Adrian Vandenberg

March 4, 2025 – The Vogel, Red Bank NJ

Review by Chris Yates // Photography by Estelle Massry

Red Bank New Jersey’s iconic venue, The Vogel, a smaller venue nestled within the Count Basie Center for the Arts, was the perfect backdrop for Dutch guitar legend Adrian Vandenberg on his “My Whitesnake Years” tour with special guest Bad Marriage.

Bad Marriage, not “just another band out of Boston”, opened the evening and was a great set up to Vandenberg, setting the tone for a nostalgic, throw-back to 80’s Rock & Roll! The bands perfect mix of sound and style catapulted me back to high school. They delivered an energetic live performance, mixing smooth tones with strong vocals in their own unique style. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Bad Marriage is made up of Jonny Paquin on vocals, Mike Fitz on lead guitar, Tommy Skeoch on lead/rhythm guitar, Ian Haggerty on rhythm guitar, Todd Boisvert on bass, and Michael Delaney on drums. The addition of Tommy Skeoch, formerly of Tesla, rounds out the sound to the band, gives a nod to the hair bands of yesteryear, and adds a cool feel to the triple guitar attack.

After a brief interlude, the crowd was ready for the headliner and erupted in applause as Adrian Vandenberg took the stage. As Vandenberg, best known as the lead guitar slinger of Whitesnake, strolled to his mark on the far side of the stage his eponymous band followed, and the audience was set for a great evening of some new music mixed in with his iconic 80’s style hair band riffs and hits of Whitesnake.

Vandenberg, now in his 60s, showed no sign of slowing down. The legendary guitarist’s playing was sharp, soulful, and perfectly executed. His tone was warm and heavy, resonating throughout The Vogel’s intimate space, creating an atmosphere where every note felt personal. His rendition of “Burning Heart” had the crowd hooked, while “Here I Go Again” saw Vandenberg putting his signature spin on a Whitesnake classic, adding new layers of emotional depth to a song that’s become iconic.

The chemistry between Vandenberg and his backing band was undeniable. Bassist Sem Christoffel laid down a deep groove, as did keyboardist Len Van De Laak, while drummer Joey Marin De Boer provided the powerful backbone of the rhythm section. Frontman Mats Levén’s voice soared effortlessly through Vandenberg’s intricate compositions, giving the crowd a new appreciation for these timeless tracks.

Vandenberg’s guitar solos were the highlight of the evening, each one dripping with emotion and technical prowess. He effortlessly shifted between melodic runs and fiery shredding, displaying the breadth of his musical mastery. “Still of the Night,” with its signature haunting guitar lines, was a moment that had the entire venue fully engaged.

The acoustics were great, allowing each guitar riff, drum hit, and vocal note to shine through with clarity. The venue’s cozy and intimate yet vibrant atmosphere allowed fans to connect with the performers on a personal level, providing fans the rare opportunity to be up close making the night feel special from start to finish.

For fans who enjoy 80’s rock, this was an unforgettable evening. While Vandenberg has certainly left his mark on the genre, he also brought his A-game to The Vogel. It was a night that reminded us why we keep coming back to live music—the thrill of hearing some our favorite songs from that time, the magic of witnessing guitar greatness, and the shared connection that only live performance can bring.

For more info please visit http://www.vandenbergband.com http://www.badmarriagemusic.com

Joe Bonamassa

Concert Reviews

February 23, 2024 – The Count Basie, Red Bank NJ

Review & Photography by Estelle Massry

A Blues Masterclass: Joe Bonamassa Shines at The Count Basie Theatre

Attending Joe Bonamassa’s show at The Count Basie Theatre in was not just a concert but a pilgrimage to witness a modern virtuoso in action. Bonamassa’s reputation precedes him, but nothing quite prepares you for the raw energy and musical mastery he brings to the stage.

From the moment Bonamassa stepped onto the stage, clad in his trademark suit and black shades, the atmosphere was electric. The sold out venue crackled with anticipation as he launched into “Hope You Realize It,” setting the tone for an unforgettable evening of blues-rock brilliance.

One of the most striking aspects of Bonamassa’s performance is his flawless technique. Every note he played was infused with emotion and precision, showcasing his impeccable control over the instrument. Whether he was unleashing blistering solos or delicately weaving intricate melodies, his command of the guitar was nothing short of awe-inspiring.

But beyond his technical prowess, what truly sets Bonamassa apart is his ability to channel the soul of the blues. With each song, he delved deep into the heart of the genre, pouring his passion and emotion into every chord progression and lyrical expression. Whether he was belting out gritty vocals or letting his guitar do the talking, there was an authenticity to his performance that resonated with every member of the audience. Despite his status as a guitar legend, he remained humble and approachable throughout the show, feeding off their energy. It was clear that he was genuinely grateful for the opportunity to share his music with them, and the feeling was mutual.

Joe Bonamassa’s performance at The Count Basie Theatre was nothing short of extraordinary. For guitar enthusiasts, it was a masterclass in technique and expression. For fans of the blues, it was a soul-stirring journey through the genre’s rich history and timeless appeal. And for everyone in attendance, it was a night they would not soon forget.

For more info please visit http://www.bonamassa.com

Setlist

Hope You Realize It
24 Hour Blues
Well I Done Got Over
Self Inflicted Wounds
Shout About It
Last Matador of Bayonne
Breaking Up Someones Home
Heart That Never Waits
Is It Safe To Go Home
Lazy Poker Blues
Just Got Paid
Mountain Time

Joe Bonamassa

Concert Reviews

March 20, 2022 – Count Basie, Red Bank NJ

Review and photography by Estelle Massry

At 8 o’clock sharp the theme song from “Welcome Back Kotter” blared through the sold out theatre. The guitar virtuoso and his band then walked out silently on the dark stage as fans prepared for what would be a hypnotic experience… “The Guitar Event of the Year”.

Joe dressed in black with his trademark dark shades and slicked back hair, electrified fans with “Evil Mama”. There was so much love in the audience straight from the first note. Few artists have established such a devoted fan base as Bonamassa has. It is very impressive.

One can alway rely on Joe assembling the best of the best, absolutely outstanding musicians and singers. I was mesmerized by the beautiful backup vocals of Jade MacRae & Danielle De Andrea who were seamlessly in lock-step with one another throughout the entire performance. Bonamassa never disappoints!

Joe is a master of contemporary blues. One of the top 5 guitarists alive today and the world’s most high-profile guitar collector. All of these vintage guitars mixed with his talent is pure magic, legendary guitar riffs of blues/rock. Bonamassa meticulously displays outstanding showmanship and phenomenal guitar playing. One can feel his soul pouring through his body, down to his fingers, delivering pure magic through his guitar.

It’s astonishing how Joe can transition from soulful blues to full on rock & roll – powerful is an understatement . Two hours of nonstop, goosebump performance to the point where I could barely hold my camera.