LIVE: BLACKTOP MOJO – October 28, 2021

Venue: The Machine Shop

City: Flint, MI

Date: October 28, 2021

Review and Photographs by: Todd “Toddstar” Jolicoeur (www.toddstarphotography.com)

After catching a set from rockers Blacktop Mojo earlier this year at Upheaval Festival, I was looking forward to seeing them handle a full set as teh headliner, which they did at The World Famous Machine Shop on a rainy Thursday night.  After cool opening sets from Cash O’ Riley and Mick Blankenship, the fivesome hit the stage and pulled no punches as they ripped into their set with “Wicked Woman,” the lead track from their self-titled album that dropped a couple months ago.  The band was as ready to rock the venue as the fans that showed up to rock together.  After the opener, they delivered a one-two punch of “Lay It on Me” and “End of Days” to keep the flow of music pumping through the venue’s sound system.  Other originals peppered the setlist showcasing the bands sound and overall vibe, but the real flare for me was hearing the bands take on the Temptations classic “My Girl.”  The energy on the stage was contagious as singer Matt James took every moment to engage with the audience and bassist Matt Curtis prowled the stage looking for every opportunity to smile, sing, and play as if it were his last night on stage.  The guitarists – Chuck Wepfer and Malcolm Booher anchored the set with their twin fret attack trading off solos, riffs, and rhythm opportunities.  Without a lot of fanfare or flair, the backbeat and foundation of the set was handled by drummer Nathan Gillis.  Out touring supporting the earlier referenced release, tonight’s set featured the opener as well as “Bed Tundy,” “Do It For The Money,” and the first single and video from the disc “Tail Lights.”  A great rendition of ZZ Top’s “Tush” hit the set near the end of the evening and the band closed out the night with the cover that started it all for them, Aerosmith’s “Dream On.”  With that we were all into the dark and drizzly evening after witnessing a great rock show at a great rock venue.

Setlist: Wicked Woman – Lay It on Me – End of Days – Bed Tundy – Do It for the Money – The Void – It Won’t Last – My Girl – Why – Come Get Your Coat – Burn the Ships – All Mine Now – Rewind – Tail Lights – Tush – Where the Wind Blows – Dream On

[Show as slideshow]

FULL SET OF BLACKTOP MOJO SHOW PHOTOS HERE

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Category: Live Reviews, Photo Galleries