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Tag: Joe Bonamassa
0 Joe Bonamassa To Make Recording History at 4 London Venues
Joe Bonamassa, the world’s premiere guitarist, will perform four exclusive London concerts during March 2013. Each concert will be specially filmed for DVD and will feature never-before performed live tracks. The four London concerts will chronicle Joe’s atmospheric rise from the intimate club atmosphere of The Borderline, to the prestigious Royal Albert Hall. The live in-concert DVDs will be released during fall 2013.
Hailed as The Guitar Event of the Year, Bonamassa will pay homage to the historic London venues he’s played by going back to his ten studio albums to perform songs for the very first time. The four London 2013 concerts will individually showcase a unique band configuration that will highlight diverse elements of Joe’s style. Each performance will be distinctive with different set lists. Collectively, there will be upwards of eighty new and old songs performed over the four nights that even the most die-hard Bonamassa fan will experience for the first time.
The London run will start at the intimate 200-capacity London Borderline on Tuesday March 26. Bonamassa will then play the 02 Shepherds Bush Empire and HMV Hammersmith Apollo on Wednesday March 27 and Thursday March 28 respectively, before finishing the week at the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday March 30.
The Royal Albert Hall and Shepherds Bush concerts are currently sold out. Tickets are still available for the Hammersmith Apollo, as well as VIP tickets for the exclusive Borderline concert that also includes the best seats in the house for the remaining three concerts including the Royal Albert Hall, Shepherds Bush and the Hammersmith Apollo. For further information about the VIP tickets, visit www.thegigcartel.com/joevip/.
“London is like my second home,” says Bonamassa. “I want to give the fans attending the London concerts a real treat – a thank you for their unwavering support. Over the years I’ve received requests for tracks we’ve never performed live. Now, it feels right that we delve into the back catalogue and dedicate London fans with unique versions of tracks they’ve never experienced live.”
2 New Video – Joe Bonamassa – Dislocated Boy
Check out the new video “Dislocated Boy” from Joe Bonamassa. “Dislocated Boy” is from the new Joe Bonamassa album, Driving Towards The Daylight.
0 Joe Bonamassa to release Beacon Theatre double live album
Joe Bonamassa: Beacon Theatre – Live From New York is released as a 2 CD and double vinyl album for the very first time. The double live album, released by Provogue Records in the UK on Monday September 24th, features 20 stunning tracks that spans his incredible career.
The festivities kick off with 72nd St. Subway Blues, followed by Slow Train, from 2011’s solo album Dust Bowl, plus fan favourites Midnight Blues, Dust Bowl, Bird On A Wire, Blue & Evil, Mountain Time, and many more. Beth Hart performs with Bonamassa on I’ll Take Care of You and Sinner’s Prayer. John Hiatt joins Bonamassa on Down Around My Place and I Know A Place, while Paul Rodgers (Free, Bad Company), is featured alongside Bonamassa on Fire And Water and Walk In My Shadows.
Album Track Listing:
CD 1
1: 72nd St. Subway Blues
2: Slow Train
3: Cradle Rock
4: When The Fire Hits The Sea
5: Midnight Blues
6: Dust Bowl
7: The River
8: I’ll Take Care Of You (with Beth Hart)
9: Sinner’s Prayer (with Beth Hart)
10: You Better Watch Yourself
11: Steal Your Heart Away
CD 2
1: Bird On A Wire
2: Down Around My Place (with John Hiatt)
3: I Know A Place (with John Hiatt)
4: Blue And Evil
5: Walk In My Shadows (with Paul Rodgers)
6: Fire And Water (with Paul Rodgers)
7: Mountain Time
8: Young Man Blues
9. If Heartaches Were Nickels
The live album precedes Bonamassa’s London March 2013 concerts at The Borderline (March 26), o2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire (March 27), Hammersmith Apollo (March 28), and Royal Albert Hall (March 30).
0 Black Country Communion Announce New Album “Afterglow”
Glenn Hughes (Lead Vocals/Bass), Joe Bonamassa (Guitar/Vocals). Photo Credit: © Christie Goodwin
Black Country Communion the Anglo-American rock group comprising vocalist/bassist Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple, Trapeze), drummer Jason Bonham (Led Zeppelin, Foreigner), Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater, Alice Cooper, Billy Idol) and blues-rock guitarist/vocalist Joe Bonamassa, release their third album, ‘Afterglow’, via Mascot Records on Monday October 29th.
