ALBUM REVIEW: Live From The Royal Albert Hall…Y’All – Black Stone Cherry
Where to begin with the story of this album is the most difficult part. BLACK STONE CHERRY’s barnstorming performance at the legendary Royal Albert Hall is an incredibly significant moment for Kentucky’s finest and for their devoted and passionate fans. The culmination of 14 years of blood, sweat and tears, the band got the opportunity they’d been waiting for and they didn’t open the door when it came knocking, they kicked the damn thing off its hinges. What makes this live album especially significant is that this was the first fully completed international tour since the lockdown, and the wholesome energy is palpable as people came together to release all their emotions in a fun, loving and carefree party environment. Live From The Royal Albert Hall…Y’All is the chronicling of an incredible journey from the heart of Kentucky to one of the most prestigious venues in London. Every moment is wholesome and wholehearted – an intimate and heartwarming experience that is nurturing for the soul, and proof that BLACK STONE CHERRY are a band who symbolise the power of having a dream and working your butt off to get there.
With an eclectic setlist consisting of songs from the band’s humble beginnings to the height of their success there is something for everyone, which fits BLACK STONE CHERRY’s mantra of uniting people through the power of music. From the very outset you know that emotions will be running high as title text dedicates the performance to Steve Robertson, Chris Robertson’s father who passed away earlier that year. Dotted throughout the live performance are moments of behind-the-scenes interviews, backstage footage and deep archival insights into the band as kids first starting out, alongside footage of their first ever UK tour and uplifting moments of reflection that all emphasise the significance of the band’s journey from their Kentucky beginnings to lighting up London. Live From The Royal Albert Hall…Y’All is so much more than a live album; in the year of the band’s 20th anniversary it is a moment of joyful celebration, a moment of triumph amidst the chaos of a pandemic, and a moment of unity, peace and love for those that were there and for those that are experiencing it in this format.
BLACK STONE CHERRY have always been about family, affectionally called Cherryheads, and whether you were there or watching it at home you’re never alone when watching a BLACK STONE CHERRY show. Forever humble, the band know how much their music means to people and Live From The Royal Albert Hall…Y’All shows a band giving every ounce of their heart and soul to their fans and as a result the fans are giving it straight back in bucketloads. Thunderous rhythm maestro John-Fred Young embodies The Muppets‘ Animal as his curly locks band around behind the cymbals; his playing tight as ever, the drummer puts on an emphatic performance. Criss-crossing the stage with the excitable puppy that is Ben Wells is newest member Steve Jewell Jr., who looks comfortable and at home providing the low end grooves. Robertson leads from the front, being an incredible showman throughout with his earthy, southern hospitality. In what is the performance of a lifetime, BLACK STONE CHERRY did it with perfection – not a single note was out.
Whilst they tear through an illustrious back catalogue there are a few moments that really stand out from a show that is stand out as a whole. The first is a beautiful rendition of the band’s most emotionally charged song Things My Father Said, where the audience lights up the Royal Albert Hall and Robertson sings with a love that stirs the soul. Overwhelmingly poignant, it would be a shock if there was a dry eye left in the house. Lonely Train starts with archival footage of the band’s first UK tour in 2007, a quick cut from Birmingham ’07 to London ’22 again emphasises the significance of this show, and it is inspirational to see that progression on film. Lastly, closing the set is Peace Is Free a song that symbolises a lot of things for a lot of people; this one features a rousing speech from Robertson halfway through which unites the room as every voice is raised in unison for a hair-raising moment that warms your heart and gives you chills.
Live From The Royal Albert Hall…Y’All is more than just a performance, it is a moment of time beautifully captured by Mike Rodway and his crew. This was a show that brought the UK together through the heartache, pain and fear, a poignant reminder of the unifying nature of music and the power of love to prevail through anything and everything. Simply put, Live From The Royal Albert Hall…Y’All is nothing short of phenomenal.
Rating: 10/10
Live From The Royal Albert Hall…Y’all is set for release on June 24th via Mascot Records/Mascot Label Group.
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