Lead guitarist Mitchell drew a fair amount of attention as well — and deservedly so. He turned in one remarkable guitar solo after another, occasionally pairing with Rich Robinson for a two-guitar attack.
The stage set was appropriate for its nostalgic sounds, returning the band to its barroom roots. It featured fans observing the action from balconies, a jukebox (that played Elmore James’ “Shake Your Moneymaker,” natch), and an actual bar manned by a pink-jacketed bartender.
The show’s second half featured songs from various Crowes albums, most of them originating from 1992’s “The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion.” “Thorn in My Pride” was a jam-heavy highlight, sporting solos from Mitchell, keyboardist Robinow and Chris Robinson on harmonica.
John Notto of Dirty Honey performs July 31, 2021, at Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre in Maryland Heights.
The set wrapped up with “Remedy,” and the band returned to encore with the Rolling Stones’ “It’s Only Rock ’n’ Roll (But I Like It).” Before the finale, Chris Robinson acknowledged St. Louis’ homegrown hero Chuck Berry.
“There’s a lot of beautiful people that have made a lot of beautiful music,” he said. “But without that crazy (expletive), none of it would have happened.”
Los Angeles band Dirty Honey was a well-matched opening act, as the group also featured a no-frills approach, favoring a hard-rock style drawing from forebears such Aerosmith, Led Zeppelin, and Guns N’ Roses. Led by vocalist Marc Labelle and guitarist John Notto, the band even covered Aerosmith’s “Last Child” and blazed through originals including “Gypsy,” “Tied Up” and the band’s latest single, “The Wire.”
