Blackberry Smoke - Paul Jackson using Helix

StefB

I know they are commonplace on touring band stages now for practicality, convenience, reliability, consistency etc, but seeing a Helix on stage with Blackberry Smoke has really surprised me I have to admit.

To me, the Smoke are the very definition of an old school, spit 'n' sawdust, plug & play rock 'n' roll band - cranked tweed Fenders, non-MV AC30s & Plexis all the way, at least that's what their stage set up and guitar tones suggest, so I did not for one minute expect to see a modeller and nothing else at Paul Jackson's feet.

Now it could be that he only uses it for a few effects and tuning etc as he has always struck me as a simple, volume rider kind of player, or maybe has a guitar tech doing his switching, but still, even those deep South vibes aren't immune from the allure of the mighty Helix's noughts and ones.

Interestingly, no mention of it in their Premier Guitar rig rundown from earlier this month - https://www.premierguitar.com/videos/rig-rundowns/blackberry-smoke-2023

Jason

Did you see the @IvisonGuitars Dakota (?) make several appearances

lustycourtier

Ivison Guitars too now. 

IvisonGuitars

I’ll cut in here if I may as I spoke to Paul on Sunday and expressed faux horror at the Helix..which we both had a laugh at. 

The simple fact is some of the gigs they’ve been doing in Europe just haven’t been big enough for their full backline and, while Charlie & Benji have 50w Germino/Marshall heads with Echopark and a Vox AC30 all FLAT OUT on stage, Paul is happy to use the Helix when space is at a premium. He still has his backline on the truck and that gets used when they have space. 

Sounded killer from where I was stood

IvisonGuitars

And....any excuse to show a couple of pics as I'm absolutely buzzing that Charlie and Benji are my latest endorsees...!!

Chuffola

Off to see them tomorrow night - can't wait. 3rd time for me.

Expecting it to be a fairly different vibe to Haken who I saw in Manchester at the weekend...  Travelled over with a mate who loves them. I'm a bit of a Haken noob. It was...intense. 

fretmeister

I had not heard of these guys - but I've just watched a recent Paris gig on youtube and I really them!

Thanks for the heads up

StefB

fretmeister said:

I had not heard of these guys - but I've just watched a recent Paris gig on youtube and I really them!

Thanks for the heads up

Magnificent band with a great back catalogue and they really excel on stage.  Enjoy!