© Dal Hatton / Mojostone Photography
So, approaching their 25th year anniversary, Atlanta rockers Blackberry Smoke announced a five night headline tour of the UK, before heading across Europe to promote their eighth studio album “Be Right Here”, which was launched earlier in the year, produced by Dave Cobb, the band are still hailed as reigning heavyweights of southern rock music !!
Blackberry Smoke
Blackberry Smoke have toured the world, bringing their southern rock sound to the masses spanning hugely successful albums and countless sales during this time, however the sad passing following a tumour on the brain of founder member, and drummer Brit Turner, meant that this current tour was also going to be a celebration of his career and that life can progress through music and love amongst their adorning fans.
Birmingham was the venue for tonight’s hugely anticipated show and the 2400 strong audience patiently waited in the September sunshine before entering the popular Birmingham Venue. However, first up was Bones Owens, a new artist personally for me but definitely will not be the last time I check out this talent. Cool looking with tan shades and slick hair, he and band members stylishly played through their 45 minute set with a mix of old and new music, featuring the current album “Love out of Lemons”, which the title track sets that cultured energy that just oozes from his Missourri roots that audiences just want to set them up for a great night of rock n blues.
Bones Owens
Check out his sounds here
https://open.spotify.com/artist/172e5cVOCSMYQQaIaZ4l1z?si=geQKOl_dTz62a6UGj3mZ7w
The lights went down,the bars emptied (briefly), a loud roar echoed around the arena for the arrival of Blackberry Smoke. The boys from Georgia are as southern rock as you can get, with melodic sounds, accompanied by sublime riffs and keyboards.. and with frontman Charlie Starr sporting the stunning mutton chops its going to be a great night for photography and listening pleasure. Starting off with “Six Ways to Sunday” (2012) thru “Good One Comin’ on” (2009) and the Workin’ for a Workin’ Man brought the tempo up before my time in the photo pit was over all too soon..
See full gallery here https://mmhradio.co.uk/blackberry-smoke-bones-owens-o2-academy-birmingham-13-9-2024/
The guys had the audience exactly where they wanted them.. right in the palm of their hands, and with the crowd in a very receptive mood put together a full two hour seamlessly flawless show, and even managed to incorporate a snip of Quireboys’ “7 o’ Clock into “Runaway from it All” (2018) .. pretty cool really, especially with frontman Spike in the house !!
Blackberry Smoke
I took a trip around the o2 to catch the effervescent vibes spilling , along with drinks as the packed out venue seamed to sway with the dulcit southern tones from the aforementioned Charlie, ending with the honky-tonk sounds of recent single “Little Bit Crazy” (2024) before a raucous crowd stomping encore took place with a further two songs to end what was a great nights entertainment to a band I had not seen live before, but the memories are there, along with t-shirts purchased at the merch stand.
So, to sum up – if you love Southern Rock & Blues, and you’ve not heard of Blackberry Smoke – get your asses sorted and you’ll be hooked forever !! This band is something special, and a band that everyone should see at least once in their lives.
Thank you to you for helping me pop my Blackberry Smoke proverbial “cherry” !!
“Be Right Here” – available now on 3 Legged Records
https://open.spotify.com/artist/5P1oS9DUTPEqcrmXDmX4p8?si=LTuHq7HhTN2L4NDeZpIYxg
