Photo: Joe Bonamassa Instagram
Blues rock guitar maestro Joe Bonamassa took matters into his own hands at a recent show of his in Tulsa.
In his mind the security man/bouncer at the event was overzealous in his treatment of the audience and he felt he needed to step in. The guitarist showed his disapproval by prodding the guy with his trusty guitar.
Bouncers beware. To put hands on my fans = 51 Fender Nocaster to the ball cap. That's a big no bueno in my book. pic.twitter.com/BvsyM1Ym1x
— JOE BONAMASSA (@JBONAMASSA) December 10, 2016
On social media he posted the accompanying picture (above) and the comment: "To the bouncer who harassed one of our fans up front...that is why you can now tell your family and friends what a 51 Fender No-caster to the head feels like. Don't ever put hands on my fans again. Consider that a love tap reminder.”
Bonamassa is a 'living legend’ in the world of blues rock.
He first picked up a guitar at a very young age and was inspired by the likes of Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimi Hendrix and the UK’s own Eric Clapton.
One of his earliest support gigs was for the acclaimed pioneer of blues BB King.
Joe’s talent was spotted early and he was snapped up by the label Epic at the age of 22.
His releases since have been a welcome mix of original songs inspired by his heroes and some very well received covers of those very works.
The New York native has toured extensively and sold-out shows across the globe. His live DVDs and albums are extremely popular too.
His stint as a member of supergroup Black Country Communion, alongside Glenn Hughes and Jason Bonham was an interesting sidestep, but provided us with some wonderful tracks.
It is a shame the musicians did not record more, but perhaps less is more?
For live music fans it is always an issue with over-eager security staff and they can be the bane of our lives. It is not often an artist sees that and steps up to defend the people who pay his wages.
Fans do get the bad end of the stick at gigs. We are often made to wait for ages outside avenue, encouraged to over drink alcohol and subjected to conditions that even cattle may not be made to.
It has been known for many of us that at every gig (big or small) we can see people removed by security staff long before the main band come on stage.
Maybe Mr Bonamassa will start a trend where the acts look out for their much-needed fans?
Joe Bonamassa will tour in 2017. Check here for ticket information
APRIL 2017
18 Edinburgh Usher Hall
20/21 London Royal Albert Hall
22 Blackpool Opera House
24 Sheffield Arena –
