Guitar Center

Blues-rock guitarist Joe Bonamassa reflects on performing at Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar Festival 2026, sharing why the event is unlike any other gathering of musicians. Bonamassa discusses Eric Clapton's generosity as a host, the spirit of collaboration that defines Crossroads, memorable moments with Eric Gales, Marcus King and Jeff Beck, and why the electric guitar continues to inspire generation after generation. "What Eric does with this festival is so selfless and generous," says Bonamassa. "He makes everybody feel welcome and comfortable at his own expense." In this video: • Discover why Joe Bonamassa says Crossroads is built on musicians supporting one another. • Hear the remarkable story of how a guitar cable helped save one of Eric Gales' Crossroads performances. • Learn Bonamassa's advice for sharing the stage with multiple guitarists during an all-star performance. • Find out why Jeff Beck's unforgettable performance of "Nessun Dorma" remains Bonamassa's favorite Crossroads memory. Which Crossroads performance has inspired you the most over the years? Share your favorite moment in the comments. Be sure to subscribe for more artist interviews, guitar lessons, gear demos, studio sessions and behind-the-scenes coverage from the world's greatest guitar events. Check out the rest of our artist interviews from Crossroads 2026: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLM1FDvvCqtFo Explore Joe's signature gear: https://www.guitarcenter.com/Joe-Bonamassa-Gear.gc?source=4GOA4LOBA Follow Joe Bonamassa: https://www.instagram.com/joebonamassa/ #JoeBonamassa #EricClapton #CrossroadsGuitarFestival #BluesGuitar #guitarcenter Chapters 00:00 - Playing With Eric Clapton and Marcus King at Crossroads 00:54 - Why Eric Clapton's Crossroads Festival Is Special 01:15 - When Eric Gales' Gear Failed Onstage 01:52 - Eric Gales, Marcus King and Voodoo Child 02:07 - Joe Bonamassa Shares His Dumble Amp With Eric Gales 02:56 - Joe Bonamassa's Best Advice for Guitarists 03:19 - How to Play With Multiple Guitarists 03:54 - An Unforgettable Jeff Beck Performance 04:24 - Joe Bonamassa's Favorite Crossroads Memories 04:58 - Why Eric Clapton Is One of His Favorite Musicians 05:12 - What Makes Every Guitarist Sound Different