Black Country

The song "Black Country" by Black Country Communion is a powerful opening track from their self-titled debut album, released in 2010. According to bassist and vocalist Glenn Hughes in an interview with EspyRock, the song was one of four he wrote in December 2009, crafted to capture the raw, classic rock energy that defines the band’s sound. Hughes described the writing process as intense, locking himself away with guitarist Joe Bonamassa for several afternoons to shape the track’s heavy riffs and soulful vocals. The song’s title pays homage to the Black Country region in England’s West Midlands, where Hughes and drummer Jason Bonham grew up, infusing the track with a sense of personal history. Producer Kevin Shirley noted in a 2010 glennhughes.com post that the band’s chemistry during recording was electric, with "Black Country" setting the tone for the album’s gritty, 1970s-inspired vibe. The track’s driving rhythm and lyrical nod to the band’s roots resonated with fans, helping the album top the UK Rock & Metal Albums Chart.

Black Country Communion formed in 2009 as a supergroup, bringing together Glenn Hughes, Joe Bonamassa, Jason Bonham, and keyboardist Derek Sherinian. The band’s origin story began when Hughes and Bonamassa met at the 2006 NAMM Show in Anaheim, California, and later jammed at Hughes’ Hollywood studio, sparking the idea for a collaborative project. As detailed on Wikipedia, producer Kevin Shirley suggested adding Bonham, son of Led Zeppelin’s John Bonham, and Sherinian, formerly of Dream Theater, to complete the lineup. The group initially planned to call themselves “Black Country,” but a legal dispute with a Baltimore-based band forced them to adopt the name Black Country Communion, as Hughes explained in a 2016 interview. Their debut performance came during an encore at Bonamassa’s solo show in Riverside, California, on March 17, 2010, where they played “One Last Soul” and a cover of Deep Purple’s “Mistreated.” The band’s shared passion for classic rock, influenced by Hughes’ time in Deep Purple and Bonham’s Led Zeppelin legacy, shaped their sound and led to their critically acclaimed debut album.

You can stay updated on Black Country Communion through their official Facebook page, where they share tour dates and album updates, or follow their Instagram for behind-the-scenes photos and videos. On X, the band engages with fans, often posting about new releases like their 2024 album, V. Fans can also connect through the Black Country Communion Fans Facebook group, a vibrant community where “Zoo Freaks” and other enthusiasts discuss the band’s music, share concert experiences, and celebrate their love for the supergroup’s classic rock revival. Additional fan-driven content can be found on sites like glennhughes.com, which chronicles Hughes’ contributions to the band, and Joe Bonamassa’s official store, which features Black Country Communion merchandise.