Damon Johnson – American Guitarist
Damon Johnson is an American guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter, currently a solo artist and member of Thin Lizzy. In the 1990s he co-founded Brother Cane, and later joined Alice Cooper’s band as lead guitarist. He was also the lead guitarist and co-songwriter for hard rock group Black Star Riders from 2012 to 2018. Johnson has also released several solo albums and his songs have been recorded by many artists including Stevie Nicks and Carlos Santana.
Damon Johnson’s Beginning:
During his grade school years. It was there that he became obsessed with guitar and formed his first garage band, called Renegade, with other 8th grade friends. He played with Pat Upton’s band Headline to large crowds in Upton’s bar, P.J.’s Alley in Guntersville, for three years.
An offer to join Split the Dark, an established band fronted by former members of the power-pop band Hotel, prompted Johnson’s move to Birmingham, Alabama in 1987. Split the Dark was a very popular act on the Southeast US college club circuit, and had won the MTV “Basement Tapes” competition in 1986 but failed to secure a record deal.
He would later get his first taste of “bands with record deals” as the guitarist for the Atlanta, Georgia band Witness in 1988, and with the Memphis, Tennessee band, Delta Rebels, in 1989. During this time he also performed with the bands Chinatown (with Eric Dover) and Chyld. It was with Chyld that Johnson garnered the attention of the A&R at Virgin Records. After securing a developmental deal in November 1990, the label eventually persuaded Johnson to take over the lead vocal position, and change the band’s name to Brother Cane.
In The 2000’s
Damon was recruited for Alice Cooper’s band in 2004. He co-wrote and recorded with Alice Cooper on his album Dirty Diamonds and toured with the band from 2004 to 2007, leaving to commit to his new band, Whiskey Falls. Johnson returned to the Alice Cooper Band in the summer of 2009, and was featured in Cooper’s 2010 live concert DVD & CD, Theatre of Death – Live at Hammersmith. Johnson worked his fifth tour with Alice Cooper in 2011, and departed the band in September of that year to become a full member of Thin Lizzy. Cooper is also credited with assisting greatly in Johnson’s beloved golf game, as the two played hundreds of rounds in their years of touring the world together.
In December 2012, Johnson co-founded the Thin Lizzy spin-off band, Black Star Riders, whose first album All Hell Breaks Loose was released in May 2013. Johnson developed a songwriting partnership with front man Ricky Warwick and the pair co-wrote all the songs on the album: “I joined Thin Lizzy because I wanted to play those great songs with Scott Gorham and Brian Downey. But let me be clear about this I’m in the Black Star Riders because of Ricky Warwick.”
After touring across Europe, the US and Japan throughout 2013 and the first half of 2014, Black Star Riders recorded their second album, The Killer Instinct, released in February 2015, reaching № 13 in the UK. Johnson stated: “The days of me hopscotching back to Alice Cooper or a Slave to the System album are past. This is the best band I’ve ever been in. We’re firing on all cylinders.”
Damon Johnson Stage Presence:
Damon Johnson – American Guitarist, played around 1 hour or so. He went out to the lobby for a quick meet and greet shortly after the show. Taking time out after the show, signing autographs and engaging with fans.
Damon Johnson Musicians are:
- Damon Johnson – Vocals – Lead Guitar
To view the entire photo gallery of this event, please click the link below:
The Damon Johnson American Guitarist Photo Gallery contains over 100 images from the show. They are all posted in high resolution size, perfect for viewing on any device. You can visit the main gallery page for Jeffrey Vogt Photography here.
Live Video Playlist: of Damon Johnson – American Guitarist at Tally Ho Theater in Leesburg VA on 2/21/2020. Video’s may have sound and or focus issue’s, and crowd noise and offensive language, do to the nature of the shows.
You can visit our YouTube channel, to see all of the videos done by Jeffrey Vogt Photography YouTube Channel. The YouTube channel includes live song videos from assorted bands we have attended in official capacity. All videos are posted in high res HD. Perfect for viewing on any device. Contact us for purchasing details on videos.
Live Audio Playlist: of Damon Johnson – American Guitarist, at Tally Ho Theater in Leesburg Virginia on 2/21/2020. Audio may have sound issue’s do to the nature of the shows. We recorded the shows audio, and have posted a few songs.
Set List for Damon Johnson – American Guitarist, Tally Ho Theater Show on 2/21/2020
Set List 1
- I Feel Alright
- The Killer Instincts
- Got No Shame
- Jailbreak
- And Fools Shine On
- Leave It All Behind
- The Boys Are Back In Town
- Shivering Shivering
The set list is provided by the band, or venue prior to or during the show. Importantly as the show goes on, song’s can be added or deleted. We will attempt to update if it is changed.
- To visit the bands website and social media pages:
- Website for Damon Johnson
- Facebook Page, Damon Johnson
- Instagram Page, Damon Johnson
- Twitter Page, Damon Johnson
About Tally Ho Theater:
Tally Ho Theater is in Leesburg Virginia. Located around 30 miles west of Washington DC. Leesburg features plenty of shopping and restaurants. The Tally Ho Theater is a old movie theater, converted to a concert venue. The stage is around 30 by 40 ft, and appears to work for most all bands and shows. In my opinion the Tally Ho Theater is a great venue to see your favorite band.
Tally Ho Theater Amenities:
With a capacity around 750 standing, 350 for a sitting show. Some bar stool seating, with high top tables on the floor for certain shows. With a few small tables near the bars, all seats fill up quickly. The balcony above the main floor that has tables and a separate bar as VIP Seating. Tally Ho Theater features 4 full service bars, serving beer, wine and mixed drinks. The food menu includes burgers, sandwiches, salads, fries and beverages. You can park at the municipal parking garage located next door, it is free any time after 7 pm and weekends.
Click here to visit the Tally Ho Theater website
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If you are a band, band member or management company and interested in speaking with us about Jeffrey Vogt Photography providing photography services at a upcoming show. Jeff can be reached directly at 301-728-6397 or jeff@jeffreyvogtphotography.com
Photography Equipment Used:
I had the chance to photograph and video songs in it’s entirety from the pit area in front of the stage, with the crowd and the upstairs balcony area. For the photos we used Nikon D850 Body, with a Tamron 28-75 F2.8, Tamron 70-200 F2.8, Nikon 200-400 F4.
Video and Audio Equipment Used:
For video’s, we used the Sony A7R IV Mirror Less Body, recording at 1080p, utilizing a Zoom H6 Pro Audio Recorder / Microphone. We utilize a second Zoom H6 audio recorder to record the audio from the entire show.
Links to some prior events:
- Eaglemania at Tally Ho Theater 2/14/2020
- The Wailers at Tally Ho Theater 2/13/2020
- Journey Tribute Trail By Fire at Tally Ho Theater 2/08/2020
- Sun Dogs at Tally Ho Theater 1/18/2020
- Beatlemania Now at Tally Ho Theater 1/17/2020
- The Four Horsemen at Tally Ho Theater 1/10/2020
- Eyes of the Nile at Tally Ho Theater 1/10/2020
- Get The Led Out at Rams Head Live 1/04/2020