It wasn't long ago that Gene Simmons from Kiss proclaimed that rock was dead. It was a pretty controversial statement. What's always interested me about rock is the idea that it's finite. Rock stars are always constantly talking about how rock 'n' roll will never die. You don't hear Katy Perry proclaiming that pop will live forever or Eminem tell the world that rap will never die. No it's always rock. The idea that the rock legends of the 70s and 80s would burn out in a blaze of glory simply didn't come to fruition. Instead they went on reunion tours and charged us extortionate amount to hear the hits (although that's another post for another time). If rock truly is dead then it's because those legendary rock stars never stepped aside... and the rock bands of today don't have the balls to break the glass ceiling.
But rock isn't dead. No way my friends. I have one clear cut example.
I'm sure many readers of this blog know my thoughts on Black Stone Cherry. They are simply put my favourite band to come along for years. I first saw them support Def Leppard and Whitesnake at the Metro Radio Arena in Newcastle. Even a short 20 minute set let me know that these guys were the real deal. Now 6 years later, Kentucky's finest have gone from opening arena gigs to headlining them and boy are they ready!
This was my 5th time seeing the band. It was also my fiancé Kayleigh's first time at a Black Stone Cherry show. We'd driven two hours from Durham to Sheffield especially for the gig and the excitement at our hotel was palpable. Pretty much everyone was there to see Black Stone Cherry. It made for a great atmosphere.
Canadian rockers 'Theory of A Deadman' opened proceedings to a pretty respectable crowd but at least from where I was sitting we were all waiting for the main event. Insane Aussies 'Airbourne' were up next; a band I've seen at many a festival or support slot. As predicted they were fantastic. Given a couple more album cycles they could surely do an arena tour of their own. Kayl summed it up best by telling me later that Airbourne were so loud she could 'hear them in her lungs'. On any other night I could quite happily have gone home then.
I've been to a lot of gigs. One of my favourite moments at any show would be the start of a Metallica gig. As 'Ecstasy of Gold' builds to its climax I get goosebumps. It's a moment any rock fan should experience. But even that is merely the music played before Metallica hit the stage. This was the 5th time I've seen Black Stone Cherry but as I sat in the Motorpoint Arena and the band started playing 'Rain Wizard' I got goosebumps all over. I knew this crowd were ready to rock and that this band wouldn't disappoint. As Chris Robertson screamed "Here comes the rain!" an entire arena screamed back in unison. It will always be a treasured gig memory.
I have to take the time to praise the setlist that the BSC played in Sheffield. As I'd followed news of the rest of the tour across Europe I saw that some of their best cuts were missing. Europe missed out on early hits such as 'Soul Creek' or fan favourite 'Things My Father Said'. By the time the band had hit Glasgow the night before these songs were back in the set. All the hits were represented: 'Blind Man', 'Blame It On The Boom Boom', 'Lonely Train' and of course the amazing 'Me & Mary Jane'. "The only thing," I'd said to Kayl before the gig "that would make their setlist complete would be 'Fiesta Del Fuego'. However I was confident I wouldn't hear it on this night. So the moment the rumbling bass line kicked in I might as well have screamed like a girl.
The new album 'Magic Mountain' was well represented and as always the entire band were on top form. They also seemed genuinely shocked at the reception they were getting. Hearing the fans sing their songs back to them with such force must have been a life changing experience for a band who are cruelly under appreciated in their home land. This UK arena tour should be proof of three things:
1. Black Stone Cherry are one of the greatest (if not the greatest) live bands in the world.
2. They are more than ready to headline festivals and gigs all over the world including back in the U.S.
3. That Gene Simmons was totally wrong. Rock and roll is very much alive and well. We just need to let the young blood kick down the door!
