Despite his affinity for buying legendary vintage gear, Joe Bonamassa says he’s not a big fan of auctions. But when a host of Gary Moore’s equipment went up for sale this week, the bluesman couldn’t resist getting a slice of the action.
Moore – the late blues rock heavyweight celebrated for his flawless 1990 album Still Got The Blues, alongside his work with Thin Lizzy – is widely considered one history’s great guitar players.
“I have never been a fan of grabbing a paddle and slogging it out, buying guitars and amps at auction,” Bonamassa writes in an Instagram post. “There are exceptions, though. Gary’s playing and that album Still Got the Blues changed my life as a kid.”
Bonamassa’s prize pick was Moore’s 1989 Soldano SLO-100, a 100-watt tube amp with some serious bite. Though Moore opted for a Marshall JTM45 on clean with a Guv’nor distortion pedal on the Still Got the Blues LP, he pivoted to the Soldano for the following tour.
Here, he used the amp’s clean channel only, with the Guv’nor once again doing the teeth-baring. The rig would remain in place for his tours in support of After Hours, which was released two years later.
As per Bonham’s website, Bonamassa bought the amp for £19,200 (approx $25,100).
“I’ve Never Been a Fan of Slogging It Out at Auction. There Are Exceptions, Though…” Joe Bonamassa Says Gary Moore’s Playing Changed His Life – Now He’s Just Bought a Piece of His Guitar Hero’s Gear at Auction
Joe bonamassa’s Deep Connection with Gary Moore
Blues-rock virtuoso Joe Bonamassa is no stranger to the magic of inspired guitar playing, but few musicians have impacted him like the legendary Gary Moore. Known for his emotive solos and iconic blues style, Gary’s playing didn’t just influence Joe musically – it changed his entire perception of guitar expression.
In a recent interview, joe revealed:
“I’ve never been a fan of slogging it out at auction. There are exceptions, though, and Gary Moore’s legacy is definitely one of them.”
This candid admission highlights how deeply personal and meaningful this recent auction buy was for Joe – a moment of honoring a guitar hero who shaped his very sound.
The Meaning of Buying Gary Moore’s Gear at Auction
Auctioning of guitars and memorabilia has become a treasured ritual in the music community, but for many artists like Bonamassa, it’s not just about ownership – it’s about connecting with a piece of their inspiration on a tangible level.
Here’s why Joe’s acquisition of Gary Moore’s gear holds significant weight:
- Emotional Connection: Owning an instrument used by Gary Moore allows Joe to maintain an intimate bond with the artist’s legacy.
- Preservation of Musical Heritage: The gear becomes not only a collector’s item but a repository of rock history.
- Musical Inspiration Fully Realized: Playing Moore’s exact gear taps directly into the sounds and feels that Joe admired.
Joe Bonamassa’s Journey with Auctions: From Skepticism to Festivity
Even though Joe Bonamassa openly admits he has “never been a fan of slogging it out at auction,” his enthusiasm grows when it comes to rare and meaningful items. This auction purchase is illustrative of:
- A Selective Approach: Joe prefers auctions with a story behind the items rather than generic memorabilia.
- Respect for Legacy: Celebrating the artists who shaped his craft drives Joe’s auction decisions.
- Collector’s Passion: Beyond functional gear,Joe treasures history and emotional attachment.
Understanding Gary Moore’s Impact on Blues Rock
Gary Moore was renowned for combining powerful rock riffs with soulful blues guitar licks. His dynamic control, emotional vibrato, and searing solos continue to inspire generations of guitarists worldwide.
Bonamassa cites Moore as a pivotal influence for his own guitar voice,frequently enough crediting him for:
- Encouraging expressive soloing
- Blending blues with rock intensity
- Mastering phrasing that captures raw emotion
Having the chance to own Moore’s gear bridges Joe’s past inspirations with his present artistry.
Top Pieces of Gary moore’s Gear Typically Featured at Auctions
| Gear Item | Description | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 1961 Fender Stratocaster | One of Moore’s most iconic guitars with a maple neck, known for radiant tone. | Used on many landmark records, essential for his signature sound. |
| Marshall Amplifier | Classic tube amplifier favored for its aggressive distortion and warmth. | Helped shape Moore’s powerful stage presence and tone. |
| Gibson Les Paul Standard | A rich-toned guitar contributing to Moore’s heavier blues-rock tracks. | Legendary for its sustain and thick overdrive. |
Benefits of Owning Iconic Guitar Gear for Professional Musicians
- Enhanced Connectivity: Physically connecting with an idol’s instrument deepens artistic understanding.
- Inspirational Boost: Familiarity with the gear empowers creativity and experimentation.
- Legacy Preservation: Maintaining and showcasing historic gear keeps music heritage alive.
practical Tips for Musicians and Collectors Interested in Auctioning Guitar memorabilia
- Research Provenance: Verify authenticity and ownership history of the gear.
- Set a Budget: Determine max spend before participating,avoiding emotional overspend.
- Understand Market Value: Check previous auction results for similar items.
- Inspect Condition: Physical assessment can influence bidding strategy.
- Use Reputable Auction Houses: Ensure proper documentation and fair sale.
Joe Bonamassa’s Firsthand Experience: Sharing His Auction Story
when Joe acquired Gary Moore’s gear, he described the process as a rare exception to his usual auction aversion. He explains:
“Being able to hold and play a guitar that belongs to an artist who transformed my musical journey – there’s no price you can put on that moment.”
This purchase stands as a testament to how meaningful memorabilia can transcend monetary value and become an extension of personal and artistic legacy.
The Lasting Impact of Gary moore on Joe Bonamassa’s Music
ever since discovering Gary Moore’s albums, Joe Bonamassa’s playing style incorporates the same emotional intensity and blues-rock fusion that Moore perfected.Key influences include:
- Expressive bending techniques
- Use of dynamic volume swells
- Blurring the line between rock aggression and blues soulfulness
Owning Moore’s guitar gear offers Joe a direct channel to those signature sounds and styles – an invaluable resource for any serious musician or collector.
However, while ‘Joe Bonamassa buys gear’ isn’t necessarily breaking news, it goes against his recent word that he was done splurging on big amps.
Bonamassa has bought some illustrious items over the years – the acquisition of the Tommy Bolin Les Paul is a personal favorite – but he surprised us all in June when he admitted to buying his pedals from Sweetwater.
Now, he’s teamed up with his favorite guitarist for a stunning tribute to B.B. King.
