Royal Southern Brotherhood // Stage Volume One , Athens, Greece // 30.06.2014

I rarely take the responsibility to write live reports , since I am the photographer. However, when I was informed that the “Superband” Royal Southern Brotherhood is coming to Athens, not only I wanted to have an interview with these amazing people, but also to be the one to write down this live report and bring out to you all the majesty of the show I had the honor to attend.

RSB is “the soul of the South”. A band formed back in 2011, consisting of 5 top-ranked musicians. A band bringing to us generously some mind-blowing blues-rock music, nicely blended with soul, funk and rock ‘n roll elements, all beautifully wreathed in love.We may say that RSB is the new era of Southern blues-rock. They “create and play music from the heart for all the hearts”, as Devon Allman (son of Greg Allman ) guitarist of RSB stated in our interview (which you can read it here).

But, let’s get to the point , because we could speak hours for these unique musicians. It was 9pm sharp when the support group “Gregg G. Ellis Blues Ensemble” hit the stage, with about 20 minutes delay, since the attendance was really poor, counting around 50 people. The venue “Stage Volume 1” was specially arranged for the occasion with tables and seats, something that I cannot really decide If was necessary at all, since I strongly believe that blues music is definitely stirring and makes you wanna dance, not to sit on a table.

Gregg G. Ellis Blues Ensemble was formed 2 years ago by the singer and guitar player Gregg Giarelis, Dimitris Metaxas (bass guitar) and Stephanos Sakelariou (drums).Their music style is defined by the Chicago blues style. I never had the chance so far to see this band live and I can say that they really deserved to play next to RSB for about an hour. Experienced musicians, especially G.Giarelis, they warmed up the crowd (that hopefully grew in number, reaching about 150-200 people in the end). I would definitely like to see these guys live again! Keep the blues alive in Greece!

It was after a 10 minute-interval, that Royal Southern Brotherhood walked on the stage and by the first smile of the band, the crowd approached the scene to enjoy every minute of the band’s performance. Cyrille Neville on vocals and percussion travelled every one of us with his voice, along with the tranquility drawn on his face. His a philosopher and a poet and you just have to look into his eyes and you’ll understand that. Devon Allman and Mike Zito on guitars and vocals, both absolutely great musicians, well –known to the world for their projects and awards, singing with their sensational voices, jamming, performing thrilling solos …

Charlie Wooton stirred up the crowd even more with his bass lines! Yonrico Scott also performed a massive drum solo for minutes, changing his facial expressions on every single note!! He was fascinating behind the drums. I have to mention that Yonrico by the age of seven was already playing professionally with several gospel groups. Can you really imagine how well he plays now?

RSB began the show with Cyril Nevlle’s “Running Water”, honoring him.Their setlist included songs from all their three albums, but especially from “Heartsoulblood” that was released this June. In fact, they are currently on a world tour as part of “Heartsoulblood” album. “ Ritual”, “No where to hide”, “Groove on” , “World Blues” and “Rock and Roll” were some of the songs the band chose to play for us ,along with two beautiful covers , “One way out” (The Allman Brothers Band) and Working Man (Rush ) with which they closed the show. The band encouraged us to stay and talk to them afterwards(yes,they are SO KIND!) and spread the word to the world ,so that next time they come to Greece more people will embrace their shows!

During the whole live show, the crowd was in a frenzy, in a dancing mood, everyone was with a huge smile drawn on their face!!! We were not in Athens, but far from here …in a magical state of mind. Words can’t describe the feelings or the atmosphere. Someone could say that I exaggerate, but you should all be there, because shows like that do not happen every day.. In fact, they do not happen even every 10 years in Greece! And it was sad that the attendance was so small..When so important musicians, music LEGENDS visit our city we should not miss the chance to watch them live.. Royal Southern Brotherhood have the stage presence to draw in any audience and their shows should not be missed!

It was an experience of a lifetime for me… thank you guys from the bottom of my heart and soul! Keep the promise and visit us again soon!

Report: Sofia Theodorou
Photos: Dimitris Balabakis and Sofia Theodorou

ROYAL SOUTHERN BROTHERHOOD SETLIST

Running Water
Fired On The Mountain
Moon Light Over The Mississippi
Groove On
World Blues
Back To You
Sugar Sweet
Could Be Dangerous
Shoulda Know
Let’s Ride
Ritual
Rock N Roll
One Way Out
Working Man