, Guitar World has honoured him as “the world’s biggest blues guitarist.” The two-time GRAMMY-nominated artist has almost single-handedly redefined the blues-rock genre and brought it into the mainstream. Joe recently received his 24th #1 album on the Billboard Blues Chart with the studio album “Royal Tea”, a nod to his British heroes, recorded at the legendary Abbey Road Studios.
Amidst the pandemic, Joe performed the“Royal Tea” album in entirety before its release last September at the iconic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville with over 17,000 virtual tickets sold, reaching 44 different countries. The event also raised over $32,000 for Bonamassa’s Fuelling Musicians Program, presented by his non-profit Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation (KTBA). Now Joe is ready to hit the stage again for an even more exciting, fan-curated experience at Austin City Limits Live. Each ticket purchase for the livestream will include a $1 donation to ‘Fueling Musicians’.
Bonamassa has been working hard to raise money for musicians affected by the COVID-19 crisis. The Fuelling Musicians program is an emergency relief fund designed to support musicians by providing immediate cash payments for essential living expenses of $1,500 to help them stay afloat and get back on the road again when it is safe. To date, they have raised over $380,000 and distributed the money to over 230 artists. In fact, they are getting checks delivered to some folks who have yet to even receive their support from the government stimulus. As someone who has spent most of his life on the road, Joe knows the clear and evident impact of the crisis on his entertainment community. For those interested in donating, visit HERE.
While much of the applause Bonamassa receives should be credited to his sheer talent, some part of his success needs to be attributed to Joe and his business partner for having the foresight and ability to become some of music’s savviest entrepreneurs. Bonamassa now 43, and his partner Roy Weisman have together devised a 360-degree independent business model that has survived and thrived during one of the music industry’s most uncertain eras, particularly considering the challenges created by the current pandemic.
Discover the extraordinary story of legendary bluesman Joe Bonamassa in the inspirational documentary GUITAR MAN, arriving on Video-On-Demand and for Digital purchase December 8, 2020 from Paramount Home Entertainment.
From average Joe by day to guitar hero at night, GUITAR MAN tells the incredible rise of blues-rocker Joe Bonamassa, whose hard work and determination have made him one of today’s top-selling blues artists. With more #1 Blues albums than anyone else in history, Bonamassa pulls back the curtain on his incredible career, allowing us to see his remarkable musical achievements and pioneering style. Featuring behind the scenes interviews and live concert footage showcasing some of the biggest names in music, kick back and enjoy the exhilarating soundtrack of his phenomenal life.
GUITAR MAN showcases Bonamassa’s astounding talent from his childhood as a “wunderkind” discovered and mentored by Blues legend B.B. King. At the age of only 43, Bonamassa has an illustrious career spanning over three decades. Through highs and lows, Joe persevered, taking his musical journey into his own hands to overcome challenges and reach his goals. In 2009, Bonamassa fulfilled a lifelong dream of playing at the prestigious Royal Albert Hall and was joined on stage by Eric Clapton, marking a pivotal moment that elevated his music to the next level.
Filled with an abundance of music, live concert footage, and interviews with music industry legends, GUITAR MAN chronicles a musician growing in his craft, traveling the globe, collaborating with top artists from across the world of music, and ascending to the heights of inevitable success.
In addition to having this exciting film release, Joe just landed his 24th #1 with his latest studio album Royal Tea which was recorded at the legendary Abbey Road Studios and shows off Joe’s fiery guitar playing and incredible songwriting in a whole new way. It is also worth mentioning that Bonamassa has done a lot for artists during COVID-19 through his Non-Profit’s Fueling Musicians program, raising $375K thus far and giving it to 225+ touring musicians whose livelihoods have been halted.
