Cheaper To Drink Alone

Zoo Freaks, get ready for some juicy trivia about Black Stone Cherry's "Cheaper To Drink Alone" from their 2016 album Kentucky, spinning now on THE ZOO! This track, with its Southern rock swagger and funky edge, was originally penned with Nashville writer Brandon Kinney for a country artist. But after laying down the demo, the band loved it so much they kept it for themselves. Frontman Chris Robertson revealed in a Songfacts interview that the song’s hilarious music video—featuring the band in drag for a speed-dating skit—was his idea. Filmed at Spillway Bar and Grill in Bowling Green, Kentucky, the video shoot was a blast, with the band embracing their silly side, aided by some liquid courage. Special guests Lzzy Hale and Joe Hottinger from Halestorm popped up in the video, adding to the rock 'n' roll camaraderie. The band shared on Facebook that the video, directed by Blake Judd, was a chance to show their love for "ridiculous humor and not taking ourselves too seriously." A post on X even teased an exclusive premiere with comedian Ron White, though he didn’t make the final cut, showing the band’s knack for stirring up buzz.

The song itself is a tongue-in-cheek tale of a high-maintenance love interest who’s draining both wallet and whiskey. Reviews, like one from Antihero Magazine, call it "overtly sexual and objectifying" but also "self-deprecating, desperate, and depressing," blending humor with a gritty edge. The official music video on YouTube racked up views for its lighthearted take, with the band noting it was their first time stepping out of their comfort zone only to dive deeper into their playful vibe. Fans at the video shoot, open to the public on February 21, 2017, got to witness the chaos firsthand, with Blabbermouth.net reporting the event’s 21-and-over restriction didn’t dampen the excitement. This track’s infectious groove and cheeky lyrics make it a perfect fit for our Zoo Crew’s vibe, so keep those dials locked on THE ZOO!

Now, let’s rewind to how Black Stone Cherry got their start, straight outta Edmonton, Kentucky. Formed in 2001, the band—Chris Robertson (lead vocals, guitar), Ben Wells (guitar, backing vocals), Jon Lawhon (bass, backing vocals), and John Fred Young (drums, backing vocals)—came together as teens with a shared love for rock. Robertson and Young, the son of The Kentucky Headhunters guitarist Richard Young, had been jamming since their early years. They were soon joined by Wells and Lawhon, and on June 4, 2001, Black Stone Cherry was officially born. The band honed their craft in a practice house used by The Kentucky Headhunters since 1968, as noted on Wikipedia. Their early gigs in local clubs built a massive following, and by 2003, they dropped their first demo, Rock N' Roll Tape, on their own label. This raw energy caught the ear of Roadrunner Records, leading to their self-titled debut in 2006, which mixed Southern and hard rock to critical acclaim.

Their hometown pride runs deep, with Kentucky recorded in Glasgow, Kentucky, the same spot as their debut, to recapture that early mojo. Guitarist Ben Wells told Blabbermouth.net the album was a return to their roots, self-produced for maximum creative control. Since then, Black Stone Cherry has released eight studio albums, with their latest, Screamin' at the Sky, dropping in 2023 via Mascot Label Group. They’ve charted 17 singles on the U.S. Mainstream Rock Tracks and built a global fanbase, especially in the UK, where their live shows ignited a wildfire of support. Bassist Steve Jewell replaced Lawhon for their 2023 album, but the core spirit remains unchanged. Connect with the band on their official website, <あら href="https://www.facebook.com/blackstonecherry">Facebook, Instagram, and X for the latest updates.

For you Zoo Freaks who can’t get enough, dive into the fan community! Check out the Black Stone Cherry Fans Facebook group, where diehards share concert stories, rare photos, and more. Another gem is the Black Stone Cherry Fan Network, a fan-run site with forums, merch links, and tour updates. These spaces keep the Black Stone Cherry spirit alive, so join the party and keep rocking with THE ZOO!