Like its two predecessors, ‘Afterglow’ was produced by Kevin Shirley, whose catalogue of hit records for Led Zeppelin, Iron Maiden, Aerosmith and the Black Crowes has made him the hottest producer that rock music has to offer. Shirley – who had the idea of putting Hughes and Bonamassa together in a band after seeing them jam onstage back in 2009 – is the group’s unofficial ‘fifth member’.
The additions of Jason Bonham, esteemed son of Led Zeppelin’s John, who took his father’s place when the legendary group made musical history by reuniting at London’s O2 Arena in December 2007, and the in-demand Derek Sherinian, makes BCC a force to be reckoned with.
Both BCC’s previous offerings (2010’s eponymous debut album and 2011’s “2”) have gone straight in at #1 on the official UK Rock Album Chart. Embraced by the UK’s music press, Black Country Communion were voted “Best New Band” by the listeners of Planet Rock Radio and won “Best Breakthrough” at the prestigious Classic Rock Magazine Roll Of Honour Awards in 2011.
Track Listing:
1. Big Train
2. This is Your Time
3. Midnight Sun
4. Confessor
5. Cry Freedom
6. Afterglow
7. Dandelion
8. The Circle
9. Common Man
10. The Giver
11. The Crawl
0 Free Acoustic MP3 From Joe Bonamassa!!
Click on the image above to get your free acoustic track from Joe Bonamassa!
0 Joe Bonamassa On David Letterman Tonight!!
4 New Video – Joe Bonamassa – Driving Towards The Daylight
Check out the brand new video, “Driving Towards The Daylight” from Joe Bonamassa! Like the song? Get a Free Download at this link! Joe’s new album, Driving Towards The Daylight will be released May 22nd. You can Pre-order the CD here!
0 Joe Bonamassa releases new album “Driving Towards The Daylight”
Internationally renowned guitarist Joe Bonamassa is pleased to announce that his lucky 13th studio album “Driving Towards The Daylight” will be released in the UK on Monday May 21st by Provogue Records, and Tuesday May 22nd by J&R Records/Fontana in the United States.
Produced by Kevin Shirley, “Driving Towards The Daylight” highlights Bonamassa’s signature style of blues, roots, and rock & roll. The album features a unique group of musicians, including Aerosmith guitarist Brad Whitford (guitar), Blondie Chaplin (guitar), Anton Fig (drums and percussion), Arlan Schierbaum (keyboard), Michael Rhodes (bass), Carmine Rojas (bass), Jeff Bova and The Bovaland Brass, Pat Thrall (guitar), and Whitford’s son Harrison Whitford (guitar).
“Driving Towards The Daylight” includes five Bonamassa-penned originals, including bruising opener Dislocated Boy, the title track Driving Towards The Daylight, I Got All You Need, Heavenly Soul, and Somewhere Trouble Don’t Go. Other tracks include Joe’s versions of Tom Waits’ New Coat Of Paint, Bill Withers’ Lonely Town Lonely Street, and Bernie Marsden’s A Place In My Heart. On the album closer, Australian rock singer Jimmy Barnes sings lead vocals on his 1987 hit Too Much Ain’t Enough Love.
Premiering today, and continuing each week for ten episodes is Countdown To Daylight, the new reality series of 3-4 minute webisodes, featuring interviews with Joe and his band as well as behind-the-scenes footage of the band recording Driving Towards The Daylight in the studio. Tune in every Friday for a new episode on Joe’s official YouTube channel – here.
1 Stone’s Top Ten Rock Albums of 2011
Top Ten Rock Albums Of 2011 – This Top Ten Rock Album list comprises various genres, the likes of: Blues, Alternative, Rockabilly, Acoustic, New Wave, some shades of Hard Rock and of course, Rock itself. Isn’t Rock a grand blanket term for such incredible music diversity? I love Rock. Without Rock, there wouldn’t have been Heavy Metal.
If you are counting, there are actually thirteen Rock albums in this Top Ten list. Admittedly, compiling a “Top Ten” of anything is grueling for me, therefore the two “ties” below are as honest as I could ever possibly be, without pulling what hair I have left off of my head. Furthermore, I couldn’t resist adding Jeff Beck – Rock ‘n’ Roll Party/Honoring Les Paul as an “Honorable Mention”. It’s a good times, roots of Rock ‘n’ Roll listen, one that I’ve enjoyed time and again.
