LOS ANGELES, CA. (Top40 Charts/ J&R Adventures) - Blues rock star, guitar hero and singer-songwriter
Joe Bonamassa has launched an innovative Internet-based fan affiliate program on his website, https://www.jbonamassa.com. The affiliate program, which will be ongoing, was conceived by Bonamassa and Roy Weisman - the artist's manager and partner in the record/management firm J&R Adventures - to promote and drive sales for Joe's new live album From Nowhere In Particular. The 2-CD set was released August 19 on J&R Adventures, and was produced by
Kevin Shirley (Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith,
Black Crowes, Silverchair, etc.). Shirley also produced Bonamassa's acclaimed 2007 No 1 album Sloe Gin, recently nominated for Album Of The Year by the U.K.'s prestigious Classic Rock Roll Of Honour Awards.
The fan affiliate who sells the most copies of From Nowhere In Particular by September 30 will win a signed, newly-issued Inspired By Joe Bonamassa Aged Les Paul Goldtop Guitar from the Gibson Custom Shop's elite "Inspired By" series. Gibsoncustom.com writes that the guitar, valued at $6,000, "is a tribute to this extraordinary guitar virtuoso and his ever growing legend." Bonamassa will present the limited-edition custom instrument to the winning affiliate onstage, at a concert of the winner's choice; J&R will also award $750 towards travel expenses. Bonamassa plays an average of 200 shows a year, in the U.S. and internationally; tour dates are available on the artist's website.
"Because of the fans," said Weisman, "Joe is where he is today, and because of the fans, Joe and I wanted to create something to reward them for their loyalty. The core fans have always spread the word about Joe's shows, albums and DVDs, and this is a way to recognize their enthusiasm and give back. On top of helping us get the new live release out there, we know these fans will continue to encourage new people to discover Joe's music, and that's what it's all about."
Under the fan affiliate program, affiliates earn $2 for each copy of From Nowhere In Particular sold through their efforts; they can choose to be compensated by PayPal or by check. J&R Adventures is also sweetening the deal by offering free shipping & handling during the campaign, with the 2-CD live album selling for $14.99. After registering at https://www.jbonamassa.com, each affiliate is instantly issued a unique link that they can place in emails to friends and associates promoting Bonamassa. They also receive banners and additional links that can be posted to their personal social networking pages and websites; sales tracked from all their links are added to that affiliate's individual commission tally. Anyone can also purchase the album directly through the website without becoming an affiliate.
From Nowhere In Particular was recorded during Bonamassa's fall 2007 U.S. tour. U.K. publication Guitarist wrote, "For all-out invention, frenetic fret-tickling & truly enormous tone, look no further than Bonamassa. Seek this out without further delay." It features Bonamassa accompanied by the same ace players heard on Sloe Gin (except for guest drummer Anton Fig), and Joe says, "It's the best touring band I've ever had, and this record really documents our sound."
The next item fan affiliates will have the opportunity to sell is a 3-LP virgin vinyl version of From Nowhere In Particular. The limited edition collectible, due out in fourth quarter '08, will be a 6-panel, triple gatefold piece selling for $30 unsigned and $50 signed by Bonamassa. Fan affiliate program details and release date will be announced shortly.
Earlier this year, Bonamassa was named "Best Blues Guitarist" and "Artist Of The Year" in readers' choice polls from Guitar Player and Blues Wax, respectively. He can be heard weekdays, 12PM-12:15PM/ET, via "Daily Cup Of Joe" on Sirius Satellite Radio, Blues Channel 74.
For more information on Joe Bonamassa and to register to be a fan affiliate, visit https://www.jbonamassa.com
