Joe Bonamassa’s amazing 2015 Fall tour, spanning both Europe and the United States, is over, but we’ll always have the incredible memories of a tour that featured many thrilling moments, great surprises, and Joe Bonamassa and his band bringing their A-Game at all times. We got to see a lot of Amos the Flying V this tour, and we had as much fun rocking to it as Joe always seemed to be having playing that bad boy.

The setlists were powerful and packed full of a diverse array of Joe’s material. We got to see old classics that we hadn’t heard in awhile, like “The River” and “Burning Hell”. We had a sweet mixture of Joe Bonamassa originals, traditional covers, and Muddy Wolf and Three Kings material. And we were treated to dynamic, vivacious renditions of “Sloe Gin” and “The Ballad of John Henry” in an incredible segue to close out the main sets.

We got to speak with several of Joe’s bandmates about their experiences on the tour. We asked Joe’s stellar drummer, Anton Fig, about the dynamics of playing in Joe’s band. Anton had this to say about the experience:

“Having the opportunity to play the songs night after night allowed the band to develop and get inside them. The songs really took shape over the course of the tour and the band became confident and developed a killer instinct. After a few shows we knew it was going to be good every time - it was just a matter of degrees as to how good.*

"Everyone is a seasoned pro who knows how to play with other musicians. There is no weak link in the chain and everyone respects the other. We are all on the same team and get along musically and personally. I think it allows Joe the freedom to stretch because we can hold it down and go in any direction he wants to go.”

Asked about the musical goals of the band, Fig added, “We were out there to do the best show we could do on any night.”

How does a member of Joe’s band get ready for the big gig each night? We asked legendary blues keyboardist Reese Wynans this very question, and he explained:

“For me, its all about preparation. A lot goes in to getting prepared to perform.I strive to improve every night. I did extensive study on this tour and finally came to the correct result for me. Which is: one doubleshot of vodka 30 minutes before showtime works the best. 2 is too many. Beer doesn’t work as well. Grey Goose or Tito’s for me.”

Cheers, Reese! Wanting to know, we asked Reese what makes this particular band so special. he said, “Well after this many shows, it’s a well-oiled machine. The rhythm section is pumping. The horns are tight. Joe puts it all out there every night. I feel like I’m the grease that lets the engine run smoothly. i guess that makes me Reese the grease.”

And when we asked him about his favorite moments of the tour, Reese told us, “The best thing was the Austin crowd singing Happy Birthday to me. The funniest thing was me forgetting what key the slow blues was in halfway through the intro. Whew. Just barely saved that one.”

We didn’t notice, Reese!

We also got to speak with ace bass man Michael Rhodes, who we always enjoyed watching rock out during the shows. Asked how he grew on this tour, he said, “How did I grow on this tour? I actually LOST an inch on my waistline. ‘Always on the road’ is NOT a lie. Seriously though - Previous to this fall tour, my musical (and personal, for that matter) vocabulary with Joe had been in the studio, for the most part.

Being on the road with Joe, and the rest of this wonderful band, expanded our communication. THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE FOR PERFORMANCE CONDITIONS. All the practice in the world doesn’t replace the “gig”. Night after night, I (and we, if I can speak for the band) unlocked the songs from individual presentations to a dynamic ,comprehensive show, and it is continuing to evolve. Also, did I mention it is gloriously LOUD?

When we asked him what made playing in this band so special for him, Rhodes exclaimed, “Uh..Did I mention it is LOUD?! Man- this thing is ROCKING!!! So much fun!!! Everybody in the band is world class-no drama, totally professional - Anton Fig and I in the engine room? Nightly celebration!!!!”

Though there were a couple of minor negatives said Rhodes. “I painfully discovered that I am too tall for European tour buses. USA saunas should be ashamed of themselves.”

More than anything, it was evident just how much fun Joe and the band had playing night in and night out, and each performance kept us on the edge of our seats throughout. Joe’s virtuosic guitar-playing never ceases to amaze and brought us so much joy this fall. And we can’t wait for the next tour, when we get to do it all over again!