10 guitar heroes who should be much better known, by Joe Bonamassa Joe Bonamassa's definitive guide to the guitar heroes who don't get the credit they deserve Louder · Dec 3, 2023
“It found its right home. Collecting is about what you love and what you are gonna do with it”: Joe Bonamassa confirms he passed up the chance to buy the iconic ‘Greeny’ Les Paul before it ended up with Kirk Hammett Bonamassa was approached with the prospect of purchasing the prized LP back in 2013 – the same year he played it live at the Royal Albert Hall Guitar World · Dec 1, 2023
“The narrative is I grew up in a rich family – wrong. The narrative is it was handed to me – wrong. It’s sweat equity over 35 years”: Joe Bonamassa sets the record straight on the humble beginnings of his world-famous guitar collection In a conversation with Rick Beato, the gear connoisseur revisits the roots of his collecting journey – and responds to those quick to claim his buying habits take stock away from aspiring players Guitar World · Nov 29, 2023
“It’s the most money I’ve ever paid for a guitar in my life: over $400,000. But what’s a Flying V worth? It’s worth what someone’s willing to pay for it”: Joe Bonamassa opens the gates to Nerdville and shows off the most prized guitars in his collection Bonamassa welcomes us to Nerdville to share the stories behind some of his favorite guitars, including a mint ’58 Flying V, Tommy Bolin’s mythical 1960 Gibson Les Paul Standard and a tuxedo ES-355 that might, just might, be the only one in existence Guitar World · Nov 22, 2023
“The thought of missing out on this guitar gave me the strength to do the gig”: Watch Joe Bonamassa demo the ’69 Hendrix spec Strat he calls ‘The Bronchitiscaster’ – and a super-rare ’67 Flying V Joe Bonamassa demos the tones and tells the stories behind two much-loved Hendrix-era electrics in his collection, and they sound – and look – incredible MusicRadar · Nov 17, 2023
“Owned by, played by, signed by and designed by some of the brightest lights in rock ‘n’ roll”: Eric Clapton launches 25th anniversary Crossroads Festival auction – and it includes some serious instruments Slowhand's 'Crash' Fender Stratocaster and a unique PRS Silver Sky are among the guitars up for sale, and all proceeds will go towards supporting the Crossroads Centre in Antigua Guitar World · Nov 15, 2023
“I’m at the height of my skillset, and the minute I can’t play or sing as well is the minute I plan the exit – I don’t want to be the old grey mare”: Joe Bonamassa’s career keeps hitting new peaks – but he’s already decided when he’ll give it all up In this candid conversation, Bonamassa welcomes us to Nerdville to discuss his journey from 12-year-old prodigy to one of today’s most talked-about guitar players, what stops him being a traditional blues guitarist, and why he won’t be doing this as an old man Guitar World · Nov 13, 2023
Kirk Fletcher makes a triumphant return to the stage following his recent stroke – and his blues chops were in full working order as he jammed with Joe Bonamassa in Tulsa The modern blues maestro suffered a stroke onstage in July, with Joe Bonamassa and Josh Smith launching a fundraising auction to support Fletcher with his medical bills Guitar World · Nov 9, 2023
“Learning licks is useful, but if you rely only on licks you will lose the connection between your mind and the instrument”: Matteo Mancuso's soloing skills are something else – these are his top tips for playing better lead lines He's been tipped for greatness by Steve Vai, Joe Bonamassa, Al Di Meola and more. Now, Mancuso shares his soloing secrets Guitar World · Nov 6, 2023
“Please do what you can to help our brother”: Joe Bonamassa launches fundraiser in support of Kirk Fletcher following onstage stroke A Fender signature amp from JoBo's personal collection and a Les Paul signed by some of today's biggest blues artists are being sold to raise funds for Fletcher's ongoing medical care Guitar World · Nov 6, 2023
“You could do anything with a Telecaster”: Joe Bonamassa shares his Telecaster tone tips and tricks – with the help of an exceptionally rare vintage model JoBo breaks down the secret sound of vintage Fender Teles and more in his latest tonal deep dive, which focuses on “one of the best tools you could ever buy” Guitar World · Nov 3, 2023
