On the books so far for me is

- Sierra Ferrell 3/18 Heights Theater
- Tyler Childers 4/19 713 Music Hall

Avett Brothers & Turnpike Troubadours - 2/25
DMB for sure
Hoping to add a lot to my concert schedule in 2023.

I only have the 2 Metallica shows in Dallas in August.
Openers are Pantera, Mammoth WVH, 5FDP and Ice nine kills.

