Melbourne, FL – March 19, 2025
Last night, the King Center for the Performing Arts in Melbourne became a sanctuary for blues-rock aficionados as Joe Bonamassa delivered a sold-out performance that capped his US Spring Tour 2025 with electrifying finesse. The three-time Grammy-nominated guitarist, backed by a stellar ensemble of veteran musicians, reaffirmed his status as a titan of the genre, blending fresh tracks from his latest album Time Clocks with timeless favorites that spanned his prolific career.
Bonamassa’s latest release, Time Clocks, his 25th #1 Billboard Blues Album, brought a fresh yet familiar energy to the King Center stage, showcasing his evolution while staying rooted in blues-rock tradition. Tracks like “Notches,” with its gritty riffs and defiant swagger, likely kicked the night into high gear, resonating with fans who crave his harder edge. “The Heart That Never Waits,” a soulful standout, would have offered a poignant breather, its introspective lyrics and soaring solos tugging at heartstrings in the venue’s crisp acoustics. The title track, “Time Clocks,” with its expansive, cinematic feel, probably served as a centerpiece, blending intricate guitar work with a modern sheen that dazzled the Melbourne crowd. Meanwhile, “Mind’s Eye,” promoted heavily in the lead-up, opened the set with its haunting melody, setting a reflective tone that transitioned seamlessly into the night’s heavier classics. These songs, rich with Bonamassa’s signature blend of technical brilliance and emotional depth, underscored why Time Clocks is a worthy addition to his catalog and a perfect fit for this triumphant tour closer.
Bonamassa, hailed by Guitar World as “the world’s biggest blues guitarist,” lived up to the moniker. His virtuosity was on full display, fingers dancing across the fretboard with a precision that married technical prowess with raw emotion. Backing Bonamassa’s fretboard fireworks was a powerhouse band of seasoned musicians whose synergy turned the King Center into a sonic crucible. Drummer Greg Morrow, a Nashville stalwart with credits alongside icons like Willie Nelson, laid down a rock-solid groove, driving tracks like “Notches” with relentless precision. Bassist Steve Mackey, whose resume boasts stints with Pulp and Albert King, anchored the low end with a thunderous pulse, giving “Time Clocks” its cinematic heft. Keyboardist Reese Wynans, a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer from Stevie Ray Vaughan’s Double Trouble, wove lush textures and soulful organ runs through “The Heart That Never Waits,” elevating its emotional weight. The trio of backing vocalists—Mahalia Barnes, Jade MacRae, and Dannielle DeAndrea—affectionately dubbed his “sisters,” brought gospel-tinged harmony to “Mind’s Eye,” their voices soaring in the venue’s pristine acoustics. Together, this tight-knit crew didn’t just support Bonamassa; they amplified his vision, making the night a collective triumph that left the sold-out Melbourne crowd buzzing.
The sold-out crowd, evidence of Bonamassa’s enduring draw, roared its approval, a sentiment echoed in his post-show X message at 10:49 PM EDT: “Thank you Melbourne FL at the King Center for a great sold out tour ending tonight! What a blast as always.” The comment hints at a performance that hit all the right notes—energetic, heartfelt, and celebratory, especially as it marked the final stop before his 10th anniversary Keeping the Blues Alive cruise, departing March 21 from Miami.
Not everything was flawless—early arrivals reported a brief evacuation due to smoke, a minor hiccup noted on forums like SurfTalk, though it didn’t derail the night. Once underway, the concert unfolded seamlessly, with Bonamassa’s humility shining through as he reportedly shared the spotlight with his bandmates, a trait fans have come to cherish.
