Explore the Rich History and Evolving Sound of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club Discover the intricate journey and dynamic musical evolution of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club. From their formation to their latest releases, this exploration highlights the band's unique blend of rock influences and their impact on the music scene. Join us in tracing their artistic growth and the compelling narratives that shape their sound.
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As Black Rebel Motorcycle Club (BRMC) concludes its European tour, the band’s performance at The Troxy in Stepney was a memorable yet challenging experience. Battling illness and internal tensions, the atmosphere was thick with winter chill, making the concert feel more like a marathon than a celebration.
This particular show marked the 20th anniversary of their album Howl, which featured a mix of well-known and lesser-played tracks. Co-vocalist and guitarist Robert Been expressed his frustration over the lukewarm reception of Howl in the UK, especially when compared to the acclaim received by their earlier albums.
The chaotic essence of rock and roll
Reflecting on the performance, Been acknowledged the disarray they faced. During a video call from his home in Los Angeles, he humorously described the night as a “mess.” Both he and drummer Leah Shapiro were afflicted with a severe respiratory issue, complicating their ability to perform.
“Every breath felt like it triggered a cough,” he explained, which contributed to a grumpy demeanor on stage. “I was trying to stretch out the set to buy some time in between songs!” he admitted, recognizing that the audience may have found this frustrating.
The controversy surrounding Howl
Been’s reflections on Howl underscore a pivotal moment in BRMC’s career. Their debut album had garnered acclaim in the UK, propelling them into the spotlight alongside contemporaries like The White Stripes and The Strokes. However, Howl, characterized by its rootsy and blues-oriented sound, did not resonate as strongly. “We anticipated some backlash,” Been noted, “but we didn’t expect it to be so severe.” Ironically, the album has gained retro-cool status over time, particularly among audiences in the United States who initially overlooked their earlier work. “It’s disorienting when everything flips on you like that,” he chuckled, “but that’s just the nature of rock and roll.
From turmoil to triumph
The creation of Howl coincided with a turbulent time for the band, marked by personal conflicts and homesickness. The group was living in London, partly due to drummer Nick Jago’s visa complications. This situation led to explosive dynamics, resulting in Jago’s departure from the band before rejoining shortly before the album’s completion. “That was devastating,” Been recalled. “It felt like losing a part of yourself, like a breakup with your best friend.”
These emotions heavily influenced their music. They also faced the challenges of being dropped by their record label and dealing with management issues. “It felt like we were on the outside looking in, needing to prove ourselves to be accepted again,” Been reflected. “So we poured our hearts into making an album that we loved, just for the sake of creating something meaningful.”
Reconnecting with the audience
Despite the ups and downs, BRMC managed to regain their footing and continued to release music, even if their later albums did not match the monumental success of their early work. The recent anniversary tour for Howl served as a refreshing reconnection for the band, despite the chaotic London gig. “By the end of the tour, we were starting to rediscover our chemistry,” Been shared. “We needed that experience of coming together again.” Currently, the band is exploring various projects, including film scores, while also enjoying some time off.
Looking to the future
With the 25th anniversary of their debut album approaching, Been considered using this milestone as an opportunity for new creative endeavors. “It’s a great excuse to jumpstart something new,” he commented with a hopeful grin. “We might not want to dwell on the past, but using it as a springboard for what’s next is an idea I can get behind.”
Ultimately, the journey of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club encapsulates the essence of rock and roll: a blend of chaos, creativity, and resilience. As they navigate the future, fans can only hope that the band continues to evolve and surprise them with their unique sound and spirited performances.
