The Black Crowes returned to San Francisco, delivering the goods on their Lay Down With Number 13 world tour. What can I say about these guys that hasn’t been said before? They are the Led Zeppelin of my generation. They are one of the few real rock ‘n’ roll bands who have stayed true to their roots, and genuinely look to be enjoying themselves on stage, performing because they want to, not because they have to.
There’s no album to support and there’s not one needed. The Black Crowes have sold more than 35 million copies of their 11 studio albums and have been named one of the greatest hard-rock bands by VH1. Ok, you got me on the second part; not sure how much cred VH1 still has in this field. Regardless, watching these guys play live will remind you of the pure genius that is the Robinson brothers. The setlist at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium last week played out like a greatest hits collection, and I don’t think it was meant to be. These guys simply have that many great songs to choose from, and judging by their previous setlists, they mix it up every night. How many bands are doing that anymore? Exactly.
I would be fooling myself if I didn’t mention how different Chris Robinson looks these days. His beard could start a hipster revolution, and maybe it did. It was certainly well in place before the Duck Dynasty boom or the short-lived Kings of Leon revolution. Regardless of looks, though, Chris’s voice sounds better than I remember it back in ’96. This guy has a set of pipes on him that are indestructible and undeniable. He was hitting every single note perfectly while making it look effortless.
Highlights of the set for me were the incredibly powerful “Sting Me,” the slow cooking groove of “Halfway to Everywhere,” and the surprise of the night, “High Head Blues.” Three Snakes and One Charm is an under-appreciated gem of the Crowes catalog that I celebrate regularly, so this was a shining moment for sure.
Word on the street is that the Crowes are going out with a bang in 2013 so that the guys can work on solo projects. The most anticipated of them is of course the new release from Rich Robinson, which could be a game changer in the New Year. All I have to say is that I am thankful to see the Crowes doing what they do best and keeping their legacy alive because us rock ‘n’ roll fans need it now more than ever.
Prepare to have your mind blown, as here’s the setlist from the night:
Soul Singing
(Only) Halfway To Everywhere
Sting Me, She Gave Good Sunflower
Remedy, Descending > Jumping Jack Flash
High Head Blues
Ballad In Urgency > Wiser Time, She Talks To Angels
Sometimes Salvation
Thorn In My Pride
Jealous Again
Hard To Handle > Hush
My advice to you: dig out your Black Crowes CDs, vinyl, cassettes, dig into your playlist, whatever you have to do. Celebrate the fact that these guys are alive and well. I look forward to what they’ll deliver next year in their respective solo careers, but even more so, to the next time they come to San Francisco.
Check out more photos from the show in the gallery.
