Joe Bonamassa UK Tour Review 2025

Review: Joe Bonamassa – Cardiff Utilita Arena, April 23, 2025

By Tim Caple

Joe Bonamassa returned to the stage at Cardiff’s Utilita Arena on April 23rd with a blistering 12-song set that doubled as a love letter to blues-rock. With no support act and no gimmicks—just guitars, grit, and world-class musicianship—Bonamassa and his band delivered a 2½ hour masterclass that captivated the packed arena from the opening riff to the final encore.

Kicking off with the smouldering “Hope You Realize It” from Blues Deluxe Volume 2, Bonamassa wasted no time setting the tone: this would be an evening where technical prowess met emotional depth. From there, “Dust Bowl” brought the first major highlight of the night, Bonamassa’s vocals more resonant than ever, threading effortlessly through the smoky atmospherics of the band’s groove in fact it is worth noting here how good his vocals were throughout the night there is a tendency to be so enthralled and captivated by his guitar playing you forget he is a fine vocalist as well.

Every song felt like its own chapter—“24 Hour Blues” simmered with soulful tension, “Driving Towards The Daylight” surged with urgency, and “The Last Matador of Bayonne” provided an introspective lull that showcased Bonamassa’s storytelling strength. The band itself was a force to be reckoned with: every solo, every fill, every subtle dynamic shift was evidence of their seasoned chemistry. You could feel the unspoken conversations between players all of whom were having an absolute ball none more so than Reece Wynans on keys who at one point was on his feet fist pumping in the air whilst continuing to play, the rock hall of fame inductee with Stevie Ray Vaughan at 77 years old is in no mood to contemplate any slowing down and played with the same verve vigour and energy levels as he showed off in his prime years.

After a rousing run of tracks, the band intros were a welcome breather, giving fans a moment to appreciate the ensemble’s individual virtuosity. But the highlight of the night, undoubtedly, came during the climactic medley built around Led Zeppelin’s “How Many More Times.” A thunderous, sprawling tribute to blues-rock's roots, it whipped the crowd into a frenzy—feet stomping, fists raised, voices roaring. And just when you thought it couldn’t peak any higher, the band returned with a goosebump-inducing encore of “Mountain Time,” one of Bonamassa’s most beloved tracks. It was a perfect, emotional closer that had the audience swaying, singing, and soaking in every note.

No pyrotechnics, no visual effects—just pure, unfiltered musicianship. This was more than a concert. It was a reminder that when great players come together with nothing to prove and everything to give, magic happens. Joe Bonamassa didn’t just perform—he reaffirmed why he remains one of the most vital guitarists of our time, and the good news keeps on coming as just as we were about to conclude here comes the news that the new album "Breakthrough" will land July 18 .

Crafted across multiple continents and infused with a world’s worth of inspiration, Breakthrough marks a bold new chapter for Bonamassa—one that leans on fiery solos, emotionally rich storytelling, groove-driven arrangements, and stylistic exploration. Produced by long-time creative partner Kevin Shirley (Iron Maiden, The Black Crowes, Journey), the album was shaped by sessions in Greece, Egypt, Nashville, and Los Angeles, resulting in a vibrant sonic tapestry that shifts effortlessly from funky blues and Texas swing to acoustic ballads and swaggering hard rock.

“I think this album, Breakthrough, marks a shift in the styling of Joe Bonamassa’s recording output,” says Shirley. “While there are plenty of guitar solos on this record, his emphasis has been on songs primarily. Each time Joe undertakes a new recording project, he seems to access a different part of his vast library of music genre from the jukebox-in-his-head! This album is a round-the-world musical trip—from Little Feat funkiness to Texas swing, from hard rock power to acoustic singer/songwriter-style songs.”

The newly released single “Breakthrough,” co-written with long-time collaborator Tom Hambridge (Buddy Guy, ZZ Top, Lynyrd Skynyrd), captures the emotional core of the record—an uplifting anthem about transformation, persistence, and letting go of the weight that holds us back. With gritty vocals, melodic guitar lines, and lush instrumentation, the track embodies Bonamassa’s signature blend of power and finesse while ushering in a bold new direction.

“Breakthrough” follows the success of Bonamassa’s recent singles “Still Walking With Me” and “Shake This Ground,” both of which hinted at the adventurous spirit behind the full album. “Shake This Ground” delivered a moody, introspective edge, while “Still Walking With Me” leaned into warmth, gratitude, and classic soul. Each track reflects a different facet of Bonamassa’s evolving songwriting approach, rooted in emotional honesty and anchored by his unmistakable guitar work.

The album announcement caps a stretch of extraordinary momentum for Bonamassa. Next up, Bonamassa recently began his extensive European Spring Tour, followed by a June run with his powerhouse supergroup Black Country Communion(featuring Glenn Hughes, Jason Bonham, and Derek Sherinian). After another round of summer dates across Europe—including sold-out shows in Ireland—he’ll return stateside for his just-announced 2025 U.S. Summer Tour, a limited amphitheater run featuring stops at The Greek Theatre, Red Rocks, and more iconic venues.