Gigraphy Review - Black Stone Cherry, AO Arena Manchester, 22/11/24

Review and photos by Nic Howells

Ayron Jones

Ayron Jones set the tone for the evening with a commanding performance, showcasing his blues sound that usually goes quite under appreciated in the Manchester area - but here it was a hell of a treat. Opening with 'Boys From the Puget Sound' and ‘On Two Feet I Stand’ the vibe is smooth, but intense. The standout track of the set was by far ‘Filthy’, as Ayron’s vocals buttery vocals juxtaposed the rambunctious energy of bassist Bob Lovelace and the frenetic gyrating of guitarist Matt Jacquette. 'Blood in the Water' brought a darker intensity, while 'Mercy' displayed his knack for emotional storytelling and his superstar aura with the closing track ‘Take Me Away’, with the drumming from Malachi Johnson being that extra bit juicy to send them into the night. Give me Ayron Jones headline dates. Hook it to my veins.

Skillet

Skillet delivered a worthy follow-up to Jones’ troop, matching the intensity but bringing bucketloads of production from John Cooper & Co. They opened with 'Feel Invincible,' immediately drawing in the audience, and Cooper played the showman from the off. That continued throughout the set as he sprayed arm-mounted CO2 cannons during ‘Rise’ that have become an absolute staple of their performances. Guitarists Seth Morrison and Korey Cooper brought their barrowfuls of thrashing guitar, playing during tracks like 'Surviving the Game' and 'Legendary,' delivering tight riffs and high-energy movement as Korey is very rarely still and their hair is a constant purple blur. 'Unpopular' brought a deeper emotional resonance, while 'Awake and Alive' highlighted drummer Jen Ledger’s exceptional vocal harmonies, creating one of the night’s most memorable moments.

Mid-set, there was personal favourites with ‘Hero’ and ‘Whispers In The Dark’, two of their oldest tracks by far, but ones that are still everpresently popular with the live crowd. This followed by the reflective cover of Eleanor Hull’s 'Be Thou My Vision' offered a striking contrast. This transition paved the way for heavier tracks like 'Comatose' and the explosive 'Monster', with the vocal effect that plays during the ending sequence of ‘Monster’ never failing to surprise with how loud it is. They closed with 'The Resistance' from the 2016 album, and if we’re being honest this set was not all that much different from their one 18 months ago in Academy 1 - but the Tennessee tribe are that astoundingly consistent that there’s 0 complaints from us about that.

Black Stone Cherry

The prelude to Black Stone Cherry opened with the classic 'Won’t Get Fooled Again' by The Who, setting an energetic tone before a curtain drop unveiled the band as they launched into 'Me and Mary Jane' and ‘Burnin’. With a setlist that spanned their career, highlights included tracks like 'Again’, and 'Rain Wizard’, each met with enthusiasm from the crowd. Between songs guitarist Ben Wells shared a nostalgic moment, recalling their first Manchester show in 2007 and the thrill of seeing their merchandise on a fan for the first time, a memory made even sweeter when they spotted a vintage piece in the audience.

Chris Robertson brought a personal touch to the evening, taking a moment before 'Like I Roll' to thank the audience for their sacrifices to be there, emphasising how significant the night was for the band. This theme of connection continued during 'Things My Father Said,' performed as a solo effort by Robertson. Stopping midway through the song, he shared the emotional weight it holds for him after losing his father, asking the crowd to light up the arena in memory of their loved ones. The audience joined him in singing the song’s final moments, creating a poignant atmosphere that contrasted with the high-energy performances earlier in the set.

The night wasn’t without its dynamic peaks, with the band showcasing their musicianship during tracks like 'Cheaper to Drink Alone' which featured a fiery guitar duel between Wells and Robertson, as well as a standout drum solo from John Fred Young. Guest appearances by Ayron Jones and John Cooper of Skillet added a unique flair to their cover of 'American Horse,' while crowd favourites like 'White Trash Millionaire' and 'Lonely Train' rounded out the main set. The encore concluded with 'Peace Is Free' where Robertson moved into the crowd, closing the night on a note of unity and gratitude. Black Stone Cherry’s performance underscored their lasting connection with Manchester and their place in the hearts of rock fans.