Chris Robinson, frontman of The Black Crowes, has never been shy about his skepticism toward institutions. With a laugh, he admits, "I've been cynical in the past about institutions"—and that certainly included the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. But all past sarcasm aside, Robinson is genuinely excited about the band's first-ever nomination.
"We're just very excited," he tells Billboard. "I don’t think we ever really would have thought about it, so for it to be in front of us, it’s incredible. We're thrilled." The band, originally formed in 1989 in Atlanta by Robinson and his younger brother Rich, along with drummer Steve Gorman, bassist Johnny Colt, and guitarist Jeff Cease, has carved out an enduring legacy in rock music. Now, they find themselves in the company of legendary artists, something Robinson describes as "fantastic."
It’s a far cry from his 2017 comments on The Howard Stern Show, where he bluntly dismissed the idea of attending an induction, comparing the Hall of Fame to "going to the mall or something." But as Robinson jokingly puts it, "As if an interview with Howard Stern’s a deposition." He insists his enthusiasm today is real: "This isn’t one of those situations where I’ll grudgingly say, ‘Oh, if we get in, I’ll go…’ If it happens for us, then I’ll be there with bells on my feet."
And there’s plenty to celebrate. The Black Crowes stormed onto the music scene with a bang, dropping back-to-back multi-platinum albums—1990’s Shake Your Money Maker and 1992’s The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion. They delivered a slew of Mainstream Rock hits, including "Jealous Again," a fiery rendition of Otis Redding’s "Hard to Handle," "She Talks to Angels," "Remedy," and "Thorn in My Pride." Over the years, the band has released nine studio albums, selling over 30 million copies worldwide. Most recently, their 2024 album Happiness Bastards received a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Album, though it ultimately lost to Hackney Diamonds by The Rolling Stones. But Robinson takes it in stride: "If you’re gonna lose a Grammy, lose it to Mick (Jagger) and Keith (Richards). We were just happy to be included."
Of course, The Black Crowes’ journey has been anything but smooth. Over the decades, they’ve gone through three major eras—1984-2002, 2005-2015, and their most recent reunion in 2019. More than two dozen musicians have cycled through the band, with guitarist Marc Ford and the late keyboardist Eddie Harsch also included in this Rock Hall nomination. Along the way, there’s been plenty of turmoil. Drummer Steve Gorman’s 2019 memoir, Hard to Handle: The Life and Death of The Black Crowes, exposed the band’s internal drama, and he even sued the Robinson brothers over unpaid royalties—a case that was settled in 2022.
Yet, despite the past conflicts, Robinson remains focused on the present. "I think where our career has led us since Rich and I got back together… it just adds to how deeply we’re interested in our career and our band," he explains. As for any potential reconciliations before a Rock Hall induction? That’s a conversation for "down the road."
For now, the band is keeping things light when it comes to touring, but they’re already working on new material. "We probably have another 20 new songs already—sketches," Robinson shares. "I think Happiness Bastards was kind of the ignition, a very positive step. It was like, ‘Wow, that was fun,’ and ‘Wow, now we have some new ideas.’" He hints that they plan to hit the studio this spring, adding, "It’s very exciting."
Robinson, who has called Los Angeles home for over two decades, is still buzzing from the FireAid benefit concert on January 30 at the Kia Forum. The event saw The Black Crowes performing "Remedy" and then joining John and Shane Fogerty for a powerful rendition of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s "Have You Ever Seen the Rain." But the real highlight? The Robinson brothers teaming up with Slash for a cover of Led Zeppelin’s "Going to California."
"It was a super, super special event," Robinson recalls. "Los Angeles gets this rap for being so shallow and vapid… but it just goes to show the real heart and soul of a place like this. That’s what happens when you’re in a show business industry town. That’s where this town is pointed towards. So it was just spectacular."
And as for jamming with Slash? "To do it with Slash, who’s a friend but also synonymous with the Los Angeles music scene… I thought it was a really nice moment. And Jimmy (Page) saw it and he thought it was great. So, win-win."
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame will reveal its Class of 2025 inductees in late April. That announcement will determine which artists will enter as performers, who will be honored in the musical influence or musical excellence categories, and who will receive the Ahmet Ertegun Award. The induction ceremony is set to take place in Los Angeles this fall.
Whether The Black Crowes get the nod or not, Robinson’s excitement is undeniable. It’s a moment of recognition that he never saw coming, but one that he’s embracing wholeheartedly. And if they do make it? You can bet he’ll be there—with bells on.
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