Our new playlist of the best new Americana we’ve heard over the last month is out later today exclusively for AUK supporters including new tracks by Iris DeMent, Ron Sexmith and Ruston Kelly among others – it’s our human being version of Spotify recommendations. And if you are a supporter, we also have a great exclusive giveaway of two tickets to see the amazing Blackberry Smoke when they head to the UK later this month for a handful of dates. Blackberry Smoke’s tour kicks off in Europe today, after a year’s postponement due to Covid. There was always a danger for a band like Blackberry Smoke that they would end up too country for rock fans and too rock for the country massive, but after six studio albums, including two No.1s on the US country chart, they seem to have perfected a winning balancing act between their two chief influences. They seamlessly tread the line between the two genres, creating a sound that perfectly balances through their blend of blues in the bass and piano lines, heavier rock riffs from the distortion of the guitar, and their southern country roots evidenced in their slower tracks.
Here are their UK and Ireland Dates:
26-Mar 2023 – Birmingham – O2 Academy
27-Mar 2023 – Glasgow – O2 Academy
29-Mar 2023 – Belfast – The Telegraph Building
30-Mar 2023 – Dublin – Olympia Theatre
01-Apr 2023 – London – Roundhouse
02-Apr 2023 – Manchester – Academy
They are also playing the Long Road Festival in Leicestershire at the end of August. Blackberry Smoke’s latest album “You Hear Georgia” is available now. Purchase it on physical or your favourite streaming service here.
In the meantime, you can become an AUK supporter for just £2 a month here. Thanks in advance if you are able to support us.