Brothers of a Feather Soar in London

The Black Crowes – Brothers Of A Feather

live at Omeara London 12/02/2020

While musical reunions are now making the headlines every week, there were few reunions more eagerly anticipated than that of Marietta Georgia’s finest sons, The Black Crowes.

Ahead of their UK tour in October, the brothers Robinson announced a series of intimate, acoustic gigs this month as a special treat for the few fans lucky enough to bag a ticket.

As the brothers stroll on to thunderous applause and calls of “welcome back” it feels like time has stood still since the last time they shared a stage. “What’s everyone doing here?” asks a smiling Chris Robinson, “you want to hear some acoustic music?”. As the first chords of `Jealous Again` start up, it’s clear that the years haven’t dulled the Robinsons’ musical chops. On the contrary, Chris’ soulful southern honeyed drawl has aged like fine wine and Rich’s guitar licks are as graceful as ever.

“It’s like a cabaret vibe in here” observes Chris, “we should get someone to spin plates”.

Many pundits and fans had been wondering for years if the Robinson brothers would ever bury the proverbial hatchet and get back together, something not lost on Chris Robinson either. “I’ve heard lots of people saying they thought they’d never see the two of us together again” says the frontman. “Well you never thought you’d hear a two and a half minute version of `Wiser Time` either – you never know!”.

 From a stunning run through of `Thorn In My Pride` to funky deep cuts like `Horsehead`, the brothers are faultless. The gorgeous, gospel flavoured `Whoa Mule`from the Warpaint album, is followed by an achingly beautiful cover of the Stephen Stills and Chris Hillman lesser-known gem `So Many Times`.

 `She Talks To Angels` is still sublime, with Chris wringing every single drop of soul out of the main chorus. As we pass the one hour mark it feels like this could go on all night if the Robinson brothers were so inclined. However tonight is just a taster of what is to come on the full electric tour later this year. The final song of the night is a superb `Remedy` with Rich singing the backing vocals while the entire crowd sings along. After a very brief break the brothers return to the stage for an encore, a cover of the Little Feat classic `Willin`, before they take their final bow of the night to thunderous applause.

 The single emotion that prevails tonight is joy. The joy of being there to witness these two remarkable musicians reunite and ultimately the sheer joy of hearing The Black Crowes songbook brought back to life on stage by the men who wrote it. After more than 30 years together and apart, the southern harmony has lost none of its magic or charm.

The Black Crowes Setlist:

Jealous Again
Twice As Hard
Wiser Time
Thorn In My Pride
Good Friday
Horsehead
Hotel Illness
Whoa Mule
So Many Times
Soul Singing
She Talks To Angels
Remedy
Encore
Willin