Joe Bonamassa Wins Sena Performers European Guitar Award 2017!

The great American blues guitarist Joe Bonamassa is on fire! After concluding his extensive European tour, on May 21st Joe made a stop in the Dutch city of Bergen op Zoom where he graciously accepted the 2017 Sena Performers European Guitar Award (SEGA).

This is one of the most prodigious accolades a guitarist can receive and is only presented once a year. This award is presented an individual who is “inspiring to the development of the electric guitar.” Joe Bonamassa is now among other elite names in the guitar world who have won this title in the past, including Steve Vai, Slash of Guns N’ Roses, Brian May of Queen, Walter Trout, and others.

Joe is steadily becoming one of the most recognizable names, not just as a blues musician, but as a guitarist in general. At 40 years old, Bonamassa became one of the youngest musicians to receive this great achievement. This is the result of heavy dedication to his craft and performing and recording for over 25 years.

The guitarist was warmly greeted and received by the president of SEGA Koert Ligtermoet who noted that among “the new generation of guitarists, [Bonamassa] is still the one who stands out the most. Bonamassa is an example of an inspiration to many and that is exactly why we are issuing this annual award.” Bonamassa was very honored to accept the award and said, “When I see legends like Brian May, Slash, but also my good friend Walter Trout who previously received the award, I know that I mingle in good company.”

After issuing the award, the president of SEGA also presented Joe Bonamassa a check for his non-profit foundation Keeping The Blues Alive, which allows underprivileged children in America to learn how to play an instrument. “I am delighted with all of this attention for me but also for my foundation. I love buying guitars but I think it’s more important to help children.” After the ceremony, Joe agreed to play a set for the audience and “showed why he stands alone at this time.”