The Black Crowes found themselves in a politically charged confrontation with concertgoers this past weekend when lead vocalist Chris Robinson addressed a group of fans who had chanted "USA!" during their performance. According to Rolling Stone, the two-time Grammy-nominated rock band was about to launch into their early '90s hit "She Talks to Angels" at the Sunday night concert in Tampa, Florida. At that moment, an animated image of the band's mascot dressed in Uncle Sam regalia was projected onto a screen behind the group. In response, some attendees began chanting "USA!"
Robinson's Response
Robinson sarcastically remarked, "Thanks for the geography lesson." Moments later, he added, "I don't know what you have to be so proud of right now," which drew boos from several people in the crowd. However, Robinson did not back down. "Some of us have real faith," he said, as captured in fan footage shared on TikTok and other platforms. "And, for those of you fucking booing us, some of us are not afraid. And we most assuredly are not fucking ignorant!"
Fan Reactions
While TMZ reported that many fans began "leaving altogether" after Robinson's remarks, others online disputed such claims. "I was at this show. That’s not what happened," one person wrote on X. "Most people (including me) never heard any USA chants. I just heard Chris Robinson tell some small group up front to fuck right off. ... There was no exodus."
Band's Background
A representative for The Black Crowes did not immediately respond to HuffPost's request for comment. The band, originally from Atlanta, rose to prominence in the early 1990s with smash albums "Shake Your Money Maker" and "The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion," the latter featuring their signature hit "Remedy." Robinson was previously married to actress Kate Hudson, with whom he shares a 22-year-old son, Ryder. The couple split in 2007 but have remained on friendly terms, as evidenced by their joint appearance at Ryder's graduation from New York University last month.
Robinson's Political Views
Speaking to Mojo magazine in March to promote the band's latest album, "A Pound of Feathers," Robinson said he was "not interested in politics" but expressed distaste for America's current sociopolitical climate. "I know what’s right and wrong — and this shit going on right now is wrong," he told the outlet. "Look man, I’m almost 60, all right. I don’t tell anyone what to do, because I don’t like to be told what to do. But I know right and wrong." He added, "The world’s teetering on the edge with all this bullshit, but if there’s a street fighting man out there, he’d got to be a young man, right? But these kids don’t seem to give a fuck. I get it, I guess their phone is their interest."
