Page 47 - Black Velvet Rock Magazine Issue 111

BV111 pg 46-49 BSC.qxp_BV111 pg47 13/12/2024 09:46 Page 2

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The energy from the band and the audi-
ence can be felt instantly and it continued that
way for the duration of Skillet’s performance.
The crowd fist-punching the air, holding their
arms up high and swaying them from side to
side, while those who are familiar with the
songs sing along. Meanwhile, onstage, Jen
Ledger is striking the drums with all her
might, guitarist/keyboardist Korey Cooper is
throwing shapes, Seth Morrison is rocking
out on lead guitar and John Cooper is being
John Cooper, a formidable frontman with his
abundance of energy and excitement. Dur-
ing the uplifting anthem ‘Surviving The
Game’, John sprays a cloud of CO2 into the
air using the cannons he wears on his arms;
it’s a fun part of the show. Skillet’s live show
matches their songs - high energy, empow-
ering and commanding.
‘Unpopular’ is the only track from the
band’s new album, ‘Revolution’, that makes
it into the setlist. Jen walks to the front of the
stage to sing; cellist Tate Olsen also appears.
It’s time. The blistering ‘Awake and Alive’ car-
ries the energy levels even further.
John gives a heartfelt speech about what
the band notices having toured the world, in-
cluding their more recent shows in the Middle
East: “Music brings people together,” he tells
the audience, “Rock and roll brings people to-
gether.” The crowd cheers in agreement.
John continues to dedicate the next song to
anyone out there struggling with depression.
That song being the powerful ‘Hero’, which
John sings with Jen upfront. ‘Whispers In The
Dark’ continues the older hits section, which
is broken up by the invigorating anthem, ‘Psy-
cho In My Head’, before Tate returns onstage
to play cello during fan favourite, ‘Comatose’.
‘Monster’ is another crowd-pleaser, always.
Skillet’s set closes with the inspiring anthem,
‘The Resistance’. Needless to say, anyone
who was in the arena watching them tonight
will no doubt be going home a Skillet fan after
what they have just witnessed. A stellar live
act.
Black Stone Cherry have got their work
cut out, but boy, they know how it’s done.
‘Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls…Hold
your breath, make a wish, count to three…’
Frontman Chris Robertson counts ‘1, 2, 3’
from behind the white sheet that has been
blocking the view of the stage since Skillet’s
departure. As the sheet falls to the ground,
Chris, along with lead guitarist Ben Wells,
bass guitarist Steve Jewell and drummer
John Fred Young, dive straight into ‘Me And
Mary Jane’. A cracking start which has the
crowd singing along from the get-go. The
Manchester audience certainly have their
singing voices prepared to go on all night.
Good job too, as the Kentucky quartet have
plenty of great songs in their catalogue that
are perfect for just that. ‘Burnin’’, ‘Again’,
‘Rain Wizard’, ‘Blind Man’, ‘Like I Roll’...
Those are just for starters - it’s like karaoke
night with Black Stone Cherry here tonight.
The enthusiasm from the band and crowd is
palpable, radiating a glow of happiness and
mutual admiration.
‘Cheaper To Drink Alone’ includes a drum
solo segment for John Fred to have his mo-
ment, while the spotlights dance around to
his every beat. Chris to take the spotlight for
his solo rendition of the tearjerker, ‘Things My
Father Said’. The arena shines bright as mo-
bile phone torches are used to share light in
memory of loved ones lost; a touching mo-
ment.

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