The iconic OVO Wembley Arena played host to an unforgettable night of rock as Black Stone Cherry headlined an incredible show, supported by the electrifying Skillet. With a packed arena, the evening was a celebration of hard-hitting riffs, soaring vocals, and unrelenting energy. Both bands brought their A-game, creating a night that left fans buzzing. Skillet delivered a vibrant supporting set paving the way for Black Stone Cherry to bring the house down with their Southern rock swagger and undeniable stage presence.

Sometimes, a supporting act rocks the house so thoroughly that it feels like you’re witnessing a dual-headlining show. That was precisely the case when Skillet opened for Black Stone Cherry at OVO Wembley Arena. From the first note of their explosive set to the final roar of applause, Skillet delivered a performance that could easily have headlined the night. 

The set began with “Feel Invincible” and the energy exploded immediately. Lead singer John Cooper danced across the stage, his sheer enthusiasm infectious. Within moments, the entire arena was jumping to the rhythm of each song. It wasn’t just the music; it was the theatricality. For example, at one point, Cooper strapped smoke machines to his arms, sending clouds billowing into the air – a spectacle as visually arresting as the band’s hard-hitting sound.

As the set progressed, a cellist joined the band for “Awake and Alive,” adding an unexpected, ethereal layer to the already gripping track. The interplay of strings and fierce vocals again added a theatrical quality, bringing even more emotion to such a meaningful song.

Drummer Jen Ledger, a powerhouse vocalist too in her own right, stepped away from her kit several times during the show to take center stage. Her vocals added depth and contrast to the band’s sound while further solidifying her role as a standout performer.

Their set closed as Seth Morrison delivered an immense guitar followed by an intricate drum solo from Ledger. By the end of their set, Skillet had achieved what few supporting acts manage: they left the audience clamoring for more. Their commanding presence and ability to captivate a packed arena suggest that it won’t be long before Skillet returns to headline their own arena tours.

After such an awe inspiring supporting act, I was almost a little nervous for Black Stone Cherry, the headlining act, as they had to follow such a mesmerising performance.

Spoiler alert: I needn’t worry.

The set began as the dreamy tune of “Pure Imagination” from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory played while a white curtain shrouded the stage. As the opening riff of “Me and Mary Jane” tore through the air, the curtain dropped, revealing the band in full force. The energy was instantly infectious, with guitarists Ben Wells and Steve Jewell bounding across the stage, trading sides and working the crowd from every angle. Their dynamic presence set the tone for what would be a relentless, spirited set.

Without missing a beat, the band launched into “Burnin’,” keeping the energy high. Classic tracks like “Again” and “Rain Wizard” had the audience clapping, singing, and reveling in every note. But it was “Out of Pocket” from their latest album that truly stood out. Frontman Chris Robertson highlighted that this was the end of the tour, and the significance of the last show being in London, an emotional moment that connected the band to the fans.

The setlist was a perfect mix of old-school classics and fresh material, giving something special to both die-hard fans and newcomers. The finale, a knockout combination of “White Trash Millionaire,” “Lonely Train,” and “Blame It on the Boom Boom”, was pure rock brilliance. The crowd went wild, headbanging and singing every word at the top of their lungs. When the band left the stage, the roar of applause was deafening – a clear sign they’d delivered a performance no one would forget anytime soon.

Black Stone Cherry returned for an encore that began with a heartfelt thank-you from Robertson, who took a moment to honor the late Michelle Kerr, a figure deeply beloved in the rock community. The night closed with a poignant rendition of “Peace is Free,” a touching dedication that brought tears and cheers in equal measure. It was a fitting end to a night that celebrated not just the music, but the connections it fosters.

Skillet may have set the stage ablaze, but Black Stone Cherry blew the roof off Wembley. Their ability to bring raw energy, authenticity, and heartfelt emotion to the stage left the audience eager for their return, especially with their highly anticipated July headlining set at Maid of Stone Festival. As the crowd spilled into the London night, the sentiment was unanimous: this was a night to remember.

Live review and Photo gallery by Lorna Leahy (@photosbylorna ) exclsuively for The Songbird HQ. Please do not use or reshare without prior consent.