American rockers Black Stone Cherry consider Manchester to be an ‘electric’ city – and as a result they wouldn’t dare skip it when touring.
This is what frontman Chris Robertson told MM ahead of the band playing at the Manchester Arena on Sunday, December 11.
The 33-year-old gushed: “It’s always been on the list of shows we’re going to play when we come to the UK.
“I can’t think of a single tour where we’ve skipped Manchester and there’s a reason for it.”
The guitarist added: “It’s one of those cities that hav taken to us, it’s something we could never have dreamed of – it’s just electric!
“When the lights go down and you hear the people scream it’s one of the most electrifying feelings on the planet when you’re standing backstage.”
TOURING: The band are about to hit numerous venues across the UK
The band – which consists of Chris alongside Ben Wells, Jon Lawhon and John Fred Young – released their sixth album Family Tree in April.
Chris describes the record’s success as ‘something you can only dream of’.
He explained: “We don’t worry about being heavy or being on the radio, we just want to go do a show and play the songs we love.”
Earlier this year group sub-headlined the Saturday spot on the main stage at Download Festival alongside legendary 80s band Guns N’ Roses – a huge milestone for all artists.
Speaking about the honour, Chris explained: “We couldn’t wait for the opportunity, we were obviously overwhelmed.
“We went out there and just did our thing and tried to do it to the best of our abilities.”
The upcoming UK tour will see the group joined by The Cadillac Three and Monster Truck.
Chris has a lot of emotions that are ‘hard to take in’ ahead of taking to the stage – especially as the band play Wembley for the third time.
He explained: “I remember the first arena tour we did and after the last show I kind of just broke down and cried. It’s amazing that we’re able to do this.”
Black Stone Cherry are aiming to bring more southern-sounding bands to the UK with their upcoming tour and have promised fans that they should expect something different with the production.
He teased: “We’ll be playing a different set list every night. It makes us play better and makes every show a different adventure.”
SUCCESS: The group recently released their sixth studio album
Chris and his bandmates started off by playing in venues such as the Manchester Apollo and Academy 3 before they were eventually able to play the Arena.
However, they still insist they will play a stage no matter the size.
Chris proclaimed: “Wherever there’s a stage we’ll play, we love things about both.”
“It’s always one big crazy rock ‘n’ roll party between the band and the audience no matter what stage we’re on.”
Well, it safe to say the gig will be one rock ‘n’ roll party Mancunians won’t want to miss this December.
*Black Stone Cherry play at Manchester Arena on Sunday, December 10. You can buy tickets HERE.
