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. 🏴🤘
