Joe gives a lot of his time, his art, and himself. He’s a good man who crops up fairly regularly playing on or producing the music of an up-and-coming act or some interesting amalgamation of British blues-rock artists from the Classic Rock era. I admire Joe’s willingness and vulnerability to get involved.
Back in my record store days, Rich Krupa (PGD) recommended this very young guy with a new album out. Joe was coming to the Omaha area as a part of the BB King tour. With just his first album out, we met backstage and started working on promotional opportunities in the Omaha area.
One time he was in Omaha for the Indigenous Jam - which was his first introduction to listeners in the Omaha market. After taking him to guitar stores in the area including Lidgetts, Hargiss, and Derek’s place off South 84th Street, we stopped at Danny’s Bar and Grill on Blondo to eat. While there, Bob Dylan’s former bodyguard, middleweight boxer, Bruce “The Mouse” Strauss sat down and told us Bob Dylan stories. Nothing out of school but, evidently Mouse met Dylan while hitchhiking when Dylan’s bus pulled over and picked him up.
After eating, we went to see Dr. John (Mac Rebennack) @ the new Music Box (7777 Cass Sts). Having interviewed Mac, I took Joe backstage, which wasn’t much of a backstage, and introduced them.
Years later, I was offered an interview with Donal Gallagher - the brother of the late Rory Gallagher: one of Joe’s favorite players. After the interview, we discussed Joe’s adoration for Rory. I asked if it would be okay to give Joe his (Donal’s) phone number.
I called Roy Weinstein, Joe’s manager, and gave him the phone number. In the DVD set featuring Joe playing the Royal Albert Hall, it included a very brief shot of Donal and Joe together. It was kinda cool knowing I played a role in bringing those two together. Recently, (2024), Joe had a shot at purchasing Rory’s guitar. Understandably, he officially declined saying the guitar was an Irish cultural heirloom. However, as I recall, an anonymous donor purchased the guitar and donated it back to so it would remain in Ireland. I don’t know but I suspect Joe played a role in that and if he did, or to whoever did, I applaud the gesture.
Special thanks to Dave Anderson for capturing and sharing this video. Another good man.
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