BCC Rocks The Black Country, Hughes and Bonham Honored
Delight as fans take Communion with supergroup
SUPERGROUP Black Country Communion rocked Wolverhampton Civic Hall for their debut gig.
The Band took to the stage in front of 3,000 fans. It was only the second time Cannock-born Glenn Hughes, of Deep Purple and Black Sabbath, and Dudley-born Jason Bonham, son of Led Zeppelin drummer John, had brought the group together after a behind-closed doors gig in the summer, writes Mike Woods.
The group, along with American Guitar virtuoso Joe Bonamassa and former Dream Theatre keyboard player Derek Sherinian, released their debut album in September.
They set their heart on playing in the Black Country as soon as the band’s name was picked.
Plaques
Hughes said by email after the gig: “I have felt so proud to have our first show at a venue where it all started for me. We are buzzin’ about the show on the tour bus.”
Just before the gig, Bonham and Hughes were inducted into Wolverhampton’s Rock Wall of Fame with plaques bearing their names added to the wall at the Civic Hall.
Speaking before the show 44-year-old Bonham said: “It means a lot to me. To be recognized like that, you feel a sense of achievement.”
“My grandfather would be so proud that I’ve been recognized in my home country.
“It’s fantastic to be at the Civic and from the moment we called it Black Country Communion, we knew we had to play here.”
Bonham is no stranger to the venue, having player there with UFO in 2004 and Foreigner the following year.
He said: “I’ve been to see loads of bands here and it’s a hugh place for me. It’s a very cool venue and it’s always better to have all-standing gigs.”
Wolverhampton Mayor Councillor Malcolm Gwinnett who was also at the December 29 event to mark the band members’ induction into the hall of fame, said: “It’s a fantastic thing for Wolverhampton.
“We’ve already got a sporting hall of fame and we really needed a pop hall of fame because we’ve had fantastic bands in this area over the years.”
Fans travelled from around the country to see the show. They included electrical contractor Mike Carroll, aged 54, from Southport, who made the journey with his 19-year-old song James.
Mr Carroll Sr said: “I felt compelled to come because of the lineup. I just wanted to hear Black Country Communion at a Black Country gig.”
Concrete firm worker Andy Whitworth, aged 37, travelled from Halifax for the show. He said: “I’m a big fan of John and Glenn and I really dig what they are doing with the band.”
Environmental worker Sara Latham, aged 37, from Stafford Road, Fordhouses, Wolverhampton, said: “I’m a big fan of Joe Bonamassa. I like the music because it’s different and because it’s heavy but it’s not just a loud noise. They are real musicians instead of a boy band.”
Miranda Todd, aged 26, from Bearwood, was there with her father Alann, 61.
He said: “I was into the whole Led Zeppelin music scene.” Miss Todd said: “My dad got me into this music. It’s brilliant and Joe Bonamassa is a great artist.”
