Montreal’s Joel Campbell Spills the Tea on Touring With the Legendary Tina Turner

EXCLUSIVE – Joel Campbell is finally opening up about his unforgettable experience on the road with the one and only Tina Turner — and trust us, you’ll want all the deets.

The multi-talented Montreal native, who served as musical director for the late Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll during her final tours, sat down with us to reflect on what it was really like working alongside the powerhouse performer. From epic show nights to emotional moments backstage, Joel is giving fans a behind-the-scenes peek into the world of a true music icon.

“Working with Tina was like being part of history,” Campbell shares, a hint of nostalgia in his voice. “She wasn’t just a performer — she was a force. Every night she owned that stage, and I had a front-row seat to greatness.”

Slay All Day: Tina’s Work Ethic Was Next-Level

Joel first got the call in the early 2000s to collaborate with Turner while she was gearing up for her farewell world tour. As her trusted musical director, Campbell had the monumental task of bringing Tina’s electric sound to venues packed with thousands of screaming fans — and making it flawless.

“People don’t realize how involved she was in every part of the show,” he remembers. “She was a perfectionist, and I mean that in the best way. She didn’t settle — everything had to be on point, from lighting to vocals to the exact beat of the drums.”

The duo toured globally, hitting iconic stages in cities like London, New York, and Tokyo. According to Campbell, the energy every night was “pure fire,” and Tina’s fan base — decades deep — only fueled the magic.

“She defied age, genre, expectations — all of it,” Joel says admiringly. “Her stamina, even in her late 60s, was something else. She taught me what it really means to give your all, every single night.”

Behind the Curtain: Private Moments With a Legend

While Tina Turner lit up the stage like no one else, Joel says some of his favorite memories happened far from the spotlight.

“She was so down-to-earth,” he says with a smile. “Between shows, we’d sit and talk — not about music, but about life. She gave life advice like your cool aunt who’s been through everything. I didn’t just gain a mentor, I gained a friend.”

Turner’s kindness extended well beyond the tour bus. “She remembered everyone’s name, made time for fans, and never stopped being grateful. That sound you heard onstage? That was her heart.”

Rising Star Vibes: Joel’s Path from Montreal to Global Stages

Born and raised in Montreal, Joel Campbell carved out a name for himself in the music industry long before teaming up with Turner. A classically trained musician turned pop maestro, his distinctive sound and sharp ear caught the attention of major names in the biz.

“I started in jazz and R&B circles in Canada, but I always dreamed big,” he admits. “Working with Tina validated everything. She saw something in me — and then pushed me to rise to her level.”

Now an in-demand producer and creative director, Campbell credits his time with Turner as the defining chapter of his career. “She set the bar. Every artist I work with now, I hold them to that Tina Turner standard.”

A Legacy That Still Inspires

Since Tina's passing in May 2023, tributes have poured in from around the globe. For Campbell, the loss is deeply personal, but so is the pride he carries in being part of her extraordinary legacy.

“I cry sometimes thinking about her, but then I smile. The world knew her as a legend. I knew her as a woman with unmatched strength, warmth, and grace.”

And what would Joel say to Tina today?

“Thank you — for trusting me, inspiring me, and changing my life.”

What’s Next for Joel Campbell?

With decades of touring and Grammy-level collabs under his belt, Joel isn’t slowing down. Rumor has it he’s working on a tribute project dedicated to Turner, as well as mentoring up-and-coming talent across North America.

“I want to pass on what Tina gave me — excellence, drive, heart. That’s the best way to honor her.”

As for living the dream? Joel’s just getting started.

Stay tuned because if Tina called him “brilliant,” you’d better believe this Montrealer’s glow-up is far from over.

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