Joe Bonamassa Returns

Guitar virtuoso Joe Bonamassa returns to Chewing the Gristle,
bringing his characteristic wit and wisdom as he prepares for an
ambitious European tour season. This conversation between two
master guitarists reveals the realities of sustaining a music
career with both artistic integrity and business savvy.

Bonamassa takes us behind the scenes of his upcoming three-month
European adventure, which includes solo performances, a Black
Country Communion reunion after 14 years, and a special tribute
to blues legend Rory Gallagher. The logistics are fascinating –
he maintains duplicate touring rigs for Europe and America, a
practical response to shipping costs that have nearly tripled
since the pandemic.

The highlight comes when Bonamassa shares treasures from his
1,200+ instrument collection, including his beloved "Principal
Skinner" 1959 Les Paul. Rather than treating these vintage pieces
as museum exhibits, he plays them regularly, embracing each new
ding and scratch as part of their continuing story. "They're not
out here to be preserved," he explains, challenging the collector
mentality that prioritizes value over music-making.

What truly distinguishes this episode is Bonamassa's candid
assessment of music business realities. After discovering early
in his career that middlemen were taking substantial portions of
his performance fees, he developed a direct-to-consumer approach
that has sustained his career. "My motto is I don't need
millions, I just need enough," he shares, articulating a
philosophy that values artistic fulfillment over commercial
peaks.

For aspiring musicians, Bonamassa offers both sobering and
inspiring advice: "You have to love this thing so much that
you're willing to take a vow of poverty, still be happy, and
can't live with yourself if you don't play." It's this unwavering
passion, combined with business acumen, that has enabled his
enduring career in the often unforgiving music industry.

Ready to hear more wisdom from one of blues rock's most
successful independent artists? Subscribe now and journey through
the musical landscape with Joe Bonamassa and your host, Greg
Koch.