November 23, 2024, marked a monumental evening for Black Stone Cherry as they headlined their final UK tour date at the iconic OVO Arena Wembley. Having previously graced this venue with The Darkness in a joint headlining tour back in February 2023, this time the band took center stage on their own. And let’s be clear, Black Stone Cherry proved they were more than ready to fill the arena’s twelve-and-a-half thousand capacity. With an electrifying performance and a set list stacked with fan favorites, the night was a testament to their unwavering status as rock ‘n’ roll champions.
The Excitement Builds
As the lights dimmed and anticipation reached a fever pitch, the energy in the OVO Arena Wembley was palpable. The venue, bustling with excitement, had already been treated to stellar performances from support acts Ayron Jones and Skillet. The recent collaboration between the three bands on a cover of The Cult’s American Horse had fans buzzing, and whispers of a surprise onstage collaboration lingered in the air. But it was clear that everyone was here for one thing: Black Stone Cherry.
An Explosive Start
As the massive curtain dropped and colored lights bathed the stage, the crowd erupted in cheers. Lead guitarist and vocalist Chris Robertson, rhythm guitarist Ben Wells, bassist Steve Jewell, and drummer John Fred Young wasted no time, launching into their high-octane opener, Me And Mary Jane. From the very first note, it was clear that Black Stone Cherry was bringing their A-game. The band’s signature southern-rock sound filled the room with an undeniable force, shaking the venue like a wild, untameable beast.
Non-Stop Energy
Throughout the night, Black Stone Cherry exhibited the kind of energy that makes them a force to be reckoned with. Wells and Jewell, the dynamic axe-wielding duo, kept the crowd on their toes, racing around the stage with impressive agility and enough high kicks to make Olympic gymnasts envious. Their passion was palpable, and the audience fed off every ounce of it. Hits like Burnin’, Again, and Out Of Pocket were delivered with an intensity that only seasoned performers can muster.
Robertson’s vocals were in peak form, effortlessly shifting between husky growls and soaring melodies. It was a true testament to his natural talent, showing that what you hear on the record is exactly what you get live. With every song, the connection between the band and the crowd grew stronger.
Emotional Moments
As the band powered through hits like Rain Wizard, Blind Man, and The Mess You Made, the atmosphere shifted from raw rock power to heartfelt emotion. Like I Roll brought a sense of nostalgic warmth, and when they dropped into Stay, the arena swayed in unison, each person caught up in the emotion of the moment.
The emotional intensity continued with Cheaper To Drink Alone, during which Young delivered an earth-shattering drum solo that rattled the walls of the venue. His performance was nothing short of spectacular, a display of technical prowess that had the crowd roaring in appreciation.
But it was during the performance of Things My Father Said that the night truly hit a poignant note. Robertson took a moment to reflect on the passing of his father, and the arena lit up with phone torches as a beautiful tribute to the song’s meaning. It was a moment of unity and respect, reminding everyone of the deep personal connection that music can create.
A Collaborative Moment to Remember
The energy reached a fever pitch when Ayron Jones and John Cooper of Skillet joined Black Stone Cherry onstage for a colossal performance of American Horse. This surprise collaboration was a perfect way to cap off a tour that brought together such powerful forces in rock. The band’s chemistry was undeniable, and the crowd was treated to an unforgettable moment of pure musical magic.
Encore and Farewell
As the set neared its conclusion, fan favorites like White Trash Millionaire and Lonely Train kept the energy sky-high, with mosh pits opening up across the venue. But Black Stone Cherry had one final surprise up their sleeve. The band ended their show with Blame It On The Boom Boom, a song that’s become synonymous with their high-energy performances. It was the perfect sendoff as the crowd screamed for an encore.
The encore didn’t disappoint. As the lights dimmed once again, Robertson took to the floor and began Peace Is Free amongst the audience, standing in the middle of the crowd as they sang along in full force. It was a moment of intimate connection that made this arena show feel personal and real. The band returned to the stage to finish off their UK tour with a final, heartfelt performance that left the audience wanting more.
A Solid Tour Finale
As the lights came up and the cheers began to subside, it was clear that this final UK tour date at OVO Arena Wembley was an epic conclusion to what had been a thrilling ride. Black Stone Cherry showed once again why they are one of the hardest-working and most respected bands in rock. Their performance was a masterclass in showmanship, energy, and heart—a true reflection of the passion they bring to their music and their fans.
With the 2024 gigging year winding down, Black Stone Cherry’s Wembley show stands as a clear highlight. These arena champions proved that they are more than deserving of the massive stage they occupy. The band continues to rise in greatness with every return to the UK, and the fans who packed OVO Arena Wembley can rest assured that Black Stone Cherry is a band that will never let them down.
Black Stone Cherry: Live from The Royal Albert Hall… Y’All!