"You don't have to spend a lot of money" – Joe Bonamassa explains the keys to more Telecaster tones "There's a video of Jeff Beck saying you can do anything with it – and he was right." MusicRadar · Nov 3, 2023
“My message to young players is: be who you are. People who get it don't care about rulebooks and stupid internet polls”: Joe Bonamassa names 6 up-and-coming blues guitarists you need to hear From Latin-influenced shredders to masters of the Chicago style, there are plenty of young six-stringers to be excited about in the blues scene today, as JoBo can attest Guitar World · Nov 2, 2023
“As I came off the stage I said ‘How much do you want for it?' He wanted the princely sum of 600 pounds”: Bernie Marsden plays the blues on “The Beast,” his legendary 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard, and reveals its origin story Gary Moore was in awe of its tone, and Jeff Beck played Scatterbrain on it... Here, the late blues-rock guitar titan tells the story of the most famous six-string in his collection Guitar World · Aug 28, 2023
Guitar World · Aug 25, 2023 Bernie Marsden, former Whitesnake guitarist and giant of blues-rock guitar, has died Co-writer of Here I Go Again, Marsden leaves behind a profound legacy following a lauded career, and was “writing and recording new songs until the end”
Louder · Aug 17, 2023 "We did have a couple of séances, but I didn't see any ghosts, though I know the place was haunted": Glenn Hughes on the recording of Deep Purple's Burn Bassist/vocalist Glenn Hughes on joining Deep Purple, almost joining Rainbow, leaving the Dead Daisies, the future of Black Country Communion, and 50 years of Burn
Guitar World · Aug 11, 2023 Palm-muted gut-punches and Strandberg shred that sounds like Plini meets Mario Kart: This week’s essential guitar tracks Fresh, guitar-driven cuts from Bleed From Within, The Joy Formidable, Ottto, Angra, James Bay, Eliza McLamb, and loads more
Guitar World · Aug 10, 2023 “His effect on the art form was profound and lasting”: Robbie Robertson, 1943-2023 – the guitar world pays tribute Musicians, creatives, and world leaders alike have all paid tribute to the famed Bob Dylan and the Band guitarist, who has died aged 80
Guitar World · Jul 31, 2023 “Instead of the toy store, I wanted to go to the guitar store and play all the expensive guitars”: Steve Lukather shares his biggest gear hits and misses The top sessioneer and Toto stringsman recounts his early six-string experiences, an epic deal on a rare Vox 12-string and why he hasn’t bought a guitar in 30 years…
Guitar World · Jul 27, 2023 Joe Bonamassa has collaborated with some of today’s finest blues players – learn their soloing secrets with this epic lesson The JoBo Rolodex is filled with top blues guitar talent, and here we explore seven solo examples inspired by close contacts Eric Gales, Joanne Shaw Taylor, Kirk Fletcher and many more
Guitar World · Jul 21, 2023 Joe Bonamassa transforms Madonna’s Like a Prayer into a soulful blues-rock solo showcase As a guest of the band Scary Pockets, Bonamassa brilliantly brings the worlds of blues, funk, and disco together
MusicRadar · Jul 21, 2023 "He was the last of the greatest generation of singers and musicians" – tributes paid to Tony Bennett, who has died at the age of 96 John Mayer, Joe Bonamassa and Nile Rodgers salute the iconic crooner
Guitar World · Jul 18, 2023 “His legacy in guitar is worthy of a book itself”: Joe Bonamassa, Neal Schon and Mat Koehler pay tribute to former Gibson luthier Edwin Wilson The man behind Gibson’s True Historic range and Bonamassa’s first signature models has passed away aged 59
The Independent UK · Jul 17, 2023 Montreux Jazz Festival review: Loyle Carner and Nile Rodgers are on excellent form amid the Swiss alps Closing weekend opens with thunderstorms and ends in blazing sunshine
Louder · Jul 17, 2023 80s glam, vampires and 'Ska-mericana': these are the best new rock songs you need to hear this week Some of the most exciting young names in rock music are included in this week's lineup - vote for your favourite!