The Black Crowes Concert Review

THE BLACK CROWES: September 18th, 2021 / PNC Arts Center, Holmdel NJ

Review by Chris Yates

Photos by Estelle Massry

The long awaited reunion of rock legends Chris & Rich Robinson made its way to the PNC Arts Center in Holmdel, New Jersey Saturday night as The Black Crowes celebrated the 30 year anniversary of their debut album Shake Your Money Maker. February 13th 2020 marked the official 30th year anniversary of the quintuple platinum album, however, with the COVID-19 pandemic halting all live touring shows exactly one month later, the tour was not able to get off the ground and in flight… until now. Live shows are back, and boy are they back with a vengeance!

The LA foursome Dirty Honey opened for the Black Crowes electrifying the audience with a jolt of guitar-party rock that made for a seamless transition for the Black Crowes to hit the stage.

BLACKBIRDS OF A FEATHER ROCK TOGETHER

The PNC show was epic as The Black Crowes and their flock of fans celebrated by enjoying the albums songs start to finish. Joining Chris and Rich on tour are longtime Crowes bassist Sven Pipien and new comers Isaiah Mitchell on guitar, Joel Robinow on keys with Brian Griffin on drums. The band mesmerized the audience with their rock & roll delivering a rhythm & blues vibe that penetrates the soul. The show opened with a saloon type setting where it seems the band was toasting to their albums anniversary as well as the reunion of the bands leading brothers. After the toast, the lights struck the stage and The Black Crowes opened with “Twice As Hard” which sounded timeless as the audience bounced to their feet. While Rich Robinson, under spotlight, jammed away the songs intro stoking our anticipation with his classic riffs, Chris was concealed behind The Black Crowes umbrella, then on cue, paraded front and center as only one of the best front men in rock history can. “Jealous Of Him” followed, and the show was launched into full flight.

They played to a packed house from young first concert goers, to the experienced concert enthusiast, and no matter the age, the audience was on their feet the entire time, fist pumping away to the Southern Rock and R&B sounds.

Chris’ sound was strong and powerful and as I watched his soulful body contort as the music flowed through him from head to toe, I can almost feel his energy flow through myself, as if he was throwing the positive vibes our way. They played the entire album well into the evening and before leaving, closed out the show with “Remedy” which injected the audience as if powerful enough to remedy (or kill) any virus.