AXS TV Concerts Season 1 Episode 9 John Mayer With Special Guest Buddy Guy (Part 1)

John Mayer fans who missed his Once Upon a Tour shows back in 2019 get another chance to catch the singer-songwriter in action with AXS TV Concerts' season 1 episode 9, which features John Mayer alongside blues icon Buddy Guy for an almost-two-hour setlist split across two parts. Part 1 of the episode, titled "John Mayer With Special Guest Buddy Guy (Part 1)," showcases Mayer's artistry through his impressive vocals, guitar skills, and deep catalogue of hits as he performs in front of a packed crowd at The Forum in Los Angeles.

The episode opens with a sequence of concertgoers arriving at the venue and expressing their excitement for the night's headliner. Then, the camera cuts to Mayer's impressive guitar collection, which he discusses in an interview with the show's host, Mark Cuban. Mayer's collection includes a custom-built guitar inspired by Stevie Ray Vaughan, an Eric Clapton signature model, and a Fender Stratocaster that he says "has the most played-in feel" of all his guitars. After Cuban thanks Mayer for joining the show, the lights dim, and the band takes the stage to open with "Belief."

From there, Mayer runs through a mix of fan favorites, deep cuts, and newer tracks, showcasing his diverse range as a songwriter and performer. Throughout the episode, Mayer and his bandmates demonstrate impressive musicianship, with drummer Aaron Sterling, bassist Pino Palladino, and keyboardist Jamie Muhoberac locking into tight grooves and elevating Mayer's compositions with tasteful arrangements. Highlights include Mayer's cover of Tom Petty's "Free Fallin'," which he dedicated to the late rocker, as well as the sultry "Slow Dancing in a Burning Room" and the upbeat "Who Says" from Mayer's 2009 album "Battle Studies."

About halfway through the episode, Buddy Guy joins Mayer on stage for an unexpected collaboration. Guy, a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and Chicago blues legend, adds his signature guitar licks and powerful vocals to a bluesy rendition of Mayer's "Come Back to Bed." The duo's chemistry is palpable as they trade solos and engage in playful banter, with Mayer noting that he's a fan of Guy's work and thanking him for "helping pave the way for guys like me." Guy also takes the lead on his own classics, including the raunchy "Hoodoo Man Blues" and the soulful "Feels Like Rain," proving that his blues credentials are as strong as ever.

As the episode comes to a close, Mayer brings the crowd to its feet with the lively "Waiting on the World to Change" and the anthemic "Gravity," which features an extended guitar solo that showcases his virtuosic technique. Throughout the performance, Mayer's stage presence is engaging and energetic, with his intermittent banter helping to break up the music and make the concert feel like a communal experience.

"John Mayer With Special Guest Buddy Guy (Part 1)" is a must-watch for any fan of Mayer's music, as well as blues enthusiasts who want to see two generations of guitar giants collaborating on stage. While the episode only covers the first half of the concert, it's clear that Mayer's artistry and showmanship are on full display, and audiences will be eagerly awaiting Part 2 to see how the setlist evolves and what surprises Mayer has up his sleeve.