The Brook is no stranger to big names in music, and on Wednesday 8th February 2012, founding member of The Black Crowes, Rich Robinson brings his solo tour to the “other” South! Robinson will be touring his latest solo album Through A Crooked Sun and will be bringing all his Southern harmony with him!

Born on May 24th 1969, Robinson founded The Black Crows (originally known as Mr. Crowes Garden) with older brother Chris in 1984. At the age of 15 he wrote what would become one of their greatest hits “She Talks To Angels”…

The Black Crowes – “She Talk’s To Angels”

By 1989, The Black Crowes gained momentum in their native Georgia. Producer George Drakoulias discovered the band during a New York City show the band gave that year, and had them signed to Rick Rubin’s then newly-formed Def American label. Recording sessions began almost immediately and the band’s debut, $hake Your Money Maker, was released in 1990 to a wide charting success and good critical reception. Much of the album showcased the skills of then-21 years old Rich, from the opening riff of “Twice As Hard” to the melody of Mainstream Rock chart-topping hit “She Talks to Angels”. The band quickly hit the road in support of the album, first with Aerosmith (1990), then with ZZ Top (1991). Having been fired from the latter for behavior issues, the band started its own tour in 1991.

The $hake Your Money Maker Tour was followed by the 1992 release of The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion. Departing from the more traditional rock & roll approach of their first album, the album featured more syncopated rhythms and generally longer songs (with three songs exceeding 6 minutes). The single Remedy found the band topping the charts worldwide. Extensive touring, including headlining shows and festivals in Europe and Japan followed the release of the album, with the band appearing at the 1993 Pinkpop Festival.

Although the band’s popularity never again reached the pinnacle of their first two albums, The Black Crowes established a loyal and steady following across the United States and, to a lesser extent, United Kingdom and continental Europe. Follow up albums Amorica (1994) and Three Snakes and One Charm saw the band dwelling further into jam rock, before By Your Side returned to a more straightforward sound, more relating to Shake Your Money Maker while retaining musical elements developed since Amorica. After releasing Lions in 2001 and touring to support it, the Black Crowes parted ways returning in 2005.

In 2004, Robinson released his first solo album Paper, and now is about to hit Southampton with his second Through A Crooked Sun ! Tickets to The Brook are priced at £14.00 on the door and £12.00 in advance. You can purchase them here.

Here is an idea of what to expect as Rich performs “Hey Fear” Live in the Bing Lounge…

Rich Robinson – “Hey Fear”