Joe Bonamassa Recounts Les Paul Séance in Ax-Centric UK podcast

Joe Bonamassa
(Image credit: Future)

“He’s twanged his way around the world, astonishing people with his plectrum,” says British comedian, Jim Moir (aka Vic Reeves). “I’m stealing that slogan,” replies Bonamassa before going on to discuss the nomadic nature of life as a touring musician and his unbridled passion for electric guitars.

In this entertaining episode of Jools & Jim’s Joyride, Bonamassa, who has been collecting guitars since he was a child, spoke of his 450-strong guitarsenal as, “everything a guitar nerd would want… It’s a theme park.” He then goes on to describe himself as “a bit of weirdo,” and jokes, “Clearly, I’m not married!”

Recording artist Joe Bonamassa performs at at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace on October 22, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

(Image credit: Denise Truscello/WireImage)

Later on in the show, Bonamassa regales us with some ‘Burst hunting tales, including the time he tracked down Tommy Bolin’s lost 1960 Les Paul (and then summoned Bolin’s spirit to ask for permission to buy it!) and the unique journey of his most recent acquisition from South Africa. “It’s not about need, and it’s not about want,” Bonamassa says. “It’s about: do you have the collector gene?”

Elsewhere, Jo Bo talks his introduction to British blues heroes Beck and Clapton and his recent role as a record producer working with Joanna Connor, Eric Gales, Jimmy Hall, and Joanne Shaw Taylor.

Jules Holland and Vic Reeves

Presenters Jules Holland (left) and Jim Moir aka Vic Reeves  (Image credit: Jools & Jim’s Joyride’)

Listen to Jools & Jim’s Joyride featuring Joe Bonamassa here.

Rod Brakes

Rod Brakes is a music journalist with an expertise in guitars. Having spent many years at the coalface as a guitar dealer and tech, Rod's more recent work as a writer covering artists, industry pros and gear includes contributions for leading publications and websites such as GuitaristTotal Guitar, Guitar WorldGuitar Player and MusicRadar in addition to specialist music books, blogs and social media. He is also a lifelong musician.