Joe Bona-Who?

Sometime right after the Cheap Trick/Poison/Def Leppard concert, Scott asked me if I would like to go see Joe Bonamassa. For some reason I thought he was talking about a guitarist from a group called G3 – all of which are incredible musical geniuses, but tend to play long, long solos without words. Plus I felt pretty worn out with the concert scene, especially knowing we would see U2 a month before this particular show. Poor Scott was sweating it out all the way up to the week before the concert to see whether or not he would even get to view one of his favorite guitarists. Thankfully things worked out with his clients where he had a week in between installs to attend the Thursday night performance. While out and about in O-town today, Scott happened to check facebook only to notice Joe Bonamassa’s status update as “setting up for the Orlando gig”. Without hesitation Scott suggested we stop by to see if Joe was available for autographs. Next thing I knew, there we were, standing backstage of The Plaza right next to both of Joe’s rides – his personal bus and the equipment truck. The roadies where very kind and helpful – even took photos of us when needed. It took a little while before Joe emerged from his roaming pad, but as we waited Scott struck up a conversation with a guy named Carmine standing outside. (Once we got back home, Scott was pleasantly surprised to find out he had been talking to Carmine Rojas: Rod Stewart’s bassist and music director for 13 year and played with other such well known artists as David Bowie, Tina Turner, and Stevie Wonder just to name a few.) And the rest is history – We got our photos with Joe, and as I looked at him, I kept thinking… this is not the same guy I remember from G3. Scott explained how Bonamassa started at the age of five playing and opened up for B.B. King when he was just 11 years old… that he is a rhythm and blues guy who also sings. Once home, Scott showed me one of Joe’s previous concerts and all I could think of is why I did I not make sure who this musician really was! Oh how I wanted to go – but it was a sold out concert. Hopefully I will next time. Scott said it was an incredible show. I am so glad he was able to go and personally meet one of his favorite legends!

Sidenote... I almost completely ruined capturing the special moment when Joe was signing Scott's guitar thingy. I am not used to taking horizontal shots from the i-phone and it showed! My lovely finger got in the way, but thanks to photoshop I was able to make it look at bit better. I am SO sorry, Scott! Thank you for being so understanding!

Before/After

Footage from the actual concert

An Interview with Carmine Rojas