Chris Robinson of The Black Crowes addressed the controversy sparked by his comments during the band’s May 31 show at Tampa’s MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre.
The concert, part of the Southern Hospitality tour, featured a “U‑S‑A!” chant from the audience. After a brief visual of the Black Crow mascot dressed as Uncle Sam appeared on the screen, Robinson paused before launching into “She Talks to Angels.” He thanked the crowd for a “geography lesson” and added, “I don’t know what you have to be so proud of right now.”
Some attendees booed, and several left the venue. Robinson later told Ultimate Classic Rock that the remarks were taken out of context for click‑bait purposes.
EXCLUSIVE: The fallout from The Black Crowes’ onstage political dust-up on Sunday didn’t end with boos … it kept rolling straight toward the exits. pic.twitter.com/PSFZy9iMi4
— TMZ (@TMZ) June 2, 2026
Robinson emphasized that, regardless of his opinions, “there’s no way I would disrespect our veterans.” He said, “For the people who’ve put their lives on the line and made that sacrifice, I wouldn’t do that. I’m just trying to make a soulful connection with people.”
Although he rarely makes political statements, Robinson once hinted at displeasure with former President Donald Trump in 2017, joking, “Donald Trump is president, John Mayer is in The Grateful Dead, and my brother’s in a Black Crowes tribute band.”
The Black Crowes were recently nominated for the 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame but did not receive induction. Other nominees who missed the cut include New Edition, Mariah Carey, Ms. Lauryn Hill, INXS, P!nk, Jeff Buckley, and Shakira. Inductees this year are Phil Collins, Billy Idol, Iron Maiden, Joy Division/New Order, Oasis, Sade, Luther Vandross, and Wu‑Tang Clan.
The Atlanta‑based band will perform at the 10th‑anniversary edition of Madrid’s Mad Cool festival later this summer, sharing the bill with Pulp, Foo Fighters, Florence & the Machine, and Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds.
