Sevendust, Stone Gods, Black Stone Cherry - Oxford O2 Academy 13 December 2008
This year our Rockgig Christmas Party was at Oxford's O2 Academy (when they finally get around to taking the old Carling sign down), watching Sevendust, Stone Gods and Black Stone Cherry. For those fact fans out there that like all the info, we then headed off to one of Cowley Road's finest restaurants for chicken and chips. Do we know how to party or what?
Firstly due to the ridiculous 10pm curfew (not ours - the Academy's) and a three band lineup, we had the first round at the bar at 6.15 and saw Sevendust taking to stage at 6.30. These were being touted as "the next big thing" a few years or so ago but they never really caught my attention... they have now though. I thought they were excellent tonight. They were obviously enjoying themselves and this infectious spirit seemed to spread through the crowd. At times Lajon Witherspoon's image, voice and stage presence reminded me of Corey Glover of Living Colour, and trust me..that's a good thing. Stand out tracks for me were Angel's Son and Black (which saw Chris Robertson of BSC make an early appearance). They've definitely gained a fan but one small thing - when you're 3rd on a bill with time restrictions - please ditch the lengthy intro tape and play another song instead.
After a fast and furious Roadie-a-thon swapping out drum kits and gear the Stone Gods took to the stage slightly
later than billed, which meant that they practically galloped through their set to finish on time. Out of the ashes of The Darkness these guys seem to be going from strength to strength, with Richie Edwards proving he would be wasted as simply a bass player in the old Justin Hawkins led band. Now up front and working the crowd he does a sterling job as Dan Hawkins riffs like a bastard alongside him. It's actually unfair to keep mentioning their old band as the Stone Gods are a completely different animal, who hopefully will go on to bigger and better things. I would tell you what tracks they played but it was such a blur I've no idea, however I am reliably informed that they included Burn the Witch, You Brought a Knife to a Gunfight, Defend or Die and I'm with the band.
Another frantic roadie session (every roadie from every band seemed involved) and Black Stone Cherry take to the stage with Rain Wizard. I've liked this band since I heard a track before the first album came out. They take that all I love about Southern Rock and add a modern twist to it- Chris Robertson's voice adds the final touch.
Ben Wells could be the Nicest Man In Rock - insisting that we must all be really hot and should drink his bottled water - no one had the heart to tell him that we were freezing in the legendary industrial strength aircon of the Academy.
Chris' voice seemed to be struggling a few times, but it didn't distract from a superb set including Longsleeves, Blind Man, Hell or High Water, Chain of Fools, The Key, Peace is Free, Please Come..and probably loads more, but I was too busy smiling and singing along to remember them.
They went off course slightly in the middle with a Black Crowes style extended jam and then a drum solo but they pulled it back and finished bang on time (the sound man was counting them down with 6 minutes to go). A short while after the gig was over, the band congregated at the back of the venue, signing stuff and chatting to the punters.
I have seen the future of rock music and it's cherry coloured.
Favourite band. Favourite albums, Favourite gig of the year.
NR
Firstly due to the ridiculous 10pm curfew (not ours - the Academy's) and a three band lineup, we had the first round at the bar at 6.15 and saw Sevendust taking to stage at 6.30. These were being touted as "the next big thing" a few years or so ago but they never really caught my attention... they have now though. I thought they were excellent tonight. They were obviously enjoying themselves and this infectious spirit seemed to spread through the crowd. At times Lajon Witherspoon's image, voice and stage presence reminded me of Corey Glover of Living Colour, and trust me..that's a good thing. Stand out tracks for me were Angel's Son and Black (which saw Chris Robertson of BSC make an early appearance). They've definitely gained a fan but one small thing - when you're 3rd on a bill with time restrictions - please ditch the lengthy intro tape and play another song instead.
After a fast and furious Roadie-a-thon swapping out drum kits and gear the Stone Gods took to the stage slightly
later than billed, which meant that they practically galloped through their set to finish on time. Out of the ashes of The Darkness these guys seem to be going from strength to strength, with Richie Edwards proving he would be wasted as simply a bass player in the old Justin Hawkins led band. Now up front and working the crowd he does a sterling job as Dan Hawkins riffs like a bastard alongside him. It's actually unfair to keep mentioning their old band as the Stone Gods are a completely different animal, who hopefully will go on to bigger and better things. I would tell you what tracks they played but it was such a blur I've no idea, however I am reliably informed that they included Burn the Witch, You Brought a Knife to a Gunfight, Defend or Die and I'm with the band.
Another frantic roadie session (every roadie from every band seemed involved) and Black Stone Cherry take to the stage with Rain Wizard. I've liked this band since I heard a track before the first album came out. They take that all I love about Southern Rock and add a modern twist to it- Chris Robertson's voice adds the final touch.
Ben Wells could be the Nicest Man In Rock - insisting that we must all be really hot and should drink his bottled water - no one had the heart to tell him that we were freezing in the legendary industrial strength aircon of the Academy.
Chris' voice seemed to be struggling a few times, but it didn't distract from a superb set including Longsleeves, Blind Man, Hell or High Water, Chain of Fools, The Key, Peace is Free, Please Come..and probably loads more, but I was too busy smiling and singing along to remember them.
I have seen the future of rock music and it's cherry coloured.
Favourite band. Favourite albums, Favourite gig of the year.
NR
