A Night to Remember: The Black Crowes Live at MGM National Harbor
Words and Photos by Michael Sprouse/OddRocker Photography
The Black Crowes recently took the stage at MGM National Harbor in Maryland, and damn, what a show. The second they hit the stage, you could feel the energy in the room rise. Fans were hyped, and the band? They crushed it, like they always do, but there was something extra they brought to the show that made the night special.
As soon as the lights went down, you could practically feel the excitement in the air at MGM National Harbor on Dec. 19. Then, the band kicked things off with “Bedside Manners,” from their latest album, Happiness Bastards. The second those first notes hit, you could see the whole crowd light up. The band was tight, and you could tell they were on fire. The rhythm section were on point and the guitars were insane. It was clear from the get-go — the Crowes came to rock and rock hard.
There’s just something about a Black Crowes show. Maybe it’s the way they mix Southern rock, blues, and a little bit of that jam-band vibe. Whatever it is, it gets you moving. The crowd was full of diehard fans, and you could hear them singing along to every word like they were part of the band. Everyone, from the front to the back, was jumping, swaying and clapping, totally in sync with the music.
Chris Robinson’s voice still has that raw, soulful punch that makes every word feel real. He’s not just singing; he’s living it. And the way he and his brother Rich work together on stage, it’s something you have to see. Their chemistry is undeniable and you can feel it in the music. The Black Crowes don’t just play the hits. Sure, they played “Hard to Handle” and “She Talks to Angels,” but they also went deep into their catalog. Tracks like “Wiser Time” and “Remedy” got the crowd buzzing. Hearing those songs live hits different — it just feels right. You can tell they know what the fans want, and they give it to us, no hesitation. The crowd was loving it, singing every word like we were all part of the performance.
For me, the standout moment was “Jealous Again.” That song isn’t just something you listen to — it’s something you feel. The guitarists Chris and Nico went off, giving the band a chance to really stretch out. No rush, just pure rock ‘n’ roll freedom.
Watch the official music video for “Jealous Again” by The Black Crowes on YouTube:
It’s easy to forget just how much of a show the Black Crowes put on. Chris Robinson, with his signature swagger, owned the stage. He wasn’t just performing; he was connecting with the audience. The light show wasn’t over the top — it fit the vibe perfectly, adding to the energy without distracting from the music. The sound was spot on. Everything came through clearly, and you could hear every instrument perfectly.
The band looked like they were having a blast. You could see it in their energy — they were feeding off the crowd, and it was obvious they were having fun. The solos were long and free form, giving the musicians the space to really shine. It wasn’t about just getting through the songs — it was about feeling every moment.
When they left the stage after the main set, the crowd was having none of it. The stomping, the clapping, the cheers — it was clear we weren’t ready for it to end. And sure enough, the Crowes came back for an encore that did not disappoint. They closed with “Virtue and Vice,” and even after the final note faded, the crowd was still wanting more.
Dec. 19 was one of those shows where everything just clicks. The energy, the music, the crowd — it all came together perfectly. The Black Crowes still know how to put on a killer show. Whether you’ve been a fan for years or it was your first time seeing them, it’s clear: The Black Crowes are still rocking hard, and they’re not going anywhere anytime soon.
The Black Crowes:
Chris Robinson – vocals
Rich Robinson – guitar/backing vocals
Sven Pipien – bass
Nico Bereciartua – guitar
Cully Symington -drums
Erik Deutsch – keyboards
Setlist
1. Bedside Manners
2. Sting Me
3. Thick n’ Thin
4. Twice as Hard
5. Flesh Wound
6. Horsehead
7. Sister Luck
8. Been a Long Time (Waiting on Love)
9. Follow the Moon
10. Wiser Time
11. Soul Singing
12. She Talks to Angels
13. Hard to Handle
14. Jealous Again
15. Remedy
Encore
16. Virtue and Vice
Here are some photos of The Black Crowes performing at MGM National Harbor on Dec. 19, 2024. All pictures copyright and courtesy of Michael Sprouse/OddRocker Photography.