I chose the following Rock albums due to how memorable, fun and interesting they came across to my senses. The quality of Rock contained in these following albums, I simply revere. There are some elite musicians and bands on this list for certain. They all have proven to me just how diverse Rock ‘N Roll really is, with their respective albums. These are the Rock albums that I gravitated to and became inspired by most often during 2011. I highly recommend you check ’em out, if you haven’t already.
Thank you for supporting Rock ‘N Roll and Hard Rock Hideout!
STONE’S TOP TEN ROCK ALBUMS OF 2011
Honorable Mention
JEFF BECK – Rock ‘n’ Roll Party Honoring Les Paul
(ATCO)
#10
AFTERLIFE PARADE – REBIRTH
(WATERMAIN)
#9
DARYL HALL – LAUGHING DOWN CRYING
(Verve Forecast)
#8
TESLA – Twisted Wires & The Acoustic Sessions…
(Tesla Electric Company Recordings, Inc.)
#7
CHRIS CORNELL – SONGBOOK
(Universal Music)
#6
GREGG ALLMAN – LOW COUNTRY BLUES
(ROUNDER)
#5 (Tie)
SOCIAL DISTORTION – Hard Times And Nursery Rhymes
(Epitaph)
#5 (Tie)
FOO FIGHTERS – WASTING LIGHT
(RCA)
#4
LOS LONELY BOYS – ROCKPANGO
(Playing In Traffic Records / LonelyTone Records)
#3 (Tie)
THE CARS – MOVE LIKE THIS
(Hear Music / Concord Music Group)
#3 (Tie)
RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS – I’M WITH YOU
(Warner Bros.)
#2
JOE BONAMASSA – DUST BOWL
(J&R Adventures)
#1
THE TREWS – HOPE & RUIN
(Bumstead Productions Ltd.)
Hope & Ruin took me by surprise in 2011. THE TREWS captured a Rockin’ vibe that made my mood soar anytime I listened to this album. Melodic songs that glisten lyrically and musically, Hope & Ruin can easily become someone’s Rockin’ companion. THE TREWS are that Rock band you need to know about. This band defies the illogical American Rock mainstream press, proving that exquisite and blue-collar Rock music does exist in places other than Billboard or Rolling Stone magazine.
When I listen to Hope & Ruin, I’m not hearing a Rock band that is out to prove themselves. I’m instead hearing a Rock band that created a complete album of songs, which is straight from their Rock ‘N Roll hearts.
* To read my review on Hope & Ruin, (posted on August 5th, 2011), click on the large header link below:
THE TREWS – “HOPE & RUIN”: A Rock Album of Solid and Memorable Songs
Thank you to all the Rock bands & musicians above! Happy Holidays & Happy New Year To All!
LONG LIVE ROCK.
Stone.
0 Free Download of “Merry Christmas – Baby” From Joe Bonamassa!
Joe Bonamassa is giving his fans a free download of the holiday tune, “Merry Christmas – Baby”! Go Here to download it now!!
1 Free Download From Joe Bonamassa
Joe Bonamassa is giving his fans a free download of the holiday tune, “Merry Christmas – Baby”! Go Here to download it now!!
0 Joe Bonamassa announces March 2012 UK Arena Tour; Free Download of “Dust Bowl”
Award-winning blues rock star, guitar hero and singer-songwriter Joe Bonamassa and his ace touring band will undertake a major UK arena tour in March 2012. Tickets go on sale Friday October 7th at 10am from the 24 Hour Box Office: 0844 249 1000, or book online – www.thegigcartel.com
Planet Rock will be running an exclusive 48-hour ticket pre-sale from Wednesday October 5th at 9am. Visit www.planetrock.com for further information about the pre-sale.
Fresh off a successful European tour with Black Country Communion, and rave reviews of BCC’s “2” album, Joe’s forthcoming UK solo tour will see him perform material from his current studio album “Dust Bowl” plus songs from his vast catalogue of albums including “A New Day Yesterday”, “The Ballad of John Henry”, “Sloe Gin” and “Black Rock”.
Joe’s band features Carmine Rojas (bass), Rick Melick (keyboards) and Tal Bergman (drums). Joe will also preview songs from his new studio album due for release in late May 2012.
To receive a free download of the single ‘Dust Bowl’ from Joe’s most recent album go to the following link – http://bitly.com/joeukproct
0 Leslie West teams up with Slash and Bonamassa on “Unusual Suspects”
Leslie West, Legendary guitarist and the founder of one of rocks most influential bands, Mountain, will release a brand new solo album, ‘Unusual Suspects’, on Monday September 19th.
