Robert Jon & The Wreck - "Live At The Ancienne Belgique"
Now, I’m not going to lie – I am a recent convert to Robert Jon and the Wreck. As a lifelong fan of Tom Petty, Southern Rock, Country Rock and all points in between, I was told “check these guys out – they’re right up your street”
And they are.. in fact they kinda ripped up that street, and slapped a three lane highway right where it was.
Their back catalogue is fantastic, and is a mixture of styles and influences – but the southern rock feel of the Allman Brothers, Skynyrd and their peers is never too far away, despite reigning from Southern California, Robert Jon & The Wreck take the Southern rock sound from the east coast and make it their own.
Since their inception in 2011, these native Californians; Robert Jon Burrison (lead vocals, guitar), Andrew Espantman (drums, background vocals), Henry James Schneekluth (lead guitar, background vocals), and Warren Murrel (bass) have been electrifying audiences all over the world with their soaring guitar leads, rich vocal harmonies, and memorable tunes. Keyboardist Jake Abernathie recently joined the band (initially for the tour)
Their first live DVD - Live At The Ancienne Belgique, is released on April 21st via Joe Bonamassa’s Journeyman Records. Recorded during their sold-out show at the Ancienne Belgique in Brussels, Belgium on June 29th, 2022, the live album captures the Wreck amid their longest-ever tour – 67 performances in 75 days across 9 countries. The tour had been postponed for nearly two years due to the pandemic, so by the time the band hit the stage in Brussels, 50+ performances into the tour, they were a well-oiled machine ready to blow the roof off the place. The night was nothing less than spectacular, featuring a setlist that spanned the last decade of their prolific career, from their 2013 debut to their 2022 release.
So don’t go thinking “oh I’ve heard their old stuff, they’ll just play that right?”..no no no.. they do play the tracks you love but they have evolved - Live and on the DVD, Henry James is off the leash and plays some of the best live guitar you will witness. Whilst every musician in the band is accomplished, he is the bedrock of the band live – he’s the one your gaze turns to – whether it’s the bluesy solos in “the Death of Me”, tearing it up in “Do you Remember?” or bringing the house down in DVD closer “Cold Night”. Having said that, the songs help – all killers, no fillers!
Their first DVD is a superb snapshot of a band at the top of their game and a great introduction to their back catalogue :
Robert Jon & The Wreck - Live At The Ancienne Belgique
1. The Devil Is Your Only Friend
2. Do You Remember
3. Henry Guitar Solo
4. Hey Hey Mama
5. She's A Fighter
6. Blame It On The Whiskey
7. Old Friend
8. Shine A Light On Me Brother
9. Oh Miss Carolina
10. Steve Keyboard Solo
11. The Death Of Me
12. Don't Let Me Go
13. Tired Of Drinking Alone
14. Cold Night
Robert Jon & The Wreck will return to the road next month supporting Blackberry Smoke in the USA, followed by a European tour including UK dates in September, so if you like what you see.. go and witness them in their natural environment – on stage!
