Black Star Riders At Mohegan Sun Arena (3/22/2018)

by Matman

Black Star Riders may be a fairly new band, but their blood and roots run deep in classic British rock!  In 2009, guitarist Scott Gorham put together a version of Thin Lizzy with Irish born Ricky Warwick to keep alive the legacy and music of his former bandmate, Phil Lynott!  In 2012 it was decided that any new music would be under the name Black Star Riders... and here we are now!!  

Opening for both Saxon and Judas Priest, Black Star Riders had a tough job ahead of them but as they hit the stage with the anthemic All Hell Breaks Loose then jump right into the all time classic, Jailbreak, BSR grabbed the audience and never let go!  On stage, Scott Gorham and fellow guitarist Damon Johnson traded riffs and leads and created a sound that was comfortable, familiar and so powerful.  Holding it all down was drummer Chad Szeliga and bassist Robbie Crane who kept it tight, but gave everyone a chance to shine.  The magic of Thin Lizzy was alive and well on stage here tonight.

When it comes to vocalist Ricky Warwick, he is a rock star!  Depending on the mood and the song, Warwick would play guitar or just hold the mike, commanding the stage.  His voice and lyrics are very much in the spirit of the Thin Lizzy frontman, but that isn't what he is all about. Warwick is real and sings with a lot of passion and emotion. 

Despite the band only playing 8 songs (it's all they were allowed), Black Star Riders took advantage of the opportunity they were given and they delivered.  They reminded me of those bands we used to see open up for our favorites and do whatever they had to do to win over the crowd.  I can't wait to see them one day do a full set and watch them at their own pace.

How much did I love these guys? So much so... I bought their shirt!!!!

This is part one of three reviews... up next, SAXON!!!