Tommy Emmanuel Tears The Roof Off In Central Florida With Anthony Snape

April 8, 2018

The Plaza Live
Orlando, Florida

by Michelle Wilson of Rock Legends Photographers

Singer/songwriter/guitarist Tommy Emmanuel brought his explosive guitar dynamics to The Plaza Live in Orlando, Florida and played to a packed house of mesmerized fans. The Australian-born, Nashville-based guitar wizard, who was extolled by the late, great Chet Atkins as one of the greatest guitar players he had ever seen, incorporates a unique fingerpicking technique into his playing style and has twice been named "Best Acoustic Guitarist" in Guitar Player Magazine. Also noteworthy is the fact that Emmanuel never learned to read music and plays by ear. Every show is chock full of charm, personality and humor, and oh yeah - intense pickin'.

Paul McCartney Raises Bar at Bonnaroo

Paul McCartney

Arguably the most epic headlining act in the history of Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival was Sir Paul McCartney, playing Friday night at this year’s event.  Bonnaroo always has a way to go over the top in many aspects, especially in the magnitude of performances.  It seems like every year has a way of outdoing the year before, and this year was no different.  Sir Paul and his band came onstage to a cram packed crowd of seventy thousand or so screaming fans on the What Stage.  The performance from this 71 year old (70 at the time) was nothing short of magical.  Supporting McCartney was Rusty Anderson on lead guitar, Abe Laboriel Jr. on drums, Paul Wickens on keys and Brian Ray on rhythm guitar and bass.  McCartney cycled through playing his Höfner 500/1 bass, acoustic guitar and piano.  Over the course of two and a half hours, this group of powerhouse legends played 38 songs, the majority of which came from The Beatles’ and Wings’ repertoires.  They played all of the best and biggest hits that Sir Paul has been a part of from the past five decades.  The fans in the crowd knew every single one.  There were so many highlights from the show, including Highlights from the main segment of the show included “Eleanor Rigby,” “Hey Jude,” and “Back in the U.S.S.R.” among numerous others. 

Paul McCartney at Bonnaroo Music Festival