Live : BLACKBERRY SMOKE w/MILLION DOLLAR RELOAD… (Dublin 15/10/2014) Posted: 17/11/2014 by John O'Brien

Despite the rain and the dull night that was in it. I don’t think anyone cared once they got inside the Academy and were treated to MILLION DOLLAR RELOAD, reduced to a four-piece after one member had to drop out mid-tour for family reasons. Hailing from Northern Ireland they have a huge following and after tonight it’s going to get bigger.

Their sound consists of catchy hooks which not only have you nodding in agreement but they also get the ladies shaking their tush. Phil Conalane possesses what all front men should have, charisma and with ‘The Cool’ one on drums its not hard to see that teamed with Kie McMurray, they have one hell of a rhythm section. With an extensive back catalogue to choose from and two albums under their belts, how these guys haven’t been snapped up by a major label is a mystery. With work due to commence on their next album, M$R will be coming back as strong as ever and hopefully with a full tour both here and throughout Europe to follow.

With the smell of a certain breed of pass-time waifing through the air the mood was set for BLACKBERRY SMOKE and kicking straight into ‘Like I Am’ they showed us that southern rock is still alive and truly kicking ass. ‘Testify’, ‘Six Ways To Sunday’ and then the first riff of ‘Good One’ has everyone dancing and singing along and it remains that way for the rest of the night. Playing tracks from their latest album and seeing the response each song was bringing, the band seemed to never take their foot of pedal and got lost in what can only be described as one hell of a night.

Despite receiving very little airplay in the States at all they were very humbled that they have such a huge following over here. They revelled in it and made sure to thank the fans for giving them such a great response. ‘Holy Smoke’ and ‘Ain’t Much Left’ are soon upon us and have everyone craving more. Before we know it, it’s encore time and with ‘Sanctified Woman’ and we are again treated to what southern rock is all about. It’s down to ‘Shake Your Magnolia’ leaving us wanting more. So! Let the ‘Crimson Moon’ shine till they play here again.

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Review by Wes Morrissey

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BLACKBERRY SMOKE – https://www.facebook.com/BlackberrySmoke
MILLION DOLLAR RELOAD – https://www.facebook.com/pages/Million-Dollar-Reload-official/116605908365064

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