Photos and Review by Stephen Bloch

For over 30 years, The Black Crowes from Atlanta, GA have been putting out tried-and-true roots rock without a hiccup. This past Saturday night in October at Milwaukee‘s Miller High Life Theatre was no exception. The band consists of original members Chris Robinson, his brother Rich Robinson, Sven Pipien (not technically original but joined after first few records), and relative newcomers Erik Deutsch, Nico Bereciartua, Cully Symington, Mackenzie Adams, and Lesley Grant. This is a very tight band with the Robinson brothers at the helm, but they give everyone an opportunity to shine.

Saturday’s show was a healthy blend of new and old as they tour in support of the recent stellar release, Happiness Bastards. The Crowes are not opposed to playing the music of other acts that influence them. Of course no Crowes show would be complete without their cover of Otis Redding’s “Hard to Handle”. Redding died in a plane crash in Madison, WI in 1967 and there was a cardboard cutout of him on the stage. They also provided excellent covers of David Bowie‘s “The Jean Genie” and The Velvet Underground’s “White Light/White Heat”.

Pure rock ‘n’ roll on a Saturday night, what more could you want?