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Chris Robinson, the lead singer of the Black Crowes, faced a wave of boos from the audience after he criticized fans for chanting “USA” during a concert in Florida. His comments sparked backlash as he questioned what made America so praiseworthy, causing the crowd to react negatively.
The incident unfolded on a Sunday night at the band’s performance in Tampa, part of their “Southern Hospitality Tour.” The controversy started when an image of the band’s black crow mascot, dressed as Uncle Sam, was displayed on a screen behind the stage. This prompted the crowd to begin a patriotic chant, according to a report by TMZ.
As the band was preparing to perform their popular song “She Talks to Angels,” Robinson, 59, addressed the audience’s enthusiasm with skepticism. A source informed the outlet that Robinson responded with irritation to the ongoing chants.
“Thanks for the geography lesson,” Robinson reportedly quipped, showing his growing frustration with the “USA” chants that continued to echo through the venue.
He further provoked the audience by questioning, “I don’t know what you have to be so proud of right now,” as per the outlet’s report, leading to a tense atmosphere during the show.
The comment was enough to set off a round of boos from the crowd — with some so upset they started leaving the venue.
In a clip obtained by TMZ, Robinson is heard clapping back at those booing him.
“Some of us have real faith,” the 59-year-old singer is heard saying to a noticeably dwindling crowd.
“For those of you f–king booing us, some of us are not afraid. And we most assuredly are not f–king ignorant.”
The online backlash to the rocker’s remarks was swift.
“US Veteran here. Bought tickets for my wife’s birthday in Tampa. Chris Robinson mocked the USA chanters… We walked out disappointed. Hoping for a partial refund,” one fan shared on X.
“So I’m at the black crowes concert in Tampa tonight… Chris Robinson basically just told Patriots to kiss his ass! Not kidding. This was my 12th Crowes concert since 87, I just dropped them like a hot iron. F–k you Chris!” another fan seethed.
“Never had any issue with the Black Crowes, but good lord, Chris Robinson handled this in the worst way possible. It’s one thing if the fans are combative or disrupting your set, it’s another when fans are innocuously chanting USA,” wrote another.
The Atlanta-born singer, who started the band with his brother, guitarist Rich Robinson, in 1984, found major success in the early 1990s, especially with their first two albums: “Shake Your Money Maker” (1990) and “The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion” (1992).
The band split in 2015, reunited in 2019, and are currently on tour in support of their 10th studio album, “A Pound of Feathers.”
In a March interview with Mojo to promote the album, Robinson described himself as “not interested in politics.”
“I’m not interested in politics. I’m more interested in poetry and art and people and experience,” the lead singer told the outlet.