The album features West alongside a hand-picked line-up of the world’s finest guitar players; including Slash, blues-rock guitarist Joe Bonamassa, Black Label Society front man and ex-Ozzy guitarist Zakk Wylde, ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons and Toto’s Steve Lukather.
Released by Provogue Records, the album follows the shocking news that, in late June, West underwent life-saving surgery, when his leg was amputated above the knee. While such an ordeal would surely deter lesser artists, West insisted on honouring the ‘Unusual Suspects’ album’s September release date and is gearing up for a US tour in October.
Read the full press release online here.
“These guys don’t just show up to play on everybody’s albums,” says West on his special guests and the album’s title. “They’re all stars in their own right, and fantastic players – everyone with their own sound and style, about as far from the usual suspects as it gets.”
UNUSUAL SUSPECTS TRACK LISTING
1. One More Drink for the Road
Written by: Joseph Pizza & Leslie Weinstein
Featuring: Steve Lukather
2. Mud Flap Momma
Written by: Leslie Weinstein & Jennifer West-Weinstein
Featuring: Slash
3. To the Moon
Written by: Leslie Weinstein & Del Bronham
4. Standing on Higher Ground
Written by: Billy F Gibbons, Fabrizio Grossi & Leslie Weinstein
5. Third Degree
Written by: Eddie Boyd & Willie Dixon
Featuring: Joe Bonamassa
6. Legend
Written by: Joseph M. Pizza & Leslie Weinstein
7. Nothin’s Changed
Written by: Joseph M. Pizza & Leslie Weinstein
Featuring: Zakk Wylde
8. I Feel Fine
Written by: Lennon/McCartney
9. Love You Forever
Written by: Leslie Weinstein & Joseph M Pizza
10. My Gravity
Written by: Leslie Weinstein & Jon Tiven
11. The Party’s Over
Written by: Willie Nelson
Featuring: Slash and Zakk Wylde
12. I Don’t Know “The Beetlejuice Song”
Written by: Richard Christy, Lester “Beettle” Green & Leslie Weinstein
Featuring: Richard Christy
3 Beth Hart & Joe Bonamassa Offer Free MP3 download
To celebrate the release of the “Don’t Explain” album – a collaboration between American singer-songwriter Beth Hart and the acclaimed blues guitarist Joe Bonamassa, the duo are making their version of Delaney & Bonnie’s classic “Well, Well” available as a free MP3 download single. All you have to do is sign up to http://jbxp.net/, input your email address, and you will receive the free download.
CD, Digital Download and 12” Vinyl editions of “Don’t Explain” will be released in the UK and Europe on Monday 26th September, and can be pre-ordered from Amazon UK. Click here to pre-order.
Produced by Kevin Shirley (John Hiatt, The Black Crowes, Joe Bonamassa, Black Country Communion), “Don’t Explain” combines Hart’s raspy and soulful vocals against Bonamassa’s signature guitar sound. The pair collaborate on a stunning collection of hand-picked soul classics from the likes of Gil Scott-Heron, Tom Waits, Etta James, Billie Holiday, and Aretha Franklin.
Don’t Explain’ – Album Track listing
1. Sinner’s Prayer (Ray Charles w/ B.B. King)
2. Chocolate Jesus (Tom Waits)
3. Your Heart Is As Black As Night (Melody Gardot)
4. For My Friend (Bill Withers)
5. Don’t Explain (Billie Holiday)
6. I’d Rather Go Blind (Etta James)
7. Something’s Got A Hold On Me (Etta James)
8. I’ll Take Care Of You (Gil Scott-Heron)
9. Well, Well (Delaney & Bonnie)
10. Ain’t No Way (Aretha Franklin)
10 Black Country Communion – Indianapolis Review & Photo Gallery
Black Country Communion invaded the over 100-year-old Murat Theater in downtown Indianapolis Wednesday night. It was an extra special treat to see the band perform right after their CD release. I have been listening to their CD’s a lot over the last few days, so it was extremely entertaining to see the songs performed live for my very first time.
I knew BCC was going to be good, but they absolutely blew me away. Each and every member of Black Country Communion is a master of their instrument, which makes this one exciting band to watch. The former Deep Purple bass player and vocalist, Glenn Hughes was on fire Wednesday night. His vocals were perfect, if not mind-blowing. I can’t believe he can still sting at this level after all of these years. Not only is he a great singer, but he is extremely animated while playing his beat up Nash Guitars bass . I really got a kick out of watching him perform.
It has been over a decade since I have seen Derek Sherinian play live, but he never disappoints. He is a master of the Hammond B3 Organ, and Korg keyboard. His playing Wednesday night gave me goose bumps. He is a truly amazing musician.
It was really good to see Jason Bonham play drums again. I haven’t seen him since he played drums in his band Bonham. I thought for sure that Jason Bonham would have an extended drum solo at some point during the show, but surprisingly he did not. He did however get to strut his stuff on several of Black Country Communion’s tunes. In my ears, Jason is a chip off of the old block. John Bonham would be so proud of his son if he were still alive. He is a great drummer.
This was the first time I have seen Joe Bonamassa play. For those of you that are not familiar with Joe, he is huge in the Blues rock world. He has been cranking out quality albums nonstop since 2000. Black Country Communion is his first foray in a hard rock band.
I was extremely impressed with Joe Bonamassa’s playing. He may just be one of the top 10 guitar players I have seen live. He was really THAT good! His solos were super tight, and very fun to watch. At times his guitar tones reminded me a lot of David Gilmour’s from Pink Floyd. I realize there is a fine line between blues & hard rock, but Bonamassa was far better than I expected him to be. I was also surprised to see him use a Theremin during the show. The use of the Theremin is nothing new in rock, but Joe is only the second guitar player I have seen to use it live, and use it well. (The first was Frank Hannon from Tesla.) I also have to mention that Bonamassa is pretty good singer. His vocal style reminds me a lot of former Bad Company front man Paul Rodgers.
I thought Black Country Communion was going to rattle the plaster off of the walls with their heavy tunes which included (in no certain order), “Black Country”, “One Last Soul”, “Crossfire”, “Save Me”, “The Battle for Hadrian’s Wall”, “Beggerman”, “Faithless”, “Song of Yesterday”, “Smokestack Woman”, “The Outsider” “Cold” , The Joe Bonamassa classic” The Ballad of John Henry”and the Encore of “Man in the Middle” and Deep Purple’s “Burn”.
There was some type of contest going on during this show where fans were allowed to bring in their video cameras, and tape the show. I am expecting a lot of this concert to turn up on youtube before long. While we didn’t videos at this show, we did take plenty of pictures. Check them out below!
Be sure to check out Black Country Communion if they come to your town, and pick up their new album “2” which is in stores now!
2 Black Country Communion – 2 (2011)
When Black Country Communion released their debut album last fall, they sent many rock critics into a frenzy, and much praise was received for their first effort. I was not as enamored with BCC’s debut as my peers, but I thought to myself, “Man, if these guys stick together, they could release something really special”. I just didn’t expect it to happen THIS fast.
Black Country Communion’s new CD “2”, is far better than the debut. Everything has improved on “2”. The song writing, the music, and the vocals are absolutely fantastic. Black Country Communion quickly prove they are here to rock. The album begins with the face-melting anthem, “The Outsider”. The hard-driving riffs of Joe Bonamassa paired with the amazing rhythm section of Glenn Hughes and Jason Bonham is absolutely superb. Glenn Hughes vocals are at the same high level as his days with Deep Purple. To think he sing like this at age “59” is simply amazing. Hard rock music just doesn’t get BETTER than this.
“Man in the Middle” is another riff heavy rocker that does a good job at keeping the pace of the album going. It is a catchy rocker that grows on you with multiple listens. (Check out “Man in the Middle” in the video below.)
To my ears, the best song on 2 might just be “The Battle For Hadrian’s Wall”. This acoustic number not only shows off the fret work of Bonamassa, but features his vocals as well. The first time I heard this song, it brought Led Zeppelin to mind. I don’t know if Bonamassa is influenced by Jimmy Page or not, but there is definitely a Zeppelinesque feel to this amazing song.
Was Paul Rodgers a stand in on “Ordinary Son” ? This song has a Bad Company like feel to it, although it somewhat heavier than most of Bad Company’s music. Bonamassa and Hughes both share the vocal duties on this impressive tune. I can only imagine that song is an intoxicating experience live.
“Smokestack Woman” is a rockin’ number that should have been released as the first single. This is better tune overall than “Man in the Middle”, and has tons of radio potential.
I am a sucker for good bluesy rock, and Joe Bonamassa’s playing on “Little Secret” is pure blues brilliance. Bonamassa truly shines on this song.
Overall, I am extremely pleased with “2”, and feel it is a much better album than the debut. Black Country Communion shows to the world what the title “supergroup” is supposed to mean. The band has put together an amazing effort with their sophomore release, and is one of the best rock records of 2011. I highly recommend picking up “2”. You won’t be disappointed!
“2” was released in UK via Mascot Records today, and will be released on Tuesday in the US by J&R Adventures. Don’t miss this!!
Rating: 
Out of 10
Track Listing:
1. The Outsider
2. Man In The Middle
3. The Battle For Hadrian’s Wall
4. Save Me
5. Smokestack Woman
6. Faithless
7. An Ordinary Son
8. I Can See Your Spirit
9. Little Secret
10. Crossfire
11. Cold
Black Country Communion is:
Glenn Hughes – Vocals & Bass
Jason Bonham – Drums
Joe Bonamassa – Guitar & Vocals
Derek Sherinian – Keyboards
1 New Video – Black Country Communion – Man In The Middle
Black Country Communion have launched the official promo video for “Man In The Middle”. The song is taken from their forthcoming album “2”, released in the UK on Monday June 13th.
The video for “Man In The Middle” has just been posted on YouTube. View it here:
Black Country Communion is the Anglo/American rock band featuring Glenn Hughes (vocals, bass), Joe Bonamassa (guitar, vocals), Jason Bonham (drums) and Derek Sherinian (keyboards). The forthcoming album is currently #2 on both the Amazon UK and Play.com album pre-order charts.
BCC’s eponymous debut album, originally released September 2010, reached #13 in the official UK Album Chart, #1 on the UK Rock Album Chart, and #2 on the UK Independent Album Chart.
Black Country Communion will tour the UK in July 2011. Dates include Llandudno Cymru Arena (July 23), High Voltage Festival, London (July 24), Leeds o2 Academy (July 26), Newcastle o2 Academy (July 27), Glasgow o2 Academy (July 29), Manchester Academy (July 30). Ticket hotline: 0871 230 1101, www.seetickets.com and www.bccommunion.com.
0 Get A Free Download from Black Country Communion!
Want to hear Black Country Communion’s new song, “Outsider”? Please visit this link where you can get a free MP3 download of the band’s new song!!
0 Black Country Communion’s “2” Coming in June!! Track Listing & Cover Art Revealed!
UK RELEASE: MONDAY 13th JUNE 2011
US RELEASE: TUESDAY 14th JUNE 2011
Black Country Communion, the Anglo-American classic rock group featuring the talents of blues rock guitarist/vocalist Joe Bonamassa, bassist/vocalist Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple, Trapeze), drummer Jason Bonham (Led Zeppelin), and keyboardist Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater), has announced the title of their much-anticipated second album. The album will be called “2” and will be released in the UK on June 13th via Mascot Records, followed by a US release on June 14th on the J&R Adventures label.
On June 9, the band will kick off a US Summer Tour in San Diego, CA. In July, BCC will embark on a European tour that will take in concerts at Llandudno Cymru Arena (Saturday 23rd July), London’s High Voltage Festival (Sunday 24th July), Leeds O2 Academy (Tuesday 26th July), Newcastle O2 Academy (Wednesday 27th July), Glasgow 02 Academy (Friday 29th July), and the Manchester Academy (Saturday 30th July).
The Summer 2011 live shows are long overdue and very highly anticipated, as the only live shows the band have performed previously was when they played two sold out concerts in Wolverhampton and London during late December 2010.
When the band performed in the heart of the Black Country at Wolverhmapton’s Civic Hall in front of a 3,000 strong crowd on Dec. 29, 2010, the Birmingham Mail newspaper described the band’s performance as “rip-roaring” and “breathtaking, while the Express & Star newspaper said, “From the moment Hughes’ thunderous bass riff introduced ‘Black Country’ it was like a torch had been lit underneath the famous old venue, the ghosts of rock Christmases past roaring into the present!”
Black Country Communion released its self-titled debut album in September 2010 to rave reviews. Mojo magazine gave the album four stars and Classic Rock magazine said it’s “Possibly, the best hard rock album of 2010.” Music Radar described it as “a potent and stomping collection of riff-heavy rockers that will undoubtedly stun listeners.”
During its first week of release in the UK, the album hit the #1 spot in the Official Top 40 Rock Album Chart, and also hit #13 in the Official Top 40 Album Chart and #2 in the UK’s Official Top 40 Indie Album Chart. The album was voted #3 in Classic Rock magazine’s “Critics Album of the Year” poll, while Planet Rock radio listeners crowned BCC as the Best New Band of 2010.
