Blackberry Smoke - O2 Academy 27/03/2023

With their dynamic stage presence, killer musicianship, and heartfelt songwriting, Blackberry Smoke are a force to be reckoned with

Glasgow was getting ready for the spring weather and 2,500 music fans from around the country were getting ready for one of country musics most loved acts to perform at a sold out O2 Academy, Blackberry Smoke, who were touring the UK in support of their latest album "You Hear Georgia" and to also celebrate 20 years since the band formed.

The tour had to be pushed back due to Covid fears but at last the show was ready to commence and the stage was set up for the spectacle, people of all ages were present with some dressed in traditional cowboy clothing, the crowd were psyched for the occasion and felt like there was indeed a "Good one comin on!".


Blackberry Smoke at O2 Academy - Photo by Stewart Fullerton

The venue was packed to the rafters, there was barely any room to move whatsoever, this was the busiest I have seen the venue since The Cult played at the O2 Academy in 2019.

After support from Read Southall it was time for the main event as the lights dimmed, the band appeared and kicked off the show with "Six Ways to Sunday" which got the audience fired up right away, with lead vocalist Charlie Starrs gritty, soulful voice leading the charge.


Blackberry Smoke at O2 Academy - Photo by Stewart Fullerton

The guitar work was especially impressive, with Paul Jackson and Benji Shanks trading blistering solos and riffs throughout the set alongside Brandon Stills keyboard. The band were moving seamlessly from country rockers like "Good One Coming On" to bluesy ballads like "Aint Got the Blues.", showcasing their versatility, the crowd was fully invested, singing along to every word and swaying to the music.

Charlie Starr (no relation to Ringo) thanked the fans for their patience due to the tour moving back and said that he was delighted to be back in Glasgow after three years of absence. It shows that a lot of bands love coming to Scotlands most populous city, the slogan "People Make Glasgow" is true in a great way (but also in a bad way aswell).


Blackberry Smoke at O2 Academy - Photo by Stewart Fullerton

The group proceeded to play a few songs from their new album "You Hear Georgia" and "Hey Delilah", giving the newcomers a glimpse of some of their latest material, the night then continued with a few of the bands classics such as Waiting For The Thunder, Aint Got The Blues and of course One Horse Town, showing that energy, dedication enthusiasm that makes them stars of the genre today alongside the likes of Lynyrd Skynyrd.

The encore occurred and the band finished off with Shakin Hands With The Holy Ghost then with their all time classic Aint Much Left of Me, the jubilant band said their farewells to an equally jubilant audience as the gig came to its conclusion, the setlist was perfect with old and new material being played to the audience who all went home satisfied.


Blackberry Smoke at O2 Academy - Photo by Stewart Fullerton

All in all, Blackberry Smoke put on an incredible show that proved why theyre one of the most exciting bands in the country rock scene today and why the show was a total sellout. With their dynamic stage presence, killer musicianship, and heartfelt songwriting, theyre a force to be reckoned with, youre guaranteed to leave the venue with the adrenalin flowing around you.

You can view a full photo gallery of the gig via the link below, all photos by Stewart Fullerton.

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