WHEN we first chose to write about this topic for the fan club newsletter, we thought, negative? There can’t be anything negative about this tour! What, with the legend Jimmy Page and The black Crowes? It’s all good! We were lucky to have seen them twice on this tour. First, 10/16/99 at the Worcester Centrum, and again 7/2/00 at The Tweeter Center. Those few words, "lucky to have seen them" reminded me however, of the cancelled shows and of all the fans that had planned so long for this event. They were so ecstatic and looking forward to being a part of it, but never got "lucky". The first heartbreak came with the news of the 2nd leg cancellation, only to be rekindled with the rescheduled dates. Then defeat once again with the cancellation of the 3rd leg and Europe. Although it was an unforeseeable and uncontrollable situation, and surely not planned or anyone’s fault, it was tragic all the same. It definitely brought about a lot of negativity, and justifiably so for the fans. Other disadvantages of this tour would be the venue locations. We have seen the Black Crowes numerous times and usually in a small venue such as The Providence Performing Arts Theatre or The Orpheum in Boston. Seeing them perform at larger venues lacked the warmth and ambience of past Black Crowes shows. But still, we made are way to the Centrum for that first show, not knowing exactly what was in store for us. Needless to say it was truly amazing…a great collaboration. The Black Crowes blended perfectly with Page. What we would have liked to hear, were more Black Crowes tunes. We thought maybe an acoustic set of Black Crowes tunes, beginning with Chris and Rich. One by one, the rest of the band would join them. Then, with the final addition of Jimmy Page. It would be pure magic! With all of this being said, and this is our opinion only, we must add that this tour absolutely rocked. It must have been nothing more than pure ecstasy for The Black Crowes to have shared the stage with Mr. Page. And for those of us "lucky enough" to have experienced it, we will never forget. Fortunately, there are so many kind hearted Crowes fans that are willing to share the song with those that were not "lucky enough" to get the opportunity to see this tour. |