My Favorite Riff with Nikki Sixx: Joe Bonamassa

Blues maestro Joe Bonamassa brought over his beautiful 1959 Les Paul named “Buddy” to discuss how he got into the blues at such a young age, his love of B.B. King, Eric Clapton, and the riff that changed his life - Jeff Beck’s “Let Me Love You.”
'My Favorite Riff' is our new video series where Nikki sits down with some of the world’s greatest guitar and bass players, along with future stars, to talk about music, gear, and most importantly, riffs!
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[@formationit5039]

Sixx is actually a very intelligent interviewer. He takes his time, respects his guests, and fosters very interesting conversation.

[@saltpeter7429]

I'm watching this years later as well, and I take away that both of these guys are cool. But yes, Nikki comes off as a GREAT interviewer. I wish this show was still on. Is there something else in this capacity that Nikki is doing? He is a social talent, cool guy.

[@btreece7437]

The thing is... Joe is an unbelievable player, world class for sure, but also the supreme blues guitar nerd of the universe and I'm cool with that.

[@johnnyjoseph2636]

There's not a bigger nerd turd than Joe Covermaster. I've seen him about 20 times, but I stopped seeing him after he blew up Black Country the first time (right after they released Afterglow). I had seen him solo around 10-15 times from the time he released Blues Deluxe up to LIVE From Nowhere In Particular, and then another 6-8 times with BCC and it was really funny to watch how Glenn Hughes was trying to show him how to at least look like a Rock n' Roller when they played the first two shows for BCC II, and Glenn outfitted him in Varvatos and some True Religion white jeans! He actually looked cool for about five minutes. But Joe couldn't stand it. He lives to nerd out to the MAXX, so I'm guessing he burned those clothes right after they closed the set with Burn that night! That was in Anaheim and San Diego for the first two shows of that tour, as I said earlier. I saw him a handful of times after that, but I was used to paying $10-$20 for tickets at club shows. I wouldn't ever pay this cover kid over $50 for a ticket. I did when I saw him twice or three times at The Doheny Blues Festival but I was seeing 20 or 25 great bands over those three day events: BB King, Derek Trucks Band, Susan Tedeschi, (obviously before they were a single band) Keb Mo, Ivan Neville and Dumpstaphunk, Brian Setzer and The Nashvillains, Elvin Bishop, The Tommy Castro Band, Grace Potter & The Nocturnals, and Coco Montoya. And that was just in '09! I was also there in 08 (when Covermaster played for his first time), and in 2013. I could justify the tickets to those shows cuz I saw about 60 or 70 bands! And by the way, Sikki Nixx is NOT a humble, good guy. He ACTS like that when he is interviewing these people. He is a king size, mega douche in reality. Had nothing but pure, evil shit to say about his 'brothers' in Motley until they could squeeze a few more dollars out of The Dirt coming out, at which point he was like a 13 year old girl talking about the latest boy band, at which point he was gushing about them again. Dude is a DICK! An ALL CAPS DICK!!

[@richardmcfadyen721]

We ar all cool with that hopefully

[@bobravenscraft5376]

That's why he is good he imitates his hero's well

[@bobravenscraft5376]

Explaining basic guitar to a bassist. OK then

[@dirtydave2691]

I really like these interviews. Nikki is a natural. He asks a question and then sits back and lets the guest go with it.

[@glennkemp6565]

Angry Ranger I agree. Nikki allows his guests to make their point and lets us enjoy them along with. Good point.

[@barclaybass2327]

I'm late to the Joe Bonamassa party, but GODDAMN that guy can play.......

[@Ogscottyp]

barclay bass If you haven’t seen the video Bonamassa Just Got Paid at Royal Albert Hall-. ITS A MUST!!

[@alexandervalaris72]

Hes one of my favorite artist my dad introduced me to him. He is phenomenal

[@magnusjakobsson7925]

Haha.. Just had the same feeling :D. The man's a beast!

[@Seaker24]

I count myself lucky. I used to see him in a bar for $10. One show I was in front of him the entire show. I could have strummed the guitar. At the end he handed me the pick. He was playing a Clapton strat as his main guitar at the time. Great guy, great player.

