GIG: Black Stone Cherry/Duff McKagan's Loaded/The Parlor Mob

Black Stone Cherry made it their fourth return to Newcastle in just over a year and a half with this, their second headlining gig at the O2 Academy. They must like the place, and what can we say, we love them right back. With the young classic Parlor Mob and the punky Loaded supporting them, there was something for everyone. I hadn't anticipated it but tickets sold out many weeks before the show, which just represents how far these guys have come and how far they will surely go.

Classic rockers The Parlor Mob hit the stage first with a fury and energy many of the crowd weren't expecting. Having not long released their debut album, this is a band who seem to be developing their own style of hard rock, and will learn a lot by big tours like this. Though their set was short and sweet, they won their own new set of fans (including me) with their enthusiastic spirit. I think we'll be seeing more of The Parlor Mob....

Next up the newly re-branded Duff McKagan's Loaded brought the star to the show with the man from Guns N' Roses himself promoting his own very talented band with what can only be described as dirty rock and roll. I really enjoyed their first underrated album, and having released the second one its good to see Duff singing again while Velvet Revolver are on (apparent) hiatus in the search for a new vocalist. On the back of this, I reckon Duff wouldn't do too bad a job himself. Having powered up the crowd enough, they finished off with the mighty Guns' classic It's So Easy. Brilliant.

The two opening bands couldn't have done better to set the atmosphere alight, and after a short break Black Stone Cherry came on to the now familiar sound of Rain Wizard. This might sound weird but after liking BSC since early days, it was encouraging to see so many people singing along. They go from strength to strength and I already cannot wait for their next album. Each tour they come up with something different, and this time they did a little medley/jam, including an amazing short piece of Skynyrd's Sweet Home Alabama. After all, they are from the deep south. One of the best bands out there right now. Bring on the next tour!