Joe Bonamassa: The Spirit Of Rory – Live From Cork Review
Is it just me who wonders when Joe Bonamassa finds the time to sleep? Even my sniffer dog has started to lose track of the amount of music JoBo’s put out in recent times, but when you’re head honcho of an entire genre, I guess you need to shed a prolific existence.
If my maths is correct (which I wouldn’t count on), I believe this to be Joey B’s sixth album in the past four years (as long as you don’t chalk off live recordings and Black Country Communion’s V).
Given we’re almost halfway through 2026, Bonamassa fans could be pardoned for getting a bit prickly about the absence of an album to date, but the guitar virtuoso and workaholic has come through with this corking set honoring one of his musical heroes and primary guitar influences — Rory Gallagher.
But this isn’t any ordinary project. Rory’s shadow (play) looms large on this 14-song LP compiled from three sold-out nights out in Cork (Gallagher’s hometown). The setting adds emotional weight to The Spirit Of Rory, reuniting his legacy, music, place, and people. Rather than try and reinvent Rory’s songs, JoBo has sidestepped the unwanted insignia of sinner boy by ‘approaching the catalog with humility and reverence.’
The Irishman always came into his own on the stage, establishing a fierce reputation as a tireless performer with a gritty and raw edge. Capturing the adrenaline and excitement of his live performances (I strongly recommend giving Irish Tour ’74 a listen) was never going to be easy, but it’s clear Bonamassa and his band (alongside the rowdy, raucous crowd) did Cork’s favorite son proud.
What starts off like a violin concerto, soon bursts into an explosive rendition of “Tattoo’d Lady.” While I agree with diehard ‘Rory-ites’ that their man was a stronger/more powerful singer, Joe can certainly walk away with his head held high.
On “Bullfrog Blues,” there’s fire to his Strat playing that this blistering rock ‘n’ roll juice demands, with the dial-down solo outstanding and the crescendo spine-tingling. If you want a masterclass in how to pay homage to your heroes, the magnificent arranged (both vocally and instrumentally) “A Million Miles Away” sees Bonamassa’s beloved backing singer Jade MacRae bring her trademark passion to the poetic existentialist masterpiece. While it’s virtually impossible to copy Rory note for note, given his inventive disposition to never play the same track the same way, Bonamassa’s solo is very much true to his own inimitable style. And what’s not to love about the funky bassline?
Anyone who has followed Bonamassa’s career will know there’s not much he can’t turn his famed guitar hands to. See how he lets his slide notes sing on the epic “Who’s That Coming?” or the ferocity and flow he and his on-fire outfit spill all over “Back On My Stompin’ Ground.” The captivating rhythm and Bonamassa’s inescapable lust for the blues come through on this barrelling show closer.
All of Rory’s life energy was poured into his music, with his soulful blues feel and unpretentious warmth shining in every song. In many ways, he defined the working man’s blues, with his heartfelt, passionate performances a large part of his DNA. Joe was cut from the same cloth — industrious and an ingenious, tasty guitarist in his own right.
There will only ever be one Rory Gallagher, but when a fellow guitar great takes the time to inject their own intensity and musical voice to one of his biggest sources of inspiration, we should just enjoy it. Not forgetting, it puts Rory’s name up in lights to a new generation.
All in all, it’s an enthralling and energetic contribution to Rory’s ongoing legacy.
The Review: 8/10
In the seventies Rory was everywhere with his beat up old Fender strat.
Local gigs, festivals and concerts. Just loved him.
He has a special place in my heart.
I paid for Joe’s tribute cd to BBKing in February and haven’t received it yet and had no reply to my emails
I ordered it to and had no problem getting it in a timely manor, they must have run out.
This review captures the energy of Joe Bonamassa’s *The Spirit of Rory* beautifully. There’s something special about hearing Rory Gallagher’s influence come alive through another guitarist’s interpretation, especially in a live setting where every note feels immediate and emotional. The Cork atmosphere sounds like it adds even more character to the performance. It reminds me of how <a href="[Link deleted]creates such an iconic horror experience through tension, timing, and atmosphere—totally different genre, but equally gripping. Bonamassa clearly approaches Rory’s material with respect while still bringing his own voice to it. Which song from the live set stood out to you most?
This album was a big disappointment for me (I have it on DVD). I have all the JB DVDs so far, so I know JB’s career. I also have all of Rory’s DVDs that I could get my hands on. So the comparison can be made. Including the aforementioned Irosh Tour ’74. If we only look at it as a JB concert, then there is no problem. But if we look at it as an attempt to evoke Rory’s spirit, then it tragically failed. Moreover, the selection of songs was not perfect either. There is a double DVD where songs were selected from 5 of Rory’s concerts (Live at Montreux), on which he naturally performed his best songs (he performed in Montreux five times in total). I think that if a song wasn’t on this DVD, then there was no point in dealing with it. I didn’t find half of JB’s program on this DVD. Again, out of great respect for Rory’s spirit, I have to say that this album (DVD) was a big mistake.