Concert review: The Black Crowes w/ The Effigies | 10.26.24, The Factory (with photo gallery)

Photo of Chris and Rich Robinson of the Black Crowes by Laura Jerele

You know you’re in for a damn good time when the lights are about to go down, the show is almost sold out, and AC/DC’s “It’s a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock n’ Roll)” is blaring as an intro through the PA. Yeah, that’s a damn fine sign that your face is about to get melted. On that note, the lights go down, the crowd screams and enter The Black Crowes with “Rats and Clowns” to start the Happiness Bastards show at The Factory, a show that didn’t let up for the rest of the night for a nearly 20-song set.

The fantastic dynamic between the Robinsons is super fun to watch. Rich Robinson is so anchored, always in the groove, his playing grounds the set while his brother, Chris, is the wild child letting loose the entire time. Chris runs around and commands the stage, loving that all eyes are on him, drawing in the crowd with his dancing and singing. He’s still so cool and fun to watch, and his voice is richer than ever, full of rasp and effortless volume. How the hell we got so lucky to have the Robinson brothers back in arms again, I’ll never know, but I’ll take it because they’re making new music and not just resting upon their yesterdays. Sure, their hits like “Hard to Handle” were incredible to hear live, but their new songs are freaking amazing—“Bleed it Dry” was a huge hit with the crowd! 

Punk rock legends The Effigies were hand-selected as the openers for this stretch of shows, bringing gritty and punchy songs for a full-hour opening set. This band didn’t call it in, it was dialed in. Think punk is supposed to be short songs and somewhat sloppy? Think again. Their songs are surprisingly rich, heavy, and driving, much like the early early wave of British heavy metal was. It was wonderful to see this band have such a triumphant and meaningful run of shows on this tour with the Crowes as they faced the tragic death of their singer, John, in 2023. As with the Crowes, there is a sentiment of moving forward, making new music, and doing all you can to kick ass. Move towards tomorrow because that’s all we have, don’t be afraid to keep making music and make it count. And that they did! | Laura Jerele