Joe Bonamassa, Genting Arena, Birmingham - REVIEW and PICTURES

Together with his stand-out backing band, the star’s show was fautless from start to end.

The Genting Arena set, which ran for around two hours, saw the Ballad of John Henry idol play a wide variety of material - some old, some new - with a great mixture of pace and style.

One thing which was unwavering throughout, however, was the quality and power of each song.

Dressed in his trademark black suit and dark shades, Joe played a large number of different guitars from his famous collection and on each number had fans transfixed with his excellent, unique performances.

He treated the audience to a range of outstanding solos, displaying a huge variety of techniques and skills on songs such as No Good Place For The Lonely and How Deep This River Runs.

And though Joe is best known for his guitar skills, fans were treated to displays of wonderfully strong, deep vocals throughout the evening from the New York-born icon.

“For the first four songs we were playing new material from an album coming out in September,” Joe later explained.

“People may say it’s a little too early to play new music but I stand here in indignation - we are proud to play the new music.”

“Though I know somewhere in the heavens of this place there’s a man saying to his wife ‘this ain’t no John Henry - I’m going to get me a f*****g hotdog',” Joe added wryly, provoking laughter from the crowd.

And though he was the main attraction, Joe brought a pack of seven tremendously talented musicians and singers along with him.

Those among the band who shone brightest were keys player Reese Wynans, of Double Trouble and Captain Beyond fame, and saxophonist Paulie Cerra, who has toured with the likes of Stevie Wonder and Billy Preston.

I Get Evil, from Joe’s 2016 Live at the Greek Theatre album, was perhaps one of the best displays of all the group had to offer, with stand-out velvety vocals and great range from Joe, wonderful display of talent from Paulie and trumpet player Lee Thornburg, and incredible high-paced fingerwork from Reese.

Paulie even gave the crowd a peek of his stupendous, gritty, strong voice on Slow Train.

“It’s a Friday night here in Birmingham and I can think of no better excuse than to invite our good friend Bernie Marsden on stage,” beamed Joe.

And with that, up strolled the Whitesnake and UFO guitarist who gave an excellent performance alongside Joe and the others on Breaking Up Somebody’s Home; even delighting the arena with a fabulous solo.

An absolute treat all round, filled with impeccable performances, brilliant talent and great showmanship - and one which went down an absolute storm with Joe’s devoted Midland following.