The Black Crowes - 14.05.2024 - The Apollo, Manchester

Credit for this page goes to: John Gilman

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The Black Crowes have been a staple of American rock for decades, so it’s surprising that this is my first time seeing them live. This good old-fashioned Southern boogie rock band has become an American national treasure, known for their hard-playing, hard-partying lifestyle. The Manchester Apollo is an interesting choice of venue—larger than the Academy or Ritz—but it was filled to the rafters, a testament to the band’s enduring popularity. While £75 a ticket seems steep for the venue, the packed house indicates that fans are willing to pay for the experience, especially given the rising costs of touring in the UK.

 

Despite concerns that the hard partying might affect Chris Robinson's signature Southern drawl, his voice was as strong as ever. The band took a risk by opening with two new songs, "Beside Manners" and "Rats and Clowns," but both were received like old favorites. The party truly kicked off with the third song, "Twice as Hard," which had the entire venue jumping. Two backing singers perched high next to the drum riser added a vibrant, boogie sound to the performance.

 

A few more tracks from their current album, *Happiness Bastards*, followed before a rip-roaring rendition of the Jerry Lee Lewis classic "High School Confidential." Chris Robinson then teased the intro to the fan-favorite "Hard to Handle," igniting the crowd, who sang along with gusto. The beautiful "She Talks to Angels" showcased the band's softer side before they ripped through "Sting Me" with the energy of a band in their twenties, not their fifties.

 

The main set concluded with the classic "Remedy," leaving the audience wanting more. Given the fluid nature of their encores, I was thrilled when they launched into the brilliant Elmore James song "Shake Your Moneymaker," ending the gig on a high note. 

 

The new album, *Happiness Bastards*, sticks firmly to The Black Crowes' sound, adhering to the adage "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." Seeing them live, it’s clear that you can’t beat a full-on Southern rock band in full flow. This begs the question: why haven't I seen these guys before? The Black Crowes have proved once again why they are a force to be reckoned with in the rock music world, delivering a performance that was both nostalgic and refreshingly new.