The Black Crowes stormed the stage at the Metropolitan Opera House in Philadelphia, PA, on May 7, 2024, delivering a masterclass in rock and roll swagger and soul. This concert not only highlighted tracks from their highly anticipated ninth album, "Happiness Bastards," but also revisited classics that have defined their storied career.
Formed in 1984 in Marietta, Georgia, by brothers Chris and Rich Robinson, The Black Crowes quickly became a staple of the American rock scene. Known for their gritty, blues-infused rock that harks back to the 1970s golden age of rock music, their sound is a vibrant blend of Southern rock, blues, and a touch of gospel. Throughout their career, the Crowes have been praised for their raw, energetic live performances and have maintained a loyal fan base despite various hiatuses and lineup changes.
Photos: Ehud Lazin
At the Met, their setlist was a journey through decades of music, starting with the groovy "Bedside Manners" and moving through the electrifying "Twice as Hard." Highlights included the soulful "My Morning Song" and the impassioned "She Talks to Angels," showcasing Chris Robinson’s undiminished vocal prowess and Rich Robinson’s compelling guitar riffs. The staging, reminiscent of a vintage circus with string lights and a theatrical curtain, added a layer of spectacle appropriate for the grandeur of the Opera House, particularly effective during the reflective moments of "Wilted Rose" and the intense "No Speak No Slave."
Their covers were strategically placed, turning Bo Diddley’s "Road Runner" into a raucous romp, while their take on Otis Redding’s "Hard to Handle" was a crowd-pleaser that had everyone on their feet. The encore's rendition of The Velvet Underground's "White Light/White Heat" was a perfect send-off, encapsulating the band's ability to fuse their influences into something uniquely their own.
This EPIC performance at the Met confirmed that The Black Crowes remain at the top of their game, blending musical maturity with the unbridled enthusiasm of their early days. It was a night that celebrated their past, showcased their present, and hinted at a still vibrant future.