In the world of rock, there are moments that define a band’s legacy—performances that transcend the ordinary, capturing the essence of their artistry, passion, and power. For Black Stone Cherry, one such moment arrived in an iconic setting: The Royal Albert Hall in London. This legendary venue, steeped in history and known for hosting some of the most revered names in music, witnessed something truly special as the Southern rockers stormed its hallowed stage. And what better way to capture the energy, the soul, and the spirit of Black Stone Cherry than with the release of Live from The Royal Albert Hall… Y’All!.
A Historic Night
The Royal Albert Hall is a venue that commands respect, and for Black Stone Cherry, it marked a milestone in their ever-growing career. This was not just another gig; this was a celebration of their hard-earned success, a night to prove that Southern rock, with its raw, unfiltered energy, could make just as big an impact in one of the world’s most prestigious venues as it could in a sweaty bar or a packed festival tent. The band’s journey from humble beginnings in Kentucky to this historic stage was nothing short of remarkable—and the performance that night was a fitting testament to their place in rock history.
Southern Charm Meets Rock Royalty
From the moment the band hit the stage, it was clear that Black Stone Cherry was in their element. Lead guitarist and vocalist Chris Robertson, rhythm guitarist Ben Wells, bassist Steve Jewell, and drummer John Fred Young had the crowd in the palm of their hands, blending their signature Southern rock sound with the grand acoustics of the Royal Albert Hall.
Opening with the high-octane “Me and Mary Jane”, the band immediately set the tone for what would be an unforgettable performance. Their sound, a perfect mix of gritty blues, hard rock, and Southern swagger, filled the hall, proving that they were more than capable of standing alongside rock royalty.
As the night progressed, the energy in the venue only grew. Tracks like “Burnin’”, “Again”, and “Out of Pocket” had the audience singing along, as the band brought their signature Southern-infused rock to life in a setting that was both intimate and massive. The raw, unrelenting power of Black Stone Cherry was on full display, showing that the band was able to command an audience of this size with the same intensity as a smaller club show.
Moments of Emotion
Despite the larger-than-life setting, Black Stone Cherry never lost the personal connection with the audience that has defined their career. Chris Robertson took a moment to speak about the band’s journey and the importance of their fans before launching into “Things My Father Said”—a heartfelt tribute that left the audience swaying in unison with phone torches held high. It was a powerful moment of reflection and gratitude, showing that while the band had reached the pinnacle of success, they were still grounded in the very things that had brought them there: their family, their fans, and their music.
The Drum Solo
No Black Stone Cherry show would be complete without the legendary drum solo from John Fred Young, and the Royal Albert Hall performance was no exception. As Young launched into his solo during “Cheaper to Drink Alone”, the crowd was left in awe of his blistering skills. The thunderous percussion echoed throughout the hall, filling every corner with the power of his drumming. It was a moment that showcased not only his technical prowess but also his raw energy and passion for the music.
A Southern Rock Collaboration
One of the highlights of the evening came during a special collaboration with fellow musicians Ayron Jones and John Cooper of Skillet, who joined Black Stone Cherry on stage for a thunderous version of “American Horse”. This powerful moment wasn’t just a showcase of musical talent; it was a symbol of the unity within the rock community. As the three bands had recently collaborated on a cover of The Cult’s “American Horse”, their live performance at the Royal Albert Hall was a celebration of the collaborative spirit that defines rock and roll.
The Encore
As the night wound down, the band wrapped up their set with a few of their biggest hits, including “White Trash Millionaire”, “Lonely Train”, and “Blame It on the Boom Boom”. But the encore was where the magic truly happened. The audience erupted as the band took the stage one final time for “Peace Is Free”, a song that resonated deeply with fans, both in its message and its execution. It was the perfect way to end a show that had already been a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
A Legendary Performance
Live from The Royal Albert Hall… Y’All! isn’t just a live album—it’s a declaration. It’s a declaration that Black Stone Cherry has earned their place among the greats of rock music, and that their Southern roots are just as valid in the grandeur of the Royal Albert Hall as they are in the backwoods of Kentucky. The show was a reflection of the band’s evolution from the club circuit to arenas and beyond, but it also captured the raw energy, passion, and authenticity that have always been at the heart of their sound.
For fans, this release is more than just a live album—it’s a reminder of the incredible journey that Black Stone Cherry has undertaken and the passion they continue to bring to the stage every single night. Whether you were lucky enough to be in the Royal Albert Hall that night or you’re experiencing it through the album, Black Stone Cherry: Live from The Royal Albert Hall… Y’All! is a monumental record that will live on as a testament to the band’s place in rock history.
If there was ever any doubt that Black Stone Cherry were arena champions, their performance at the Royal Albert Hall has put that to rest. The Southern rockers proved they can rock with the best of them—and then some.
