Joe Bonamassa

Joe Bonamassa in Madrid: A Guitar Masterclass at Palacio Vistalegre

On November 8, Palacio Vistalegre hosted Madrid’s long-awaited reunion with Joe Bonamassa. Fifteen years had passed since his previous visit, and his return delivered exactly what one might expect from one of contemporary blues rock’s most recognisable guitarists: an intense, powerful performance built around the undisputed centrepiece of the evening — his guitar.

The opening, however, was not without its flaws. The sound during the first two songs, Breakthrough and Trigger Finger, was initially heavy on the low frequencies. The balance gradually improved, allowing the music to find greater clarity as the show progressed. By 24 Hour Blues, Bonamassa was already demonstrating what audiences come to expect from his performances: exceptional technique, complete command of his instrument and the ability to turn an extended solo into a musical story of its own.

Tributes to some of the genre’s defining artists played an important role in the setlist. Mainline Florida brought Eric Clapton to mind, while I Fall Apart and A Million Miles Away paid tribute to Rory Gallagher’s legacy. These were more than familiar names appearing in the setlist. They reflected an essential part of Bonamassa’s musical identity. Rather than simply reproducing the work of his influences, he incorporates their legacy into a distinctive musical language of his own.

Yet the evening never became an exercise in blues nostalgia. His own compositions — Me and My Baby, Drive by the Exit Sign, Happier Times and Last Kiss — fitted naturally into the programme, revealing different sides of the musician, from soulful textures to hard-hitting blues rock.

The band played a crucial role in shaping the performance. Josh Smith on guitar, Lachy Doley on keyboards, Calvin Turner on bass and Lemar Carter on drums offered far more than straightforward backing for the frontman. Vocalists Jade McRae and Ms. Monét brought additional depth and emotional intensity to the show, particularly on I Want to Shout About It.

One of the evening’s defining moments came with the Well, Well / Stratus section. Billy Cobham’s instrumental composition opened the door to extended collective improvisation. The funk-driven groove, the interplay between the musicians and Lemar Carter’s drum solo, which drew a standing ovation, made this one of the night’s highlights.

Following A Million Miles Away, the musicians returned for the encore with Sloe Gin. The extended performance brought the Madrid show to its conclusion.

There were technical imperfections along the way, but the essential quality of the performance remained untouched: Joe Bonamassa knows how to hold an audience’s attention without relying on gimmicks, letting the music do the talking. His return to Palacio Vistalegre was a compelling celebration of blues rock in all its power — emotional, virtuosic and deeply rooted in tradition.