BLACK STONE CHERRY
“It’s one of my personal favourite places to go,” claims Jon Lawhon, the man responsible for the low end in Black Stone Cherry, in his unmistakable Southern accent. “The people are always so cool!” Lawhon is clearly excited for the imminent return of his band to these shores.
Merging metal and Southern rock, the Kentucky outfit, somewhat surprisingly, seem to be finding more success in the UK than any other part of the world – with Lawhon explaining how radio still dictates what people listen to in the US. Recalling a particular example from their early days, the bassist goes on to explain how the band packed out the London Astoria one night, then played to 11 people a few nights later in Texas.
Things have improved for the band since then touring with the likes of Def Leppard and Lynyrd Skynyrd, not to mention several Download appearances – and on top of that, they’ve had none other than Billy Ray Cyrus guesting in the video for The Rambler. “The director suggested it and then Billy Ray took us under his wing-he’s one of the kindest hearts I’ve been able to meet in this business.”
A quick search of what Cardiff can expect throws up a cover version you wouldn’t expect from these southern boys. So it begs the question, are there any other influences at work? Lawhon: “We listen to anything from Beastie Boys and Black Sabbath to Kelly Clarkson and Waylon Jennings, so you never know…”
With the festive period rapidly closing in, what does Christmas look like for Black Stone Cherry? “We are doing two hometown shows for charity, like we always do, and then we’ll be doing the Christmas thing with family.” So, finally, what is it that makes this band of brothers from Kentucky such a hit over here?
“Every night, we come off stage and we look like we’ve been beat up, dragged through the ocean and hung out to dry. We leave it all out there.” That attitude right there is going to ensure a great night of rock in Cardiff. CHRIS ANDREWS
Motorpoint Arena Cardiff, Thurs 6 Dec. tickets: from £33.50. Info: 029 2022 4488 / www.motorpointarenacardiff.co.uk