Hi Joe:

I just want to offer another huge thanks to you for allowing my friend and I the opportunity to meet you back stage after the show. I was very fortunate to win the aftershow passes through your web site. For anyone who might wonder what Joe is like in person, imagine what it is like to chat casually with a friend or acquaintance that you have known for a long time. Joe is truly the most down to earth and "easy to talk to" individual on the face of this planet. Let me tell you, I am still on cloud nine after talking with you. It wasn't hard to tell that the other winners of the aftershow passes immensely enjoyed the time you spent with them as well. I only hope that you will be able to bring "An evening with..." to Canada some time soon! In terms of a review of your show in T.O., it was awesome!! You and your band mates have a very intense groove happening when you hit the stage that just overflows and envelopes the audience. To sum up - Joe, please get back to Canada soon!

Derek Illman

Well, where do I begin? This was my third time seeing Joe, and I certainly was not disappointed. Joe always puts on a terrific show, and I am always eager to see him perform live. Of all the artists I've seen live, I think Joe and his band have the most fun playing. They are always smiling and enjoying themselves.

Despite the initial poor reviews I read of Thin Lizzy's set, I enjoyed their performance. Their vocalist/guitarist (don't know his name) sounded close to Phil Lynott, I thought. You can never beat the original, but he certainly did an excellent job. My only beef was that they played "Jailbreak" a little fast, but what does that really matter in the grander scheme of things?

And then came Joe. I got a kick out hearing "Hey Joe" playing over the PA, and then him coming on stage right after. Simply brilliant. Opening with his new track, "Hands In The Air," he set the tone for his set. The new material him and the band played came off very well, especially "Gnaahh." What a killer song!

I was so ecstatic that they played "Always With Me, Always With You." This is one of my favourite Satch songs, and it sounds best performed live. You could feel the emotion he was feeling and put into the song when he extended it for an extra minute or two. I heard a man who misses his wife when he's on the road and the undying love he has for her. It was the best version I've ever heard.

And to top it all off, he played another one of my favourites, which he doesn't play live that often, "War." I screamed when I heard the intro! The band did an amazing job backing Joe up, too. Galen Henson's rhythm guitar was excellent! He's been with Joe for all the shows I've been to, and I struggled to hear his guitar in the mix. But it was coming through loud and clear, and was spot on.

Even though I had never heard much of Deep Purple before this show, I loved every minute of their set. I recognized their staples, "Woman From Tokyo," "Highway Star," and the anthemic "Smoke On The Water." Steve Morse can definitely set the fretboard on fire! My only other exposure to his playing was on "Merry Axemas: Vol. 1," where his rendition of "Joy To The World" is showcased. And what better a treat from their keyboardist to play "Oh Canada." I immediately stood up and took off my hat. And then to break into the theme from "Star Wars!" It couldn't have been any better!

This show was, by far, the best Satch show I've attended. Joe, Matt, Jeff, and Galen get better every time I hear them. As long as they tour in Canada, I will always be at their shows. Thank you, Joe, Matt, Jeff, and Galen...for providing the greatest entertainment for me and my fellow Canadians.