[@Stephen_Eee]

I'm a year l8r

[@generalruckus]

This series has made me realize how humble and respectful a person Nikki Six is. An inspiration.

[@The-Punnkk]

ahahahaha

[@rickdearing6690]

Nikki has the credentials in music in life and in the emergency room

[@classicartfoundation639]

But you don't know him?

[@juanziegler1471]

never got beyond the 90s mentally but sometimes lack of drugs and lack of income makes new recourses kinda cool

[@gregthornton4209]

I've heard people say, "Joe doesn't play with enough soul"...I would argue that he plays with several different types of soul, and does so whenever and wherever he damn well chooses !!!.

[@rickdearing6690]

His SOUL is omnipresent

[@fmorin71234]

Being a giant Warren Haynes fan I've heard this as well from Warren fans. It depends on what someone thinks soul is I guess? Joe has so much soul to me

[@madeinmississippi662]

Muddy Waters said that the blues was that feeling you have when your lights have been turned off and you dont have the money or means to turn them back on. Or your girlfriend is cheating on you with your best friend...the heartache from that. Many experiences in life can give you the blues. What are the odds of a upper middle class kid having had the experience of poverty, heartache, and despair and infusing that emotion by expressing it through the guitar as he holds it like a close friend pouring his soul out. Joe Bonamassa can play the hell out of a guitar and can out hot lick a lot of guitar players but is he a bluesman that has been through some shit and has turned to the guitar to express that emotion to give us blues music?

[@starkicker5623]

he needed a heroin or heavy drug period...or to at least be a stoner...he is too surgical with his feeling...it is feeling but not enough heart

[@toivonencresto]

I LOVE JB. He’s a top class guitarist, he ADORES guitars speaking as instruments, he’s the most down to earth guy, always so nice with everyone. But i simply can get emotions with him. I have some of his records, his live at Red rocks is out of This world, he’s one of the last rock blues guitarists we have... BUT... if , i want to get emotions i see a video of Gary playing ‘Story of the Blues’

[@ihateadverts]

Technically the best player in the business. Love or hate him his phrasing and emotive playing are second to none.

[@SyrenUK]

These are great little interviews, reminds me of what MTV used to be like... when it cared about music.

[@adambinnie1332]

Yes just a pity that this show is now stopped.

[@johnthomas1919]

MTV could have have been incredible, you tube music is what they should have been, they lost out.

[@erictoniaschwab1009]

John Thomas MTV died for me in 1996 when Singled Out was all the rage and music videos were pretty much wiped off the station.

[@JR-xk1rd]

Yea yea I agree when it was MTV not BullSHIT tv

[@laneonguitar64]

No disrespect to you...but MTV NEVER cared about music...just the video.

[@mulehead2229]

I first heard of Joe when he was still just a kid and thought "well, the reason people watch him is because he's a little kid who can play really fast" and I really stopped paying attention to him because of that first impression. Fast forward about 10 or 15 years and I'm still hearing about how good he was, so I thought that if people are still talking about him, maybe there is something about him that I missed and I should give him a closer listen. That's when I realized what a great guitarist and musician he was. Then, when I started checking out some of his interviews on how he approached music and the guitar, all I could think was "this guy is the coolest, honest, most humble, guitar player I've ever heard. He really gets the whole picture and his "don't give a shit as long as the music is right" attitude was really genuine. Then, a few years back when he started collaborating and doing live shows with the amazing Beth Hart, their musical chemistry took things to a new level that I've rarely heard from any musicians ever. Check out their 2014 show from Denmark. If it doesn't make the hairs on you neck stand up and your jaw hit he floor, then you don't have a soul.

[@babayaga1767]

never was a crue fan. but i find nikki to be a very likable genuine guy.

[@rickdearing6690]

He's lived the life on his own terms and survived

[@TheRealHucasys]

I think the same thing every time I watch one of these. It's cool to see any 'rock stars' who mature nicely.

[@MrsAcecard]

Same here!

