The Black Crowes with Wine Lips at Massey Hall

The Black Crowes flew into town Wednesday to perform at Massey Hall for a capacity crowd. The band is touring in support of their new album Happiness Bastards. It’s their 9th studio album and the first new music in nearly 15 years.

The band has gone through many lineup changes over the years. Founding members and brothers, Chris and Rich Robinson were joined by Sven Pipien who was involved with the band before they disbanded in 2015. The rest of the band was brought together to play on the new album and tour.

Rock’n’roll oozed from this blazing band. Opening with some tracks from the new album to stir the crowd. Chris urged the audience to get up and shuffle their feet. Classics from Shake Your Moneymaker and Southern Harmony & Musical Companion made up the bulk of the setlist. The band also tore through a fiery cover of Carol as a cut out of Chuck Berry looked down from the rafters behind the stage. The fan in me was elated to hear No Speak No Slave segueing into Jealous Again and Remedy before leaving the stage. The audience called the band to come back for the encore Kindred Friend.

I hadn’t seen The Black Crowes since 2004. Chris can still belt out those rockers and Rich has the bluesy tones that are what made this band’s signature sound. Those brothers looked like happy bastards at the end of the night.

Toronto’s very own Wine Lips opened the show. The crowd seemed to enjoy the music but the seating arrangement didn’t allow for a mosh pit. It was my first time hearing them. I will look for more local shows to get out to in the future.

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Be sure to check out Live Nation Ontario to see all of the other great acts that they will be bringing to Toronto this year.