The Black Crowes: 17 Times A Charm

The more things change, the more things stay the same.

On July 26, I attended a concert by The Black Crowes for the 17th time since 1991 and my eighth since the fall of 2005 (Stephanie saw them for the eighth time). As usual, they did not disappoint, although I could have done without "P. 25 London", which is my least favorite TBC tune of all-time. Amazingly, I had never seen 13 of the 17 songs performed live before, with "P. 25 London", "Heavy", "Lay It All On Me" and "Nonfiction" the exceptions.

Highlights included a cover of Delaney & Bonnie's "Never Ending Song of Love" which had a country feel; the rare b-side "Grows A Rose"; Little Richards' "Keep A Knockin'" (encore); and seven tunes from the March 4 release Warpaint, including tremendous versions of "Whoa Mule", "Movin' On Down The Line" and "God's Got It". It was also great to hear the Three Snakes and One Charm classic "(Only) Halfway to Everywhere".

The concert was part of Horseshoe Casino's Outdoor Summer Concert Series. The Horseshoe (formerly Caesars Indiana) is about 20 minutes outside of downtown Louisville adjacent to the Ohio River.

Number 18 could come this fall when they perform at the historic Ryman Auditorium (home of the Grand Ole Opry) in Nashville on Nov. 16 (Davis' 3rd birthday).

SHOW-BY-SHOW: DARREN & THE BLACK CROWES

17. July 26, 2008 - Elizabeth, Indiana (The Shoe) w/ Stephanie

16. Oct. 26, 2007 - Dallas, Texas (Palladium Ballroom) w/ Stephanie

15. Sept. 7, 2007 - Oklahoma City, Okla. (4th Annual Cross Canadian Ragweed Family Jam at Zoo Ampitheater: VIP Front Row standing room only access) w/ Stephanie

14. Sept. 2, 2007 - Fort Worth, Texas (Cross Canadian Ragweed's 2nd Annual Red Dirt Roundup in the Fort Worth Stockyards: Backstage Access) w/ Stephanie

13. June 30, 2006 - Dallas, Texas (Smirnoff Music Centre) w/ Stephanie

12. April 17, 2006 (Chris & Rich Robinson acoustic: Late Show) - Austin, Texas (Texas Union Ballroom)

11. April 17, 2006 (Chris & Rich Robinson acoustic: Early Show) - Austin, Texas (Texas Union Ballroom)

10. Sept. 22, 2005 - Grand Prairie, Texas (Nokia Theatre: 3rd row) w/ Stephanie (7 months pregnant with Davis!)

9. Nov. 21, 2002 (Chris Robinson & The New Earth Mud) - Dallas, Texas (Gypsy Tea Room)

8. Sept. 17, 2001 - Dallas, Texas (The Bronco Bowl) w/ Stephanie

7. April 10, 1999 - Dallas, Texas (The Bronco Bowl)

6. Dec. 14, 1998 - Hollywood, Calif. (The Roxy)

5. Aug. 3, 1997 (Further Festival) - Irvine, Calif. (Irvine Meadows)

4. Dec. 12, 1996 - Los Angeles, Calif. (Pantages Theater)

3. May 17, 1995 - Los Angeles, Calif. (Pantages Theater: Front Row on my 24th birthday)

2. Oct. 21, 1992 - Los Angeles, Calif. (Greek Theater)

1. June 16, 1991 - Los Angeles, Calif. (Greek Theater)