Blues fans, polish up your shades and pour yourself a stiff drink — because Joe Bonamassa has just dropped a bombshell that’s going to make your record collection tremble. The blues guitar maestro has announced a mammoth 32-track B.B. King tribute album, and he’s not coming alone. Joining him for this electric blues pilgrimage are none other than Slash (yes, THAT top-hatted riff lord), Myles Kennedy, Paul Rodgers, and a star-studded crew of rock royalty. 🤘🔥
What’s the Album About?
Simply put — it’s a love letter to B.B. King, the undisputed King of the Blues. Joe Bonamassa has been flying the blues flag for years, but this project is shaping up to be something on a whole new scale. With 32 tracks, the album isn’t just a nod — it’s a full-blown blues banquet, covering King’s timeless legacy while giving it a modern kick with some of the world’s most respected voices and guitar slingers.
Think Lucille meets Les Paul, soul-drenched vocals paired with wailing guitars, and tributes that don’t just mimic but reimagine the spirit of B.B.
The Guest List: Proper Job, Mun! 🏴
Let’s be honest, Bonamassa could’ve carried this thing solo, but he’s brought in reinforcements that’ll make you want to pre-order immediately:
- 🎩 Slash – Expect squealing solos, wah-wah chaos, and that unmistakable Les Paul roar.
- 🎤 Myles Kennedy – One of the finest voices in modern rock, capable of turning blues ballads into spine-tingling anthems.
- 🎶 Paul Rodgers – The man who fronted Free and Bad Company. If anyone can honour the soul of B.B. King, it’s Rodgers.
And word is, there are plenty more names waiting to be revealed. 👀
Why 32 Tracks?
Because 10 tracks wouldn’t cut it.
Because 15 tracks wouldn’t even scratch the surface.
Because B.B. King deserves an epic-sized tribute, and Bonamassa’s going all in.
Expect:
- 🔥 Reimagined versions of the classics (The Thrill Is Gone is a dead cert).
- 🎙️ Guest collabs that’ll have fans debating “best version” in forums for years.
- 🎵 Rare cuts and deep dives, bringing light to corners of B.B.’s catalogue that casual listeners may have missed.
A Blues Album for Rock Fans Too
Let’s not kid ourselves — this isn’t just for the blues purists. Bonamassa knows how to make his records cross the divide, blending fiery rock energy with heartfelt blues tradition. Add Slash’s guitar pyrotechnics, Myles Kennedy’s soaring voice, and Paul Rodgers’ raw soul — and you’ve got an album that could easily sneak into your rock playlists while staying true to its roots.
Fan Reactions So Far 🎤💬
The announcement has already set socials on fire. Fans are shouting things like:
- “Finally, a proper tribute to B.B. that isn’t just a half-hour of covers!”
- “Bonamassa AND Slash? Shut up and take my money!”
- “32 tracks… I’m going to need a week off work to digest this beast.”
When’s It Out?
No firm date yet (cheeky tease, Joe), but word on the riff-street is that it’ll land in 2026 — perfectly timed to give us all the blues cure we didn’t know we needed.
Final Thoughts 🎧
This is shaping up to be one of the biggest blues-rock events of the decade. Bonamassa isn’t just paying tribute to a legend — he’s rallying the troops, bringing in voices and guitarists who know how to respect the past while setting it on fire for the present.
Get your vinyl shelves ready. This is going to be a lush, proper job, mun. 🏴🤘
Michael is the founder, editor, and chief riff wrangler behind The Riff Report, an independent Welsh rock and metal publication built by fans, for fans. With a lifelong passion for loud guitars, unforgettable live shows, and the incredible community that surrounds rock and metal, he created The Riff Report to celebrate everything that makes the scene special—from legendary headline acts and grassroots venues to rising bands that deserve to be heard.
A familiar face at festivals across the UK, Michael spends much of the year covering events including Download Festival, Bloodstock Open Air, Steelhouse Festival, Firevolt, Plumpton Revival, and many more. Whether he’s battling the Welsh weather on a mountainside, surviving a weekend in a muddy campsite, or squeezed against the front barrier with thousands of fellow fans, he’s always searching for the next great story to share.
As editor of The Riff Report, Michael writes festival guides, breaking news, album reviews, gig reviews, interviews, opinion pieces, nostalgia features, and behind-the-scenes stories from across the rock and metal world. His writing combines honest opinions, humour, and a genuine love for live music, bringing readers closer to the bands, festivals, venues, and people that keep the scene alive.
Michael is particularly passionate about supporting independent artists, local venues, charities, and the wider UK rock and metal community. He believes every band deserves a chance to be discovered and every festival has a story worth telling. Through The Riff Report, he aims to shine a spotlight on both the biggest names in rock and the future stars waiting to break through.
When he’s not writing or interviewing artists, you’ll probably find him exploring festival campsites, photographing live shows, chatting with fellow fans over a pint, or planning the next road trip in search of more riffs, bigger crowds, and unforgettable moments.
Above all, Michael believes rock and metal are about more than music—they’re about community, friendship, and creating memories that last a lifetime. That’s exactly what The Riff Report exists to celebrate.
Proudly Welsh. Proudly Loud. Always chasing the next great riff. 🤘
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