This week we have a blast from the past! Way back in 1994, before Joe was ‘World-Renowned Blues Solo Artist Joe Bonamassa’, he was Smokin’ Joe, and he played in a band called Bloodline. You could sort of call it a super group, as it consisted of members from famous musicians like Miles Davis, Robby Krieger, and Berry Oakley. They released one self-titled album, and even went on tour opening for Tesla and Lynyrd Skynyrd, before finally disbanding. This video, taken from their performance on Late Night with Conan O’Brien, clearly proves that the focal point of the band’s live performances were centered around a young but amazingly talented Joe.

This was back before it was common to see Joe on a Gibson Les Paul with a wall of high-powered vintage amps behind him, although I think I do spot a single Fender Tweed amp in the back. His collection would only get bigger from this point on. Here he wields a white Stratocaster, using its twangy, bright tone to rip through blues licks reminiscent of Stevie Ray Vaughn on steroids. We all can look back on this and just imagine young JB’s reaction if someone was to tell him what the near future held for him! Enjoy!