Black Stone Cherry at the AO Arena, Manchester

By Anya Baxter.

Kentucky's Black Stone Cherry brought enthusiasm and passion as they passed through Manchester on their joint tour with British band The Darkness.

Photo by Anya Baxter

Led by frontman Chris Robertson, the band brought out fans from far and wide to the Thursday night gig, beginning their explosive set with "Me and Mary Jane", a phrase that could be seen displayed across many audience members' band tees. Moving straight into "Burnin'", guitarist Ben Wells and bassist Steve Jewell darted about the stage, seemingly running off an endless supply of pumping energy, connecting with the dedicated fans singing every lyric.

Photo by Anya Baxter

At the rear of the stage, John Fred Young delivered a stellar performance on drums, both entertaining and skilful, playing the instrument with impressive ease as the band moved through "Again" and "Soul Creek".

Photo by Anya Baxter

Chris Robertson's smooth vocals led the crowd through songs from various different Black Stone Cherry album eras, including a highly popular performance of "Lonely Train" from the debut self-titled album. From tender moments with phone torches in the air, to high intensity upbeat celebrations, each audience member clung to Robertson's every word, and it can be seen that this is a band who have developed a close relationship with their fanbase.

Photo by Anya Baxter

As a four piece, the band have brilliant chemistry, enjoying playing through songs old and new alike, such as "Cheaper to Drink Alone" and "Blame It on the Boom Boom". Leaving the stage and returning for an encore of one final song, the band opted for a cover of Electric Light Orchestra's "Don't Bring Me Down", sealing in the party atmosphere before throwing guitar picks and drumsticks out into the audience, and taking their final bow of the night.

Photos by Anya Baxter