It’s been quite the year for Joe Bonamassa. Earlier in 2024, Bonamassa released Live at the Hollywood Bowl with Orchestra, earning him his record 28th #1 Billboard Blues album. This summer, Bonamassa was invited to open for the Rolling Stones at Lumen Field in Seattle.
More recently, Bonamassa earned his fourth career Grammy nomination for Blues Deluxe Volume 2, which was released in late 2023. Bonamassa is up for “Best Contemporary Blues Album” and is seeking his first career Grammy win.
Bonamassa is wrapping up a busy year of touring with one of his final concerts of 2024 in Appleton, Wisconsin at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center. Bonamassa mentioned it’s the first time he’s played in Appleton in nearly 20 years. The concert featured a showcase of songs from the Grammy nominated Blues Deluxe Volume 2 along with other tracks from throughout Bonamassa’s career.
Joining Bonamassa in his band are Josh Smith (guitar), Calvin Turner (bass), Lemar Carter (drums), the legendary Reese Wynans (keyboards), Jade MacRae (backing vocals), and Dannielle De Andrea (backing vocals).
As per usual, Bonamassa took the stage at 8 PM sharp with no opening act. Joe started the show with back to back songs from Blues Deluxe Volume 2, “Hope You Realize It” (Goodbye Again) and “24 Hour Blues” to get the crowd going followed by “Love Ain’t A Love Song.”
“Self Inflicted Wounds” was one of the crowd favorites for the night and was a great showcase for Jade MacRae’s powerful vocals. Then it was back to Blues Deluxe Volume 2 with “Shout About It” and then a cover of “Double Trouble,” which was fitting on a night the entire band wore Reese Wynans t-shirts. Joe mentioned that Thanksgiving is Wynans’ “30th Birthday” and the crowd gave Reese a huge ovation.
During band intros, Joe joked about how he’s been playing Green Bay for the past 20 years instead of Appleton. Then he said, “Do you root for the Packers or don’t you?” The crowd cheered. The band was tight and so was Joe’s comedy game.
Bonamassa’s performance in Appleton was one of his final shows of the year and the first time at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center. Joe said they’ll be back in Appleton unless “Green Bay offers him more money” jokingly, which prompted laughs from the crowd.
Back to the music, Bonamassa showed a different side of his guitar playing with a memorable solo on “The Heart That Never Waits” that really got the crowd going. “Is It Safe To Go Home” was penned by Josh Smith, which tips the hat to Gary Moore and was another standout from the night. Speaking of Smith, he had multiple guitar solos throughout the night showing why he’s one of the best in the business.
“Lazy Poker Blues” followed and then the always energetic “Just Got Paid” with the crowd on its feet. Lemar Carter got some spotlight with a drum solo and crowd participation.
Bonamassa closed the night with fan favorite “Mountain Time” for the encore and the crowd goes home happy.
SET LIST
Hope You Realize It (Goodbye Again)
24 Hour Blues
Love Ain’t A Love Song
Self Inflicted Wounds
Shout About It
Double Trouble
Breaking Up Someone’s Home
Heart That Never Waits
Is It Safe To Go Home
Lazy Poker Blues
Just Got Paid
Mountain Time (encore)
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