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Say Goodnight To The Black Crowes
Twenty years after the release of their debut album, the members of The Black Crowes have announced they plan to go their separate ways – for a bit. Before embarking on an indefinite but “lengthy” hiatus, the blues-rock band will play shows across the country during a four-month trek.
Along with the “Say Goodnight to the Bad Guys” tour, The Black Crowes are releasing the band’s first double album of all acoustic material to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Shake Your Money Maker.
Croweology is set for release Aug. 3. The double album, which will be sold at the cost of a single album as a “thank you” to fans, features over 20 tunes selected from their 20-year catalogue. Croweology was recorded last year at Los Angeles’ Sunset Sound Studios and produced by Paul Stacey. Stacey co-produced 2008’s Warpaint and replaced guitarist Marc Ford on tour between 2006-2007.
The hiatus isn’t the first for the band, which took a break from 2002-2005.
And how long will The Black Crowes be gone this time around?
“Two years, five years, 10 years – you never know when you jump into the void,” singer Chris Robinson told Rolling Stone.
“Since the summer of ’07, when we made Warpaint, it’s been the three most fulfilling years I’ve ever had with this band. But if we kept going, we might be playing with fate too much. It would be nice to have a 30th anniversary. But we should walk away from this while everyone’s in a good mood.”
In a statement on the band’s website, drummer Steve Gorman echoed Robinson’s thoughts on the break.
“We are all in agreement (no, seriously, we are!) that this is the right time to spend time with our families, friends, outside musical and non musical projects and of course, our personal lives. So, we’re going out swinging with all we got. Let’s all join hands and share the ride!”
Gorman added that the Crowes owe it all to their fans, writing “Our tour this year serves as a very large THANK YOU to all in attendance. Whether you have seen us one time, ten times, a hundred times, or more, it goes without saying that we wouldn’t be here without you.”
The “Say Goodnight to the Bad Guys” tour is extra special in that most shows will feature three hour performances with a full hour and a half acoustic set followed by a full hour and a half electric set.
The tour kicks off Aug. 13 at the Riverside Theatre in Milwaukee and wraps up with a six-night stand at The Fillmore in San Francisco (Dec. 12, 14-15, 17-19).
Additional shows include gigs at House Of Blues in Cleveland (Aug. 24), The Depot in Salt Lake City (Aug. 31), Verizon Wireless Theater in Houston (Sept. 24), Higher Ground in South Vurlington, Vt. (Oct. 19-20), Massey Hall in Toronto (Oct. 27) and Showbox SoDo in Seattle (Dec. 5). Fans in the Big Apple will also have five chances to see the Crowes when they play New York’s Nokia Theatre Times Square (Oct. 31, Nov. 2, 4-6).
Fans will have the opportunity to purchase special ticketing packages with perks such as VIP entrance, premier seat locations, limited edition posters and other merch, a limited edition “musical merch pack” and both pre- and post-parties. “Share the Ride” travel packages featuring hotel accommodations and shuttle transportation will also be available in select cities.
Click here for The Black Crowes’ website.