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.