The long-overdue Black Crowes 30th anniversary Shake Your Money Maker tour finally kicked off in July 2021 to celebrate the band’s enormously successful debut album and the surprising reunion of the famously bickering Robinson brothers.
On August 19th at The Forum in Los Angeles, Chris and Rich Robinson hit the stage with longtime collaborator and on again off again band member Sven Pipien on bass, along with Black Crowes newcomers Isaiah Mitchell (guitar); Brian Griffin (drums) Joel Robinow (keys) followed by Mackenzie Adams and Leslie Grant on backup vocals.
There were two proverbial elephants in the big room: would the Delta Covid-19 variant cause any problems for the thousands attending the indoor concert; and would the often-feuding brothers have an onstage fit of rage? Neither concern came to fruition. The venue required proof of vaccination or a negative test result within 72 hours of the show and everyone in attendance had to wear masks. Entering the venue involved the usual security checks, but once inside it was somewhat surreal seeing thousands of masked Crowes fans.
The only fireworks on stage came from the band’s instruments as Chris and Rich Robinson were on their best behavior; they actually seemed to enjoy each other’s company. The band played Shake Your Money Maker in its ten-song sequence. As usual, Chris was a frontman revelation with his powerful voice and whirling dervish stage presence, while Rich was a stark counterpoint to his brother with subdued facial expressions and minimal movement around the stage. Rich let his guitar do most of the talking, although he did contribute a number of fine harmonies and occasionally cracked a smile.
Their performance of the multiplatinum album opened with explosive versions of “Twice as Hard” and “Jealous Again” and that momentum continued throughout the set. Chris introduced the Otis Redding classic “Hard To Handle” by saying “we always give thanks and praise to the man who wrote this.” Mitchell played a brilliant guitar sequence during the soul workout song leading Chris to admit he was “spinning hot fire” with his guitar.
The only moment of tranquility occurred when the stage was completely darkened except for the spotlight on Rich as he strapped on an acoustic guitar and began strumming the chords for “She Talks to Angels.” Chris got a second spot and launched into the lyrics and the momentum built as the rest of the band eventually joined in. Following Shake Your Money Maker, the show continued with raucous tracks from their deep catalog.
“A Conspiracy” featured a dramatic Robinow organ solo, while “By Your Side” showcased Rich’s intricate slide-guitar playing. “Wiser Time” allowed Rich to share the lead vocals with his brother and led into a trippy organ solo followed by dueling guitar solos. For “Thorn in My Side,” Chris broke out his harmonica and blasted a bluesy solo as the song expanded into an extended jam with everyone contributing.
They closed the show with their Billboard #1 Album Rock hit “Remedy” and Chris sang passionately and was supported with some glorious harmonizing by Leslie and Mackenzie, along with Sven, Isaiah, and Rich. The song flowed into another extended jam before Chris brought it back with the chorus and the eventual conclusion. The band surprised everyone with a cover for their encore – they broke out the Rolling Stones’ “It’s Only Rock and Roll (But I Like It)” and gave it a unique Black Crowes spin, while admirably paying tribute to one of their musical influences.
Chris and Rich Robinson say they have written about twenty songs they hope to record after the tour wraps at the end of the year. Let’s hope they stay on good terms, and the next tour is all new tunes now that they’ve gotten the anniversary tour out from under their wings.
Live photos courtesy of Andy J. Gordon ©2021.
