Houston Concert Watch 2/4: Gipsy Kings and More

Like many awards shows, the Grammys sometimes seem to be more about style than substance. Chappell Roan created a ruckus on the red carpet with a Thierry Mugler dress that was both backless and frontless, utilizing nipple piercings to hold up some of the fabric. Afterward, Roan rather disingenuously explained, “I don’t even think this is that outrageous of an outfit.” OK, hotshot.

From a rock and roll standpoint, highlights included Robert Smith and the Cure winning their first Grammy after 50 years of recording and touring for “Alone” (Best Alternative Music Performance) and Songs of a Lost World (Best Alternative Music Album). Also noteworthy was Joni Mitchell winning her 11th Grammy for Joni Mitchell Archives – Vol. 4: The Asylum Years (Best Historical Album) and Yungblud picking up the Best Rock Performance award for “Changes,” a cover of the Black Sabbath song played at Ozzy Osbourne’s Back to the Beginning concert this past summer.

But, on balance, there was not much in the way of rock and roll contained within the Grammys telecast. And by “not much,” I mean “damn near none.” Here’s the thing: the rock, metal and alternative categories were passed out during what was termed the “premiere ceremony,” which took place prior to the televised portion of the Grammy Awards. That’s a hell of a note. Rock may not be dead just yet, but in the minds of some, evidently, it was, to quote Monty Python, “coughing up blood last night!”

Ticket Alert

The reasons behind Chris and Rich Robinson’s rapprochement about seven years ago have been questioned in many quarters. At the time, some believed that the brothers did not want to see the Black Crowes’ legacy die and so buried the hatchet. And, to be clear, not in each other’s backs. Those of a more cynical bent speculated that the Robinsons needed money and figured the time was right for a Black Crowes renaissance, what with (at the time) the 30^th anniversary of the band’s debut album Shake Your Money Maker coming up.

Since then, things (at least from the outside) seem to be going swimmingly for the Crowes. The band’s most recent album, Happiness Bastards (2024) received positive critical notices and sold as well as any record can these days. With A Pound of Feathers set for release in March, the Crowes will be on the road this summer, appearing at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion on Saturday, August 8. Presales are in progress, and the general ticket sale will begin on Friday.

Few people kept the blues alive – and even expanded its popularity – like Robert Cray did during the ‘80s and ‘90s with albums like Strong Persuader and Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark. Following many years of working closely with Eric Clapton, Cray parted company with Slowhand in 2021 over his comparison of COVID-era restrictions and slavery. It probably cost him exposure and money, but Cray honored his convictions. Nevertheless, Cray seems to be doing just fine, thank you, and he is booked for a concert at the Heights Theater on Wednesday, April 29.

Ne-Yo and Akon’s “Nights Like This” tour arrives at the Pavilion on Sunday, August 9. The concert will be a co-headlining affair, and organizers promise a slew of “era-defining hits.” Tickets are on sale now, with Akon meet-and-greet and photo op packages available. Ne-Yo? Evidently, not so much.

UB-40 was established during the dismal early years of Margaret Thatcher’s tenure as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. This is significant, in that “UB-40” stood for “Unemployment Benefit Form 40.” The band members weren’t on the dole for long, however, as UB-40 built a substantial career, bringing reggae to the masses worldwide while selling over 100 million records. Catch them on Sunday, November 8, at the House of Blues.

Concerts This Week

Sorry, Gipsy Kings, but (like many others) I find it difficult to listen to your tremendous cover of the Eagles’ “Hotel California” without seeing John Turturro pulling up purple dress socks, licking a bowling ball, and generally cavorting about after throwing a strike in The Big Lebowski. But, when you think about it, the association is not all bad. Catch the Kings on Friday at the Smart Financial Centre.

And speaking of The Big Lebowski, Jimmie Dale Gilmore will perform on both Friday and Saturday at the Mucky Duck. As you may recall, Gilmore played the role of Smokey, a member of the Dude’s bowling league who allegedly slid over the line and was threatened with “a world of pain” by Walter Sobchack. Gilmore’s delivery of the line, “Alright, it’s fucking zero. Are you happy, you crazy fuck?” is a performance for the ages. Having said that, Gilmore would probably prefer that I focus on his most recent album, TexiCali, a collaboration with Dave Alvin.

Also at the Duck on Friday and Saturday are the West Texas Exiles, a band that includes Gilmore’s son Colin. The Exiles have been garnering serious attention in Americana circles by virtue of steady touring and an outstanding debut album, 8000 Days. On both nights, Jimmie Dale plays an early show, with the Exiles performing a late show. Catch both of them if can, though.

Mardi Gras will be here soon (Tuesday, February 17, to be precise), so, much like the swallows returning to Capistrano each year, the Rebirth Brass band is on the road to make sure everybody is ready for Fat Tuesday. Get a jump on the festivities with the Rebirth show on Saturday at the Heights Theater.