Joe Bonamassa - Photo by Paul Clampin. 2 5 26-19 — Joe Bonamassa - Photo by Paul Clampin.

By Paul Clampin, Rock At Night London

Live Review: Joe Bonamassa at Royal Albert Hall, London – May 7, 2026

Home is where the heart is, and for Joe Bonamassa, that heart beats firmly within the storied walls of the Royal Albert Hall.

Stepping onto the stage on May 7th—the eve of his 49th birthday—Bonamassa looked out at the sold-out crowd and simply exclaimed, “This feels like home.” It’s a sentiment nearly two decades in the making; since his early days at The Boom Boom Club in Sutton, much in the industry has shifted, yet Joe remains the quintessential bluesman. While his technical precision may not be for everyone, his masterful blend of original compositions and reimagined covers makes him an undeniably compelling performer.

This performance, the second and final night of this specific London run, saw a refreshed setlist from the previous evening. It functioned as a “greatest hits” showcase, seamlessly weaving together new blues explorations with a deep dive into old favorites.

Every night, Bonamassa delivers an extraordinary masterclass in tone and feel. Some might consider it “cheeky” to tackle Clapton’s “Crossroads” in the very building where Cream made history, but Joe and his band managed to make the classic sound fresh and entirely their own. The current touring lineup brought a bright, dynamic energy to the hall, featuring the incredible Josh Smith on guitar, Calvin Turner on bass, and Lemar Carter on drums. The powerhouse backing vocals of Jade MacRae and Danielle DeAndrea, alongside the newest addition, Lachy Doley, on keys, provided a lush, soulful foundation for Joe’s soaring leads.

Complex arrangements and blistering guitar solos are the hallmarks of a Bonamassa show, making the two-hour set fly by with effortless momentum. By the time the final notes of “Mountain Time” faded, the crowd was left wanting more—a testament to a performer who continues to evolve while never forgetting his roots.

Set List: Hope and Despair, Break Through, Trigger Finger, 24 Hour Blues, Done Got Over It, Happier Times, Drive Past the Exit Sign, Last Matador of Bayonne, Pack It Up, Well Well, Shout About It, Hard But It’s Fair, Million Miles, Crossroads, Mountain Time.