A STAR-STUDDED line-up of rock legends will be turning their amps up to 11 next month when Black Country Communion perform live in Llandudno
The Entertainer caught up guitarist extraordinaire Joe Bonamassa to find out what audiences can expect from this head-banging night out.
"A CERTAIN percentage of my fans don't know I'm actually in this group," admitted Joe Bonamassa on the eve of his band Black Country Communion's summer tour around the US. "A percentage doesn't find it appealing. But it's not for everybody!
"I find the band to be an opportunity in my life which if I didn't take it, I would be kicking myself in the ass."
Most fans of Joe's solo work may be more familiar with the critically acclaimed guitarist's softer side, but his return to Llandudno ("I love Llandudno - it's a great little seaside town!") marks a desire to kick out the jams and deliver some undiluted rock.
While a recognised name in his own right, the blues rock guitarist will be joined on stage by an all-star line-up including Deep Purple and Black Sabbath bassist and vocalist Glenn Hughes, drummer Jason Bonham of Led Zeppelin fame, and Dream Theatre's Derek Sherinian on the keys.
With such a celebrated group of rock gods in one place, it is easy to see the attraction.
"I get to play a style of music I don't get to play with my solo band," confirmed Joe excitedly between swigs of espresso. "The hard rock element is inherently in me, but is not a huge part of my solo repertoire.
"It's fun to be Tommy Bolin or Jimmy Page and play this rock. It's a break from the day job - but a liberal use of the word 'break'. This is the most I've ever worked."
Black Country Communion's debut album was given a roaring reception by rock fans, and with the second album - titled simply '2' - on the way expectations are high for another bout of ear-bashing brilliance.
But for Joe, the process has been one of "no expectations".
"We met up and it ended up being very organic. It was very much a labour of love for everybody.
"I did realise we had something very special but I didn't realise what it was until the end result. When I first heard the end mix, that was very cool.
"It's a very unique way of doing modern classic rock. There's a sound of early 70s throwback, but it sounds modern."
With this world tour taking in the USA, Europe and the UK, and more touring for Joe with his solo band later this year, does he still get the same thrill for the stage?
"I don't get nervous, I enjoy it," he stated. "I like the sense of adventure, of 'how is it going to go?'
"Within the first two songs you know whether it will be a great show. You can't always have that classic night, but from start to finish its just such fun."
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Black Country Communion will be performing live at Venue Cymru in Llandudno on Saturday, July 23. For more information or to book tickets contact the Box Office on 01492 872000 or visit the website at www.venuecymru.co.uk
Q&A Extra
What's on your iPod at the moment?
I've got more than 10,000 tracks on it. I'm listening to at lot of Cream though.
What job would you do if you weren't a musician?
A private eye.
What was your best gig?
It's tough to remember just one. If you take away the obvious like the Albert Hall.... Paris was great, Zurich was great, Kansas, Seattle also great...
When you've got people in their thousands watching, it really just depends on the people.