It’s been at least 20 years since The Black Crowes visited Wolverhampton, and the faithful have turned up in droves packing out all three tiers of the Civic Hall to welcome them for their final UK date on their European trek. Noticeably, it’s not just the old guard, there’s still a decent draw of younger fans who would have been little more than twinkles in their parents’ eyes that time around proving the broad appeal of the Crowes brand of Rock ‘N’ Roll still endures.

Following an opening slot from Jim Jones All Stars, an interesting stage set up is revealed. An oversized vanity mirror takes centre stage with a plethora of vintage amps and cabinets are stacked, flanking either side (presumably some just for show). On top of these, a good six or seven feet above the stage, sits the the drum kit, keyboards and backing singers. A banner across the top featuring the latest album title, Happiness Bastards, is complemented by red curtains and trailing lights, the effect somewhat reminiscent of a travelling circus which also helps create a feeling of intimacy.

They get proceedings underway with two new songs back to back lifted from their latest album Happiness Bastards. It may have taken 15 years to get around to it, but the end product has been worth the wait with it arguably being one of their strongest albums since the 90’s. ‘Bedside Manners’ is a belting country rocker that pulls you in immediately with Rich Robinson’s slide riff from his yellow Gibson Les Paul Special. ‘Rats And Clowns’ meanwhile is more straight forward hard rock and has Chris Robinson strutting around the stage. ‘Twice As Hard’ is the first stomp down memory lane and the guitar enthusiasts that have put themselves stage left get to salivate over numerous guitar changes that mix vintage with modern classics such as the black Zemaitis Disc used here.

A large cardboard cut out of Chuck Berry has sat behind guitarist Nico Bereciartua and Chris suggests they play one of his songs. Instead they tear through a raucous take on Bo Diddley’s ‘Roadrunner’ after which Robinson jokes ‘Don’t worry Wolverhampton, I won’t mention you all fell for the old Chuck Berry gag’. He then introduces the next song as being a musical representation of the dream they’ve been living for a number of years; ‘Thorn In My Side’ and it receives a terrific response. It is also typical of the Black Crowes as it drops into an extended jam on which Chris Robinson excels with his harmonica which ends up in the hands of a lucky fan by the end of the song.

Famous for their tumultuous past, it seems any feuds between the brothers have been put behind them. Tonight they both seem relaxed and comfortable. In fact the only ire is directed at a couple of fans; the first for talking far too loudly who Chris puts firmly in his place receiving a round of applause and no doubt relief to those stuck near him. The second comes from a fan who throws a CD up on stage. “Why would you buy my stuff and then throw it at me, Dipshit?” Rich asks. No doubt he was expecting him to stop mid show and sign it for him. Chris joins in the telling the fan that it should teach him a lesson for buying Amorica. Clearly he’s now less fond of the album.

‘Hard To Handle’ is introduced as being by the greatest singer of all time; Otis Redding. The band tear through it driven along by Sven Pipien’s bass line and the crowd are surprisingly in time with one another for singing along. Final new song of the evening is the wonderful laid back very bluesy ‘Bleed It Dry’ and the final trio is a masterclass in Southern rock; ‘No Speak, No Slave’ is immense with a scorching wah solo from Bereciartua and ‘Jealous Again’ sends the crowd into a frenzy and has the brothers embrace and share a mic. They then steam straight into a joyous ‘Remedy’ that’s full of passion and energy. They could have just walked off after this without an encore and it would still have been one of the best rock ‘n’ roll shows of the year, but come back they do for a blues stomp of Rev Charlie Jackson’s ‘God’s Got It’ and show their appreciation for the crowd. Tonight Wolverhampton has well and truly been rocked, proving that when The Black Crowes are on form, they’re untouchable. Let’s hope it’s not too long before they return.

Setlist:
Bedside Manners
Rats and Clowns
Twice as Hard
Horsehead
Stare It Cold
Cross Your Fingers
Wilted Rose
Road Runner
Thorn in My Pride
Wanting and Waiting
Hard to Handle
She Talks to Angels
Bleed It Dry
No Speak No Slave
Jealous Again
Remedy

Encore:
God’s Got It