Joe Bonamassa Unveils “Black Irish Eyes” to Mark 10 Years of 'Different Shades of Blue'

Article Contributed by jbleicher.com | Published on Friday, October 11, 2024

Today, blues-rock maestro Joe Bonamassa continues his celebration of the 10th anniversary of his landmark album Different Shades of Blue with the release of a new single, “Black Irish Eyes.” Now available on all streaming platforms, this poignant track serves as the final addition to the anniversary digital version of Different Shades Of Blue (Overdrive), following the success of the previous singles “Scarlet Town” and “Better The Devil You Know.”
 
Co-written by Bonamassa and long-time collaborator James House, “Black Irish Eyes” is a stirring original that weaves a narrative of longing and separation set against the lush backdrop of Ireland’s emerald fields. Bonamassa’s gritty vocals and powerful guitar work transport listeners to a world where whiskey, love, and poetry intertwine, creating a vivid soundscape that is as much about mood as it is about melody. The melancholic reverie is underscored by Bonamassa’s delicate yet commanding instrumentation, capturing the emotional tension between hope and heartbreak.

“Black Irish Eyes” is the latest in a series of special releases commemorating Different Shades of Blue. This seminal album marked a turning point in Bonamassa’s career when it debuted at #8 on the Billboard 200 chart in 2014. The new anniversary edition Different Shades of Blue (Overdrive) offers fans a fresh look at the album’s legacy, featuring previously unreleased to streaming rarities that help show how the music has grown with Bonamassa over the past decade. As each single unfolds, listeners are invited to experience the evolution of an album that has become a cornerstone of Bonamassa’s discography.
 
This release follows a string of recent successes for Bonamassa, including the debut of his live concert film and album Live At The Hollywood Bowl With Orchestra, which premiered at #1 on the Billboard Blues Albums chart, marking his 28th #1 album and further cementing his status as a powerhouse in the blues-rock world. The album also topped the Billboard Classical Album and Classical Crossover Album charts, showcasing his versatility and ability to blend genres seamlessly.
 
As fans enjoy the new streaming tracks from Different Shades of Blue (Overdrive), Bonamassa is gearing up for a busy season. He is currently preparing for his U.S. Fall Tour, where audiences will be treated to electrifying performances of both new tracks and classic hits. Upcoming stops include cities across the country from coast to coast, with dates running through November before he heads into his Spring 2025 Tour and beyond.
 
Guitar World has hailed Bonamassa as “the world’s biggest blues guitarist,” a reflection of his immense impact on the genre. With over three decades of experience, Bonamassa has captivated fans worldwide with his dynamic performances and innovative approach to blues rock.

For the latest updates, concert dates, and to learn more about Joe Bonamassa’s music and upcoming projects, visit jbonamassa.com.

U.S. FALL 2024 TOUR
October 26 - Henderson, NV - Lee’s Family Forum
October 28 - Santa Barbara, CA - The Granada Theatre
October 30 - Rancho Mirage, CA - The Show at Agua Caliente Rancho Mirage
November 1 - Tucson, AZ - The Linda Ronstadt Music Hall
November 2 - Phoenix, AZ - Arizona Financial Theatre
November 3 - Long Beach, CA - Terrace Theater
November 5 - San Diego, CA - San Diego Civic Theatre
November 7 - San Jose, CA - San Jose Civic
November 8 - Sacramento, CA - SAFE Credit Union Convention Center
November 9 - Reno, NV - Grand Theatre
November 12 - Portland, OR - Keller Auditorium
November 13 - Boise, ID - Morrison Center
November 16 - Salt Lake City, UT - Eccles Theater
November 17 - Cheyenne, WY - Cheyenne Civic Center
November 19 - Park City, KS - Park City Arena
November 20 - Springfield, MO - Juanita K. Hammons Hall
November 22 - Minneapolis, MN - State Theatre
November 23 - Minneapolis, MN - State Theatre
November 26 - Springfield, IL - UIS Performing Arts Center
November 27- Appleton, WI - Fox Cities Performing Arts Center
November 29 - Davenport, IA - Adler Theatre
November 30 - Des Moines, IA - Des Moines Civic Center

U.S. SPRING 2025 TOUR
February 16 - Seattle, WA - Climate Pledge Arena
February 19 - Milwaukee, WI - The Riverside Theater
February 21 - Chicago, IL - The Chicago Theatre
February 22 - Cleveland, OH - Playhouse Square
February 25 - Buffalo, NY - Shea’s Buffalo Theatre
February 27 - New York City, NY - Beacon Theatre
February 28 - Boston, MA - MGM Music Hall at Fenway
March 1 - Mashantucket, CT - Foxwoods Resort & Casino
March 3 - Easton, PA - State Theatre
March 5 - Charleston, WV - Clay Center
March 7 - Cherokee, NC - Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort Event Center
March 8 - Atlanta, GA - Fox Theatre
March 10 - Chattanooga, TN - Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Auditorium
March 12 - Greensboro, NC - Steven Tanger Center
March 14 - Charlotte, NC - Ovens Auditorium
March 15 - St. Augustine, FL - The St. Augustine Amphitheatre
March 16 - Mobile, AL - Saenger Theatre
March 18 - Evans, GA - Columbia County Performing Arts Center
March 19 - Melbourne, FL - The King Center

KEEPING THE BLUES ALIVE AT SEA
March 21-26 - Miami, FL - Keeping The Blues Alive at Sea X

EUROPE TOUR 2025
April 21 - Glasgow, UK - SEC Centre
April 23 - Cardiff, UK - Utilita Arena
April 25 - Liverpool, UK - M&S Bank Arena
April 26 - Nottingham, UK - Motorpoint Arena
April 27 - Brighton, UK - Brighton Centre
April 29 - Oberhausen, DE - Rudolf Weber Arena
April 30 - Munich, DE - Olympiahalle
May 2 - Prague, CR - O2 Universam
May 3 - Warsaw, PL - COS Torwar
May 6 - Hannover, DE - Zag Arena
May 8 - Frankfort, DE - Jahrhunderthalle
May 9 - Frankfort, DE - Jahrhunderthalle
May 10 - Antwerp, BE - Lotto Arena

KEEPING THE BLUES ALIVE AT SEA ALASKA
September 15-21, 2025 - Seattle, WA - Keeping The Blues Alive at Sea ALASKA

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