[@classicartfoundation639]

Really? I find him an annoying twatt

[@trentdokis9988]

Danny Nichols Art you still watching tho 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@k.s.7104]

J.B. talented as hell, but genuinely a blues and rock fan, musician, and his collection of guitars is amazing. Surrounds himself with amazing musicians as well.

[@mattchisholm6129]

nameless76 mozwhaz i assume your talkin bout nikki but dont think his comment was referring to nikki but guys joe plays with

[@bnastali]

Joe talks with his guitar...as natural as clouds in the sky. Got ta love him.

[@spotteddogmemphis]

Nikki is way cooler than I thought he would be. Never judge anyone based on their looks.

[@poopdawg2301]

I tend to forget a lot of the metal dudes from the 80s that acted like revels or jerks are like 40 or 50 now and matured.

[@rickdearing6690]

Genuine

[@Sibrena001]

That is one of the best lessons I’ve learned in my life. Never prejudge someone before you’ve had a chance to get to know them and see who they really are. When I’ve done that in the past I have been so wrong with my unfounded notions abut folks.

[@TheRealHucasys]

...or their band :D

[@johanbrodin8629]

Yeah,like the book and the cover

[@LeeHoMusic]

Joe is a blues master, it is in his veins, in his blood. 1959 buddy sounds awesome

[@daviclar867]

It better because Joe paid over 100k for it!

[@tarcrystalline]

Man, Nikki has always been my favorite Crue member by a mile. So thoughtful and likable. I will watch every single one of these!!

[@rockandrollrabbit]

What's cool about this interview is if you saw these two on the street together, you'd think "These guys have nothing in common." And you'd be wrong.

[@gloriaburns3606]

I love that Nikki didn't let his ego get in the way of the interview ...I love how Joe keeps playing to prove his point or accent the conversation ...I wouldn't call Joe a nerd...I think he is passionate and really loves what he is doing...He is amazing...💋💋🎶🎶💋💋❤️❤️🎶🎶😎😎😎

[@wesleyturner1979]

Joe is a nerd for sure! He's even admitted it in several interviews I've seen. However, if Joe wasn't such a gear nerd, he would be much much much less interesting. I don't know what I like watching more, interviews with Joe or Joe shredding.

[@gloriaburns3606]

I love Joe Bonamassa ...he is an amazing Blues player...I love when he plays with Beth Hart...they are awesome together❤️❤️❤️🎶🎶🎶❤️❤️❤️🎶🎶🎶❤️❤️❤️🎶🎶🎶❤️❤️❤️🎶🎶🎶❤️❤️❤️

[@megatexification]

When he plays the "simple" blues stuff, why does sound like the Blues God is playing it? Amazing!

[@johnhirtle4300]

Listening to top notch musicians talk about what they love is often as cool as listening to them play, and gives a new depth to the appreciation of listening to their playing, IMHO

[@gerardjones82]

NEVER SEEN NIKKI SO HUMBLE AND SPEECHLESS! IN A GOOD WAY .. MAD RESPECT TO BONNAMASSA AND SIXX

[@CaptainCraigKWMRZ]

DAMN RIGHT!!

[@subculturenm]

I remember, maybe during 6th or 7th grade, the accident and kids thinking the Crüe would be no more. Now in my mid 40s I watch these videos and it’s vindicating to me! Mötley Crüe is a legitimate part of rock n’ roll history. Nikki keeps it going, too!

[@dustinthewind2557]

After watching these videos I realized that Nikki Sixx is one of the coolest guys out there. He gets people to open up and truly feel comfortable like none other. These are awesome keep them coming please!

[@amalfi460]

Joe is genuinely kind and humble, I have been following him for years even saw him play in a bar in philly and he kicked ass

[@mr.yellowstrat3352]

"Eh it's gonna burn out" - Joe "Well burn it" - Nikki

[@tonystakis8960]

God Bless Joe for keeping the blues alive!...It's players like Joe Bonamassa that young people watch and love the blues. I love these videos I wish Nikki does more.

[@MetalGuru965]

Joe: "I've never been an overly fast guitar player". LOL

[@jensclarberg6419]

Welll.. he isn't is he

[@VicRattlehead95]

@@jensclarberg6419 he can shred dude.

[@edwardgucker5790]

@@jensclarberg6419 Check out the acoustic work on Woke Up Dreaming live at Beacon.

[@SkyRiver1]

@@edwardgucker5790 I thought I had seen him play Woke Up fast, then I saw him at Bethel Woods when I returned after fifty years, and he was faster than I had ever heard him play it.

[@cynthiagrandmont6674]

Such a great interview. Both of you are awesome. Thank you.🤘🎸👍

[@bassplayersguild7641]

MEGA great show Nikki! We love what you're doing, wishing you the best on this journey!🎸🎶

[@chrisdiceart]

Two guys that LOVE music! Nikki thanks for doing this! :D

[@jeremys3323]

Joe likes Maiden?...love him even more!

[@andrewdenine1685]

I don't think I could ever say I had a favorite guitarist growing up maybe SRV now at 39 and playing since 14 Joe your def one watching g your playing when you were young compared to now holy crap you've got a style of the best of the best all wrapped I to one. Just love how you can sound like you play with a slide with those 1/4 bends blows my mind.

[@chrisjordan9259]

Joe is one of my absolutely favourites on guitar! The way he manages to marry his outrageous technique with so much feel is unique! Great guy to have on your couch, Nikki! Thanks alot!

[@bravo2789]

I have been a Sixx fan since 83....it's super cool to watch him grow and branch out, still take lessons and learn more and more. Luv Bonamassa! I remember hangin with Joe @ Music Star guitar shop in Ft. Wayne IN and sitting and playing riffs him. Thanks for having him on!

[@ebalaschak]

Great interview. Excellent questions and conversation... + JB’s playing... cool to watch!

[@KDWALKER1263]

This is the best show on KZbin or anywhere else for that matter! WE NEED MORE NIKKII!

[@jfarlandutube]

Great interview of Joe. He is in another realm of talent. Fun to hear him talk about it.

[@johnthomas1919]

a lot of respect for Nikki much more than a guitar player someone who really understands the guitar and structure. Thank you so much for the enlightenment, I appreciate you music so much more. I am learning as I get older and thank you for your music I do enjoy it. Live long

[@andreamanto8808]

Can't wait to see the next clips Nikki!

[@dime_life4768]

This is one reason youtube is great bc u get to see how genuine almost all musician's really are

[@WHITEowl7585]

Really digging this segment! I just started playing guitar a year ago and it's nice to hear accomplished musicians just talk and be honest about creating and practice. Big fan Nikki, I'm only 32 but had a brother that showed me all the amazing music of the 80's!

[@nonegiven9579]

There is so much quality and wisdom in this video .I'm a person interested in music ( guitar playing in particular ) and I'm going to watch this over and over again.

[@ShannonWheeler76]

Joe: "Amp's gonna burn up Nikki: "Well burn it" (scratches chin) Haha... I just started binge watching these today and prolly wont get shit done today.

[@Cigarsnguitars]

Shannon Wheeler I started at about 2:00 this afternoon and you were so right. It’s now a few minutes past 6. I didn’t get shit done today.

[@frankieedwards9825]

That was fucking great ! Beautiful interview. My best to both of these legends. And props to Nikki for securing his publishing rights. Joe is so nonchalant but excited at the same time. What an amazing talent !

[@mcrawford8067]

Front row seat to the very best of the best! Been anxiously waiting for this for weeks & so worth every minute! Thank you so much Nikki & Joe, you dudes #Rock 🤘🏻🎸💙

[@lauramoore9659]

THANK YOU JOE & NIKKI FOR ANOTHER THRILLLLLLLLING THURSDAY!!!!!!!!!

[@drinkspecials]

Joe got so much friggin talent and feel. thanks Nikki for having him. great episode!!!!

[@WestSeaSpirit]

Just found this show from Nikki Sixx's official twitter. It's fucking dope! As a music producer, 8 years I feel what they're saying and I'm learning so much! You fucking rock Nikki Sixx!

[@glisteningkabana8154]

That guitar sounds freakin amazing!!

[@michaelbell75]

Its not the guitar....he could make a cheap Epiphone LP sound amazing

[@paulmayon8821]

That guitar is beautiful

[@RemyEtVideo]

For around $200 000 I hope so

[@masque1313]

Loved this video. So cool to see two pros like this just sitting and discussing music.

[@brianbouman661]

When 20 minutes seems like 2. That's fun! 's

[@TheRealHucasys]

Damn, I was just thinking it was short, didn't seem 20 at all!

[@thebarneychannelhomemovies4879]

No matter how long the song Joe plays ,when he gets lost ,he brings you along with him as the music plays and you ride the waves of ecstasy, as the tears of joy burn hot as they they run down your face, you gasp for air ,and go holy sh#@$t wow oh baby wow, , you have been bitten by the blues bug, enjoy the ride as Joe takes you on a trip you never wanna come home from.(in other words the phrase the man's good (doesn't even do him justice!

[@h2ofield]

Wow, never knew what a killer player this guy is! Earned a new fan here!!

[@bbbbbbbb723]

Love the Show, Joe..what a great! So inspiring to watch him play!

[@daveycmusic8903]

I actually friggin' dig this. I like Nikki interviewing people. I dunno why. Sincere, good questions, but HUMBLE and direct. I'd love to see more of these.

[@jeffreyschmoldt7798]

Joe is a beast. One of the greats.

[@manfredadams3252]

Joe Bossonova is the Garth Brooks of blues. Relegated to blues cruises and carnival shows.

[@jefflinke2772]

This guy can really play the guitar -- he is a top 20 if not top 10.

[@Tailwheelr16]

Great job Nikki! Joe is fantastic! So down to earth.

[@gregorymacdonnell7914]

Wow!!!! Freaking insane! I could listen to this all day long. Joe B. is a Monster!!!

[@droliver]

This was a much cooler interview then I was expecting. Just a great exchange.

[@michaelglazier9932]

rob oliver Than not then

[@sn95_mustang_garage]

I can watch this all day, love guitar and who doesn't like seeing JB rip on a 59 Les Paul.

[@doctordox6278]

Joe and Nikki together are such a great convo

[@thetruthisinthere2891]

That was SO cool!! Been listening to Joe's music for a while now, and he is an absolute legend. There are some musicians who are REAL musicians and there are those who like to pretend they are. I don't think Joe could play a bum note even if he tried! For him it is ALL about the music, and I could see Nikki has A LOT of respect for him. I've been a 'Metalhead' for over thirty years, but I know good music when I hear it, and Joe definitely fits in that category. I'm sure he will go down as one of the all-time greats, and little kids will be picking up guitars for years to come and trying to play Joe's classic riffs!!!

[@macgyver2417]

Two great people who can talk guitars so everyone can understand. Good interview.

[@mrc2662]

That was a total surprise and utterly fantastic. Well done Mr Sixx - total respect, sir.

[@tomshaug]

Nikki, thanks for the great visit with Joe, terrific conversation

[@SimpleManGuitars1973]

What's cool about this video to me is the fact that it helps me to take Nikki Sixx seriously as a musician. Motley has always had a reputation as like a "shallow" band from the 80's as did most 80's bands but it's cool to see him in a purely musical setting.

[@jonnyquest8774]

Totally agree! Never thought much of Crue or Nikki as a bassist, but the guy can write good music. I like SIXX A.M. way more than Crue.

[@TheStones1965]

DuckTalesWooHoo1987 Mick Mars knows blues guitar. All over Motley Crue songs.

[@ainars.virga64]

Visas

[@yabo2424]

Great point I totally agree !!

[@jasonrobinson5854]

Sixx is a master writer. Mars a simple blues based player. Tommy an excellent power drummer. Vince, well a screamer. Put it all together and its just Simple Good!

[@aprildivine118]

This is too cool. Buddy the Les Paul.. Love it, this chat... guitar guys are the best !!!

[@Magik1369]

Great show as always Nikki. Bonamassa is a class act.

[@JimiJam24]

I just found this.. I freaking LOVE IT! WOW This has GOT to be a hit television show. MTV VH1 someone has GOT to pick this up..... Awesome stuff Nikki! Just freaking awesome!

[@davidcolquhoun9646]

Could listen to Joe play all day 🔥

[@waynefarrow3697]

jeez joe unreal love you brother such talent n really blues bring me down but not anymore now understand you are a teacher thxs man

[@TebowTheNextKilmer]

This dude is great. Very cool and getting into his brain is a treat.

[@redneckmafi]

I'm a guitar player I play bluegrass guitar I've only been playing 3 or 4 years love these little interviews guys playing like a mini jam love it

[@AlexBoyer]

I MISS THIS SERIE SOOO MUCH!

[@kita17n]

nikki great to see you doing this stuff, I appreciate you and your love of music

[@steveabplanalp1657]

Love the passion you guys both have for music - thanks for sharing on you tube!

[@mrc6032]

Man! Bonnamassa can play! Thanks for sharing sixx!

[@oaspe]

I’ve seen lots of your programs. Cheers ! Love how you have done with your life

[@justinespinosa7878]

I love seeing Nikki in awe

[@cruedevil71]

Love those old unpotted pups. They might hum but the tone....oh my!

[@gregreeves2592]

This was a great interview. Thank you for sharing. I never knew about my favorite riff.

[@Jason-wo5rr]

Joe could play alongside mars any day of the week and I can tell Sixx is a huge joe fan just by the smile and look on his face when joe plays and I think he may even have some blues in his soul if he ever chose to express that side of himself. The world is so much larger than any one style of music so why paint yourself into any one corner? Mike Campbell is one of the greatest guitar players/musicians of the modern pop era and a great example of the joy of wearing many hats as a guitarist, songwriter, producer and so on.

[@mnije]

Awesome interview as always. I like Joe even more now. 👍🏻

[@hugonicolay8241]

Ver a grandes como Joe y Nikki hablando de guitarras, sonidos y esos gloriosos riffs, es fabuloso.

[@kevinwilson1124]

Good stuff Nikki. You look happy and at peace. Love the show!

[@YanYeiDei]

This is awesome! thanks for sharing. As a guitar nerd this is going to be my favorite youtube channel now!

[@ferramirez4570]

Andrew White Have the same feeling over here hahaha

[@Stratomaster989]

Man that Les Paul sounds incredible !

[@fasteddievh2072]

This is the very best channel! Nikki you are an amazing host! A natural!!!

[@iLuzSioN.]

Keep them coming Nikki !

[@tommycrue71]

THIS IS SOOOOO FKN AWESOME!!!! CANT WAIT FOR MORE EPISODES .....dissecting music , riffs and how they play is so damn interesting !.... And Joe is one hell of a player !! EPISODE REQUEST ---- NIKKI SIXX AS HOST & GUEST DISSECTING HIS FAV RIFFS 👌

[@tinman8014]

Great interview from both. Joe is truly a master of the instrument.

[@ThinkReal]

Keep up the good work getting these clips up! '59 Les Paul. Holy Grail !

[@nickskellington2432]

Beautiful guitar! And the washer for the strap was genius

[@markviereck4547]

ThinkReal yes, worth a quarter of a million dollars

[@1AnitrasDance]

Love this!

[@heavychevy383]

great interview ...joe just seems like such a nice, cool dude ...thanx for the video, enjoyed it

[@nickgermano621]

I saw Joe in 1991 with BB King at the Lilac Festival in Rochester, New York. Best concert I was ever at. A Janis Joplin cover opened, Joe came out second then BB. It was loud bone shattering! I was going crazy in the front row, I remember BB went into some Eddie Van Halen Riffs!

[@pwman]

Was not what i was expecting. Instead, way better. Great job!!!

[@darrenfreeman3353]

This was 20 minutes of pure fun! No wonder I've stopped watching cable tv.

[@GodlovesTrump]

Wow. Joe plays the guitar so effortlessly.

[@slimbeauharpo4687]

Thank you Nikki !!!!!!!!!