There was a lot of denim, button-pins and long hair last Thursday night as I strolled into the foyer of the regal Civic Theatre to hopefully see The Black Crowes. Through the open theatre doors I could hear The Casanovas wrapping up their lucky support set. There was also a lot of anticipation surrounding the mostly modern-nostalgic gig. The last time The Black Crowes graced that same stage was back in 1992 on the “High As The Moon” tour after the release of The Southern Harmony And Musical Companian. As I hadn’t purchased a $130 ticket, I waited for my opportunity, flashed an old Loudon Wainwright III ticket and The Guerilla Reviewer walked straight on past the vested ticket-taker, perching myself towards the back, behind where it was filling up.
The lights went out and the roar started as silhouettes formed on stage and people made out The Robinson brothers and their gang of troubadours from the heart of Georgia! Rich’s guitar set the tone with a sexy riff, soon followed by the rest of the masterful band and Chris’s perfect rock ‘n’ roll lungs! Chris looked the part as “Rock ‘n’ Roll Jesus” and danced his Jagger-stagger around the stage with ungraceful grace. The set stretched from the Shake Your Money Maker album through to their latest fantastic release, Warpaint! “Evergreen” and “Movin’ On Down The Line” from Warpaint got surprisingly roused reactions, and very deservedly! Chris often entertained the crowd with short stoner quips to further endeer the crowd.
Audially and visually the vintage aesthetic confirmed that they are no less a legend than Skynard, just newer, and of the same stock! The music was loud, and as clean as it was dirty! The stage was set like a shabby chic antique store, with well-weathered instruments and amplifiers, adding to the image that everyone in the room already knew… this is a hard-working consistant rock ‘n’ roll band! Despite Chris’s nonchalant breezy attitude, he was loud and proud and knew exactly how to keep all eyes and ears on him.
After a 90 minute set and a short encore break The Black Crowes re-emerged to please fans with more including “Remedy”. My own selfish bug-bear was that they didn’t include “She Talks To Angels”, “Walk Believer Walk” and played not much at all from Amorica. Still, I exited after 2 hours wearing a grin!
Chris’s voice is still at it’s best! The Black Crowes are at their best! And the new record is amongst their best!
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