You can't fake the sort of warmth Joe shares with these kids. Children are quick to pick up on insincerity and each of the kids I've encountered have all had the same reaction when it comes to Joe Bonamassa, even if they're simply listening to his music. Absolute awe, enthusiastic interest in the music, and a sudden desire to become a musician is the typical reaction. Come to think of it, most adults react similarly.
Earlier in the evening, as Little Dude and I talked with Mark, he mentioned what a genuine, generous heart Joe possesses and what a great gig he has these days. It's obvious the feeling's mutual in the way the band plays and interacts onstage. They're having fun, more fun than I've ever seen in the years I've been following Joe. It's this playfulness and joy kids of all ages pick up on at shows. It's the reason I had to make my son's dream of meeting Joe come true.
I wish we could have seen the whole show Friday night, but that'll happen soon enough. For my son, meeting the band was all he needed to keep him smiling the whole weekend.
Thanks to all in Joe's camp for making a little boy's dream a reality. In the age of pre-packaged, over-engineered, phony as a three-dollar-bill music "superstars," it's a blessing to have Joe Bonamassa around to show that real talent and a down-to-earth attitude aren't mutually exclusive. And, if our kids are going to look to the music realm for heroes, I can't think of a better hero than Joe.
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.