Buckcherry brings Warpaint tour to The Firmament with Joyous Wolf

By: Michael Bragg (Photo Gallery & Review) of MJBragg Photography

Greenville, SC (April 11th, 2019) – If you are a rock and roll fan and were not at The Firmament tonight, not that there was much room from a packed out crowd, I don’t know what you were thinking. Buckcherry rolled into town as part of their current “War Paint” tour in support of their newest album release of the same name. Originally scheduled to be here back in October the band had to reschedule due to a hurricane creating weather and travel issues. Bringing with them as direct support were guests Joyous Wolf and local favorites Black River Rebels and Seven Year Witch.

Seven Year Witch – Copyright: Michael Bragg/MJBragg Photography

As the clock strikes 8pm the guys of Seven Year Witch didn’t waste anytime getting to the point letting you know you’re at a rock show. High strung from the start with back flips and enough hair flying around to make any fan of the 80’s music scene jealous the 4 piece commenced to playing a set of songs from their album “Songs Our Mother’s Love.” With a sound most would compare to current mainstream artist Greta Van Fleet the band does have that raw rock sound, but with more originality in my opinion, than “GVF” per the popular L ed Zeppelin comparison.

Aaron Langford (Vocals), Seth Burden (Drums), Daniel Parker (Guitar) and Spencer Burden (Bass) do a great job blending riff driven songs with a solid rhythm section overplayed without soaring, raspy vocals. Throughout songs like “Peril,” “Rum Lord” and “Rags To Witches” Seven Year Witch entertained the crowd with a commanding presence that is lacking in a lot of big name touring acts. Having opened shows for Pop Evil, Gin Blossoms and more and touring consistently since 2013 the band has honed in a stage show that’s just as much energetic and demanding of your attention as their music.

Black River Rebels – Copyright: Michael Bragg/MJBragg Photography

Followed up by other local favorites, the Black River Rebels, the night continued with loud guitars and amps cranked up as JJ Woolbright and Robert Dirr led the band into “The 4” and “Wolves.” Joined by Mr. Brad Williams (Drums), David Disaster (Bass) and Wade Bowers on Vocals, who entered the stage like a mad man at a strip show slinging band stickers into the crowd like dollars bills, the Black River Rebels proceeded on to making new fans. These local veterans of the music scene have a continuous hard work ethic that has landed them shows with other notable acts like Jackyl, Saving Abel and Jake E. Lee. With a fervent stage presence these guys work the crowd into a rage of fist pumps and headbanging as their many prior supporters in attendance sing along to “The Crown” and “In We Dive” from the groups 2018 album release “Blood Moon Rising.”

Having recently filmed a music video for “Backseat Driver” the band played their latest single as well.

Closing out their set with an intense cover of the Billy Idol classic “Rebel Yell” the Rebels left a lasting impression on those in attendance.

Joyous Wolf – Copyright: Michael Bragg/MJBragg Photography

Having come across their cover of “Mississippi Queen” the group Joyous Wolf is a band I’ve been eager to see for awhile. Recently signed to Roadrunner Records in March 2018 following a performance at the Aftershock Festival with Ozzy Osbourne and Nine Inch Nails the band has been actively touring showing why they deserve the accomplishment to a growing fan base. Ahead of their upcoming album release “Place In Time” scheduled for April 19th the band landed the support act spot for the current Buckcherry tour. With their refreshing old school sound of rock bluesy based guitar licks, hints of metal and some soul Joyous Wolf has it all. From the songs like “Holy Driver” to “Mother Rebel” Nick Reese (Lead Vocals), Blake Allard (Guitar), Greg Braccio (Bass) and Robert Sodaro (Drums) held the crowd in the palm of their hands. Nick Reese is just a wild frontman with some crazy stage antics all over the place from splits to convulsive like dance moves. If there were any doubters in the crowd about Joyous Wolf they sure were convinced of the bands talent by the time the group ended with their latest single “Quiet Heart.” The group went out with a bang on an extended version of this last song featuring an introduction of each member along with solo spots and singer Nick Reese jumping into the crowd for a string of backflips before returning to the stage for the final notes of the set.

Buckcherry – Copyright: Michael Bragg/MJBragg Photography

With a 20yr history rockers Buckcherry finished out the evening as headliners on their current tour with a set list packed full of hits.

Josh Todd and band put on an electric performance with songs like “Lit Up,” “Everything” and “Sorry.” From the moment the band walked out on stage the group kept a high energy maintained throughout their show. Backed by Stevie Dacanay (Guitar), Kevin Roentgen (Guitar), Kelly LeMieux (Bass) and Francis Ruiz (Drums) frontman Josh led the band and crowd through plenty of sing along moments while also showcasing some of the groups newer songs.

Buckcherry – Copyright: Michael Bragg/MJBragg Photography

With the March 8th release of the “War Paint” album Buckcherry played “Head Like A Hole,” “Bent” and “Radio Song.” These songs blended well and resonated greatly with fans as they brought back an old school vibe of the early days of the group. Josh may be the only original member of the group but the current lineup has down a great job at keeping the reputation of the band intact keeping the integrity of prior songs while creating new as well. With the combination of old and new, along with the presence the band has on stage, it’s easy to see why Buckcherry continues to draw a crowd. With the night coming to an end Josh asked the crowd, “where all the crazy women at” as the band ended with the groups wildly popular 2005 hit “Crazy Bitch.”

Buckcherry has tour dates listed through September.

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Copyright – Michael Bragg/MJBragg Photography

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