THE BLACK CROWES SHAKE YOUR MONEY MAKER TOUR BANNER
THE BLACK CROWES
Open Their Shake Your Money Maker Tour in Nashville
July 22, 2021 by by Traci Turner
The Black Crowes kicked off their Shake Your Money Maker Tour in Nashville this week and Chris Robinson said what we all felt: “This is our first rock and roll show in a long time!” Between The Crowes and openers Dirty Honey, it definitely was a rock and roll show; a phenomenal show that was made extra special after all the time of dark stages.
I will admit that I liked both bands well enough before the show, but after their performances, I am ready to sell my possessions and travel the world to see them. Fortunately for us at OC Music News, they will hit The Forum on August 19th.
SHAKE YOUR MONEY MAKER TOUR BANNER 2021
Los Angeles’ Dirty Honey came right out with the energy and excitement we all craved. Exploding at the outdoor Ascend Amphitheatre right off the bat with “Gypsy,” Dirty Honey showed why they topped charts without a record deal.
Through their 12-song set, each member – singer Marc LaBelle, guitarist John Notto, bassist Justin Smolian, and drummer Corey Coverstone – showed they absolutely have the skills to be the next major rock band. LaBelle’s voice proved it was not studio magic that made “When I’m Gone” a hit single. Coverstone and Notto had individual solos that showcased their musical abilities, and LaBelle knew how to work the crowd, even coming off the stage to interact with fans.
DIRTY HONEY | PHOTO BY STEPHANIE PEPPER
After playing new single “California Dreamin’” and another previous hit, “Rolling 7s,” Dirty Honey was a brilliant warm up for The Black Crowes.
THE BLACK CROWES
SHAKE YOUR MONEY MAKER TOUR 2021
The Black Crowes electrified on opening night of their Shake Your Money Maker Tour at the Ascend Amphitheatre in Nashville, Tennessee.
THE BLACK CROWES | PHOTO BY STEPHANIE PEPPER
With the stage set to resemble a bar complete with patrons, juke box, and dim lighting, Elmore James’ 1961 version of “Shake Your Money Maker” played. The bar patrons cleared and The Black Crowes entered; still dark until black-clad Rich Robinson struck the first guitar note and was spotlighted.
As “Twice as Hard” began to play, the lights came up and front-man Chris Robinson strutted out in a white suit while twirling a black umbrella complete with The Black Crowes logo. The incredibly talented band – Sven Pipien on bass, Brian Griffin as drums, Joel Robinow on keyboards, and Isaiah Mitchell on guitar – were also impeccably dressed, but harmony singers Mackenzie Adams and Leslie Grant had THE best silver sequin booties.
THE BLACK CROWES 2021
The crowd was immediately on their feet where they stayed all night. As this is the 30th anniversary of “Shake Your Money Maker,” the band ran through the album in its entirety to celebrate. When the Robinson brothers announced their reunion in late 2019, their goal was to take the album on the road in 2020. Finally free to do so, the band showed us what a “back to regular life” event can be: crowded, loud, and worth it.
THE BLACK CROWES | PHOTO BY STEPHANIE PEPPER
After performing “Jealous Again,” “Hard to Handle” (including a shout out to original songwriter, Otis Redding, or as Chris called him, “The Big O!”), “She Talks to Angels,” and the others off “Shake Your Money Maker,” the band did other favorites like, “High Head Blues,” “Good Friday,” “Thorn in My Pride,” and “Sting Me,” then came back for an encore with “Remedy.”
Chris and Rich have mended fences and it showed. They smiled and interacted with each other, even shared a bro-style side hug. Chris sauntered, pranced, spun, mic stand spun, and basically, did the showman style that can make a concert extra amazing. The entire band sounded flawless – including Chris’ harmonica skills – and the crowd was thoroughly entertained.
Definitely do not miss this show. Not only will it be great to enjoy live music again, it will be guaranteed a worthy event courtesy of The Black Crowes. The Shake Your Money Maker Tour will stop in Los Angeles at The Forum on August 19th. The band is currently holding meet and greets, so add that to your cart for a memorable night.
