If Black Stone Cherry isn’t on your radar yet, you need to reset your apparatus. When they opened for Theory of a Deadman at Old national Centre Friday night, they didn’t just warm up the crowd – they set The Egyptian Room on fire!
It was my first time seeing the Kentucky-based band, and although I expected hard rock with a southern flair, I didn’t expect the intensity and energy these guys churned out. From the beginning to the end of their nine-song set, Black Stone Cherry played their hearts out. It was a nonstop, rip-roaring party, complete with headbanging, running, spinning, and jumping. It was immensely exciting and exhilarating, especially from a photographer’s perspective. I hadn’t had that much fun in a looong time, and I can’t tell you how good it felt to be back to doing what I love!
Black Stone Cherry consists of lead vocalist Chris Robertson, guitarist Ben Wells, and drummer John Fred Young. As they easily moved from song to song, the synergy between the three original members and their touring bassist, Steve Jewell of Otis, was evident. They were clearly comfortable with each other and having a blast together on the stage.
The crowd was having a great time, too, throwing up devil horns and singing along at the tops of their lungs. It was interesting to note that a good ¾ of the audience were Black Stone Cherry first-timers. I think it’s safe to say a bunch of new Cherry Heads were created at that show, myself included!
Black Stone Cherry has numerous upcoming tour dates across the world – you can find the schedule here:
Check out Black Stone Cherry’s super-cool cover of Give Me One Reason, from their latest LP, The Human Condition, here: