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Joe Bonamassa Says Kevin Shirley Was Crucial To His Success

10/16/2015
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(Classic Rock) Joe Bonamassa says he would still be playing to small crowds rather than sold-out arenas if it wasn't for the guiding influence of longtime producer Kevin Shirley.

Shirley's worked with artists including Iron Maiden, Rush, Europe and Journey - and he's used his experience behind the desk to help the blues guitarist achieve huge commercial success.

Bonamassa tells the Newcastle Chronicle: "He's crucial. If I hadn't met Kevin I would probably still be playing shows to a few hundred blues fans - not selling out Red Rock three years in a row or playing arenas around Europe.

"Kevin tells it as it is - and then some. I can still recall one of our first meetings and he didn't mince his words. 'The band's dreadful, your songs are weak and your voice needs improvement,' he said.

"But he was right. It's a ruthless world out there and he basically laid out the career path for me to follow. Call it being cruel to be kind, but listening to him and heeding his advice was the best thing I've ever done." Read more here.

Classic Rock Magazine is an official news provider for antiMusic.com.
Copyright Classic Rock Magazine- Excerpted here with permission.

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