With only a little of the sound check left, Little Dude and I decided it was time to head home. The drummers were switching places again as we made our way to the stage. We thanked Joe for his time, shook hands, and my son said, "that's my favorite song off You & Me! I couldn't remember earlier, but that's the one." Joe smiled and chuckled a bit and then handed Little Dude the guitar pick he used just a few minutes earlier. I don't think there's ever been a bigger smile on my kid's face. We said our goodbyes to everyone else, walked out toward the parking lot. The crowd was gathering and it was a rather sizable crowd at that. (The show was sold out.) We noticed a man with a "Joe Bonamassa Always on the Road" t-shirt and stopped to talk with him. He mentioned how much he was looking forward to the show and my son assured him it was going to be a great night for music.
While we were talking, the band had officially finished their sound check and we saw Joe once again. I had to hold my son back from rushing "The Man," a considerable effort, I must say. Finally, I got my son in the car and we spent the rest of the evening talking about what a thrilling time he'd had. I actually fought back tears as I listened to the little boy chatter happily away. "My whole life has changed. I GOT TO MEET JOE BONAMASSA!" He again declared his refusal to wash the hand Joe shook. Everything about Joe was "the best!"
It's in these moments when my admiration and respect for Joe (and everyone involved with him) are reaffirmed. My son is just one child whose "life has changed" because the man's dedication, drive, and humility have kept him so well grounded, so accessible, and so generous with his time and talent. This wasn't a one time occurrence. In Vegas, I've watched my friends' children stand in awe before the band, shake their hands, and walk away proclaiming they've met the greatest guys on earth. I've met young adults on Joe's official site's message boards, inspired by his music and kindness. I've witnessed Joe's mentoring in action as LD Miller (who you can see competing on America's Got Talent on NBC) took the stage at the end of May, with the two of them dueling it out musically. And the time Joe gives to the Blues in the Schools program is further proof of his commitment to the next generation of music lovers and musicians.
Article comments
1 - Paul Roy
I'd hate to be Mick Jones having to go on after Joe. Great story Joan.
2 - Joan Hunt
I think Mick Jones enjoys the band's energy and purity of musical style as much as everyone else. How could he not? It's a thing of rare beauty.
3 - Dan
Great story! I just had the exact same experience with my 11 year old son. We went to see Joe play at the Academy of Music in North Hampton Ma. We got there early and a super nice guy who worked there named Matt started talking with my son, also named Matt, and brought us in to watch the sound check. When I explained that Matt played guitar and we were hoping that Joe might sign it for us, he went to check with Joe to see if he would mind signing it. Well he returned and said Joe would love to sign it. We went back to our car to get the guitar and when we returned, we were brought back stage to meet Joe. Joe was so gracious. He spoke with my son, admired the other signatures we had gotten (J. Geils and Chris Duarte) and then added his signature. What a super nice guy. He is a great role model for kids.