By Gemma Varnfield

THE most successful blues musician of his generation, guitarist and singer songwriter Joe Bonamassa performed at the BIC on Saturday in the final instalment of his European tour.

Los Angeles-based Bonamassa and his seven-strong band completed their 15-date tour, having visited seven countries and boasting a headline slot at the Holland International Blues Festival.

The performance was a true guitar masterclass, with Bonamassa performing for two and a quarter hours with no interval or support act.

Playing a mixture of songs from his latest album Redemption and from previous bestselling albums, Bonamassa performed blues and rock which had the crowd mesmerised.

The first half of the show was a very relaxed affair, with the audience captivated by the Bonamassa craft, admiring his guitar licks and epic guitar solos.

Come the second half of the show, Bonamassa cheered the crowd onto their feet and the audience enjoyed his heavy blues rock sound.

Bonamassa played his first ever UK show at Mr Kyps in Poole in 2005, costing the venue just £200 for the performer, who was unknown to the UK at the time.

As a thank you to the venue, Bonamassa returned 10 years later, following a decade of acclaimed albums to play a free show to under 400 lucky ticket winners.

Those who missed Bonamassa this time can see Joe and his band perform on the Jools Holland Show on Tuesday night.

As part of his 2019 European tour, Bonamassa is due to play a record three consecutive nights at the Royal Albert Hall in April.