Simon Rushworth
@ Castle Donington, Main Stage, June 14 2009
If there’s one thing you’re guaranteed when Black Stone Cherry hit the stage then it’s consistency. These southern fried rock monsters don’t do average shows, they don’t do run-of-the-mill sets and if they stick to the tried and tested formula time and time again then it ain’t gone stale just yet.
Those of us treated to the outstanding Things My Father Said during their support slot with Nickelback weren’t disappointed as the boys reeled off another faultless version of the best track from Folklore & Superstition. Chris’s fears that the track wouldn’t be rock enough for Download were totally unfounded – and with Journey coming up later in the day he really didn’t need to worry.
For BSC the only thing to worry about right now is how to maintain their incredible momentum and squeeze in album number three sometime during the next 12 months. With a full UK tour inked in for the autumn and demand for the band at an all-time high, these are heady days for a band obsessed by the rain despite boasting an uncanny knack for brightening up the dullest of days.
Please Come In, Maybe Someday and Lonely Train have already taken on lives of their own as cracking examples of modern rock which the next generation must strive to emulate. All three Download versions were among the top 10 songs heard on Classic Rock Sunday and it’s little wonder Chris is the most requested guest artist by fellow bands looking to spice up their act in these ultra-competitive times.
If you’re limiting your gig going to a handful of select shows this year then make Black Stone Cherry one of them. These tee-total, hard rocking US stars have carved out a niche as the best imported live act on the circuit right now and rushonrock could watch ’em every night – and still demand an encore.