Joe Bonamassa drops two live Rory Gallagher covers ahead of June album

By AI, Created 5:00 AM UTC, May 22, 2026, /AGP/ – Joe Bonamassa has released live versions of “Bad Penny” and “Back On My Stompin’ Ground” from The Spirit Of Rory Live From Cork, due June 19 on J&R Adventures. The album and concert film capture his tribute performances in Cork, Ireland, and will arrive in multiple formats as Bonamassa heads into a busy summer and fall tour schedule.

Why it matters: - The new singles push Bonamassa’s Rory Gallagher tribute into the home stretch before the June 19 release of The Spirit Of Rory Live From Cork. - The project captures a sold-out Cork performance that ties Bonamassa’s current live run to Gallagher’s legacy in Ireland. - The release adds momentum for a live album, concert film and physical package built around one of blues rock’s most influential catalogs.

What happened: - Joe Bonamassa released two live singles, “Bad Penny (Live)” and “Back On My Stompin’ Ground (Live),” from The Spirit Of Rory Live From Cork. - The album and concert film arrive June 19 via J&R Adventures. - The performances were recorded during Bonamassa’s sold-out tribute shows in Cork, Ireland. - The singles are available to stream now. - A video has also been released for “Bad Penny (Live).” - The Spirit Of Rory Live From Cork will be available digitally, on CD/DVD, CD/Blu-ray and double 180-gram red marble vinyl.

The details: - The set was shaped in part by Rory Gallagher’s Irish Tour ’74 era and the live energy that defined that period. - “Bad Penny” first appeared on Gallagher’s 1979 album Top Priority. - “Back On My Stompin’ Ground” first appeared on Gallagher’s 1973 album Blueprint. - The Cork performances leaned into immediacy and emotional honesty rather than a polished re-creation. - The “Bad Penny” recording stays close to the song’s rough-edged blues-rock drive. - “Back On My Stompin’ Ground” landed as one of the most personal moments in the set because it was performed in Gallagher’s hometown. - Guitarist Magazine said, “Joe does his hero proud,” and called the performance “a very fitting affectionate tribute to one of the notable blues guitarists of our age.” - The project was recorded across a three-night stand that began as a planned one-off concert and expanded after strong local demand. - Gallagher’s family gave the tribute their blessing. - Fans traveled from around the world to attend the Cork shows. - The 14-song album includes “Cradle Rock,” “Walk On Hot Coals,” “Tattoo’d Lady,” “I Fall Apart,” “A Million Miles Away” and “As The Crow Flies.” - The DVD and Blu-ray editions include bonus material such as “The Inspiration of Rory,” with conversations featuring Brian May and Slash, plus behind-the-scenes footage and instrument-focused extras.

Between the lines: - The release is designed to balance faithful tribute with live urgency, not just nostalgia. - Bonamassa is using Gallagher’s own Irish identity and audience connection as the emotional frame for the project. - The expanded DVD and Blu-ray extras suggest the release is meant to serve both fans and collectors, not only streaming listeners.

What’s next: - The Spirit Of Rory Live From Cork reaches stores and digital platforms on June 19. - Bonamassa’s U.S. summer tour begins June 26 in Bethel, New York, and runs through a September 26 appearance at Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Festival in Austin. - His EU fall tour starts October 21 in Helsinki and continues through November 11 in Wroclaw, Poland. - The current live rollout keeps the Rory Gallagher project in the spotlight as Bonamassa moves into a heavy touring stretch.

The bottom line: - Bonamassa is turning a tribute concert into a full-scale release package, with the new singles serving as the clearest preview of the album’s raw, emotional center.