After a decade-long hiatus, The Black Crowes have returned with their latest album "Happiness Bastards," sending waves of excitement through the rock community once again.
The album, led by the single "Waiting & Wanting," captures the timeless rock and roll essence that the Robinson brothers, Chris and Rich, have been synonymous with since their early days in Atlanta.
Rich Robinson revealed that the pandemic played a pivotal role in his songwriting process, serving as a source of inspiration during uncertain times.
"I started writing during the pandemic just for my sanity, you know, just to … because that's what I do," he shared.
As Rich shared his new creations with Chris, the vision for "Happiness Bastards" began to take form.
"We knew that we wanted to make like a rock and roll record, a Saturday Night record, up tempo, big riffs. We're very visceral. It has to feel a certain way for us," explained Chris Robinson.
Their musical journey began in Atlanta when they received instruments as Christmas gifts - a guitar for Rich, a bass for Chris, drums for their cousin, and a shared amp. This moment laid the foundation for their distinctive rock sound that would go on to define The Black Crowes.
“Let's just go down to the basement and start making noise,” suggested Chris Robinson.
Back in 1990, the music scene witnessed the emergence of the Black Crowes with their first album, "Shake Your Money Maker."
At that time, Rich was merely 19 years old, with Chris being 22. The duo had no idea of the success that awaited them. Their debut album soared to number four on the music charts. Subsequently, their next venture, "The Southern Harmony & Musical Companion," claimed the top spot.
Nevertheless, amidst their professional achievements, the brothers faced personal turmoil, engaging in intense and relentless fights—both on and off stage, during performances, behind the scenes, and even on the road. By the time they officially parted ways in 2015, they had not communicated for years.
“I believe it's just the typical brotherly dynamic,” shared Rich Robinson. “(Chris) can be confrontational, and I tend to be more passive-aggressive. We both have our own ways of dealing with things. So, our conflicts were a way for me to explore, or at least attempt to discover, my own identity.”
Chris Robinson also acknowledged that there were other contributing factors to the band's breakup.
"And while Rich is like that, I'm completely out of my mind,"Chris Robinson said. "You know what I mean? I mean I'm out of my mind and then you add drugs and alcohol into the whole thing and I'm really cookin' with gas at this point," he said.
During an interview in 2020, Chris Robinson said his ego had gotten in the way of the group.
"My ego, right or wrong or whatever, I was kinda, 'I don't need him. I can go sing these songs without him.' And see if I can, ya know what'll happen."
That acknowledgment paved the way for a heartfelt reunion.
In 2020, "CBS Mornings" spoke to the brothers after they had just reunited. The two toured to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their debut album, and the tour eventually led to the creation of "Happiness Bastards." Chris's wife, Camille, was the creative force behind the artwork for the album.
As the Black Crowes embark on this new chapter, they do so with a renewed sense of unity and purpose.
"We made a concerted effort to make it about sort of, this comes first and like the two of us need to talk. And we can't talk through people," said Rich Robinson.
Chris Robinson said the two are more harmonious than ever, even off stage.
"For the first time ever, I believe we are finally in sync, not just in terms of our artistic vision, but also in our shared experience and how truly extraordinary it has been," he remarked. "This newfound understanding has brought us to a place of deeper connection and love for each other. It's a reason to rejoice, something we couldn't fully embrace in the past."
