Live Review: Black Stone Cherry - BP Pulse LIVE, Birmingham
Support: Skillet, Ayron Jones
18th November 2024
Words & Photos: Tim Finch
On a moist evening in Birmingham, BP Pulse Live hosted an unforgettable showcase of rock powerhouses. Headlined by the ever-dominant Black Stone Cherry, the lineup also featured standout performances from Ayron Jones and the explosive Skillet.
Ayron Jones opened the night with a gritty set that blended blues, grunge, and classic rock. Tracks like ‘Boys From the Puget Sound’ and ‘Filthy’ highlighted his ability to channel raw emotion through searing guitar work. As the crowd warmed up, songs such as ‘Mercy’ and ‘Take Me Away’ struck a chord, winning many new fans and cementing Jones as an up and coming talent to watch.
Skillet followed with a set that was equal parts thunderous and visually stunning. Opening with the defiant ‘Feel Invincible’ the band set a relentless pace, backed by powerhouse vocals and explosive visuals, the huge CO₂ cannons strapped to John Coopers wrists during ‘Surviving The Game’ adding an exciting visual element. The intensity carried through anthems like ‘Hero’ and ‘Awake and Alive’, while a poignant moment came with their cover of ‘Be Thou My Vision’, showcasing a gentler side to the band. Closing with ‘The Resistance’, Skillet left the audience breathless and ready for more.
Taking the stage to a deafening roar, Black Stone Cherry proved once again why they are leaders of modern southern rock. Launching into the show opening staple ‘Me and Mary Jane’, they energy levels peak early on. As they bound through ‘Burnin’ and ‘Again’ it is obviously the band are relishing being back on stage once more.
Mid-set highlights included the introspective ‘Cheaper To Drink Alone’ and Things My Father Said’.
During ‘American Horse’ the band brought out Ayron Jones and John Cooper of Skillet, showcasing the talent on show this tour, whilst the ever popular ‘Blame It On The Boom Boom’ blows the roof off the arena. 'White Trash Millionaire' and ‘Lonely Train’ see the main set close.
The encore, ‘Peace Is Free’, was a fitting conclusion, leaving the final notes ringing in the ears of the Birmingham faithful as they disappear into the night. Its not often that Black Stone Cherry visit these shores and once again they proved why every visit is so very special
Photo Credits: Tim Finch Photography
