|
|
LIVE REVIEW
THE BLACK CROWES
NEWCASTLE CITY HALL - 17TH OF MAY 2024
Review and photos by David Weddle
When it comes to live music, few bands do it better than The Black Crowes. The American rockers have had their fair share of ups and downs over the years, but they are sounding stronger than ever with their latest album, 'Happiness Bastards'. Hitting the road with Jim Jones All Stars in support, The Black Crowes stopped off in Newcastle to sprinkle a little bit of rock and roll magic in the city's historic City Hall.
Walking in to the venue and seeing the stage bedecked with carnival lights with a solitary spot light centre stage gave an iconic rock n roll look to the hall. As the crowd filled up the floor, the support act Jim Jones All Stars bounded on to the stage with so much energy that it took me a bit by surprise.
Jim and the All Stars didn't stop moving for the entire set, from dualling saxophones, maracas, dancing, and guitars and drums working in perfect unison to create a wall of sound that pushed its way out through the auditorium in a glorious wave of pure musical energy. It was a seriously impressive performance, and one that will stay in my memories for sure.
Jim and the All Stars didn't stop moving for the entire set, from dualling saxophones, maracas, dancing, and guitars and drums working in perfect unison to create a wall of sound that pushed its way out through the auditorium in a glorious wave of pure musical energy. It was a seriously impressive performance, and one that will stay in my memories for sure.
With the crowd well and truly warmed up, it was time for the main event. Black drapes that had adorned the stage had been removed to reveal a lot of amps, and when I say a lot, I am not kidding. The stack on stage was a work of art in itself, with Marshall, Orange, and Roland amps creating a visually stunning backdrop with a drum kit and keys sitting atop the stack, all framing a huge mirror.
The band walked on stage in darkness, and as the stage lit up with a stunning array of lights, the opening bars of 'Bedside Manners' opened the show. The first song from the new album went down well with the crowd. Filled with bluesy tones and a beat that got the crowd moving, it was a great opener.
After blasting out 'Dirty Cold Sun', frontman Chris Robinson took a moment to reassure the crowd that although it was the 'Happiness Bastards' tour, they would be playing their older material as well before his brother Rich started playing the instantly recognisable opening riff to 'Twice As Hard'.
The band played a good mix of old and new, including a song first made famous by Otis Reading and immortalised in rock history by The Black Crowes, 'Hard to Handle', as well as their cover of The Rolling Stones classic 'Rocks Off'. The night was a celebration of timeless rock played with style and swagger, thanks to Chris' larger-than-life stage presence. Each member of the band was an integral part of an unstoppable music machine that took over Newcastle for a night.
The band walked on stage in darkness, and as the stage lit up with a stunning array of lights, the opening bars of 'Bedside Manners' opened the show. The first song from the new album went down well with the crowd. Filled with bluesy tones and a beat that got the crowd moving, it was a great opener.
After blasting out 'Dirty Cold Sun', frontman Chris Robinson took a moment to reassure the crowd that although it was the 'Happiness Bastards' tour, they would be playing their older material as well before his brother Rich started playing the instantly recognisable opening riff to 'Twice As Hard'.
The band played a good mix of old and new, including a song first made famous by Otis Reading and immortalised in rock history by The Black Crowes, 'Hard to Handle', as well as their cover of The Rolling Stones classic 'Rocks Off'. The night was a celebration of timeless rock played with style and swagger, thanks to Chris' larger-than-life stage presence. Each member of the band was an integral part of an unstoppable music machine that took over Newcastle for a night.
Newcastle was lucky enough to be one of just four UK dates on this tour, and the venue, O2 City Hall Newcastle, was the perfect choice for the band's iconic rock sound. Big enough to reach a large audience and intimate enough to create a real connection between the band and the fans, something that Chris mentioned early on in the show and that certainly made for an unforgettable experience for everyone who was lucky enough to be there.
The band's album 'Happiness Bastards' is available right now wherever you get your music so do yourself a massive favour and check it out here.
The band's album 'Happiness Bastards' is available right now wherever you get your music so do yourself a massive favour and check it out here.
