Joe Bonamassa: winner of the Sena Performers European Guitar Award 2017

The American guitar-player Joe Bonamassa is the winner of the Sena Performers European Guitar Award 2017 (SEGA). The legendary musician from Los Angeles will receive the award at a special ceremony on May the 21st in the Dutch city of Bergen op Zoom. Last year Steve Vai won and accepted the award in person in the same town. An impressive list of former winners of the Sena Performers European Guitar Award led the way for him: Slash from Guns N’ Roses, Brian May from Queen, Walter Trout and Steve Lukather from the band Toto. Also Dutch stars like Adrian Vandenberg (Whitesnake), Jan Akkerman (Focus) and George Kooymans (Golden Earring) where previous winners of the award.

The jury of the SEGA states: ,,Mister Joe Bonamassa is a true genius. A man who has developed such an authentic style in blues and rock like no one else. During the last 25 years he made history with his unique way of playing. His skills as a composer, singer and bandleader and his unbelievable work-ethic are exceptional. Bonamassa, who just turned 40, is already a legend in his own right.” Jean-Paul Heck, chairman of the SEGA-Jury, says that Bonamassa is in the same league as the previous winners. ,,Like Brian May, Slash, Steve Vai, Steve Lukather and Walter Trout he is a man who set the standard for many years to come. Together with his great manager Roy Weisman and Ed van Zijl from Mascot Records, he built this beautiful empire from the ground. Now Mr Bonamassa is at the top of his game, conquering the world as one of the greatest guitar players that ever lived and that is a majestic achievement.” He made a statement about winning the award while on tour in Florida. ,,This is really a big thing for me, looking at the people who won it before me. Guitar players like Brian May, Steve Vai, Steve Lukather and Walter Trout are such an inspiration. I’m honoured by this.” Koert Ligtermoet, chairman of the SEGA is delighted that Mr Bonamassa will come over to the Netherlands to collect the award in person and will play at this special event. ,,In this era there a lot of new and young guitarplayers but Mr Bonamassa is one of a kind. He is an inspiration for many and a real ambassador for the blues and guitarmusic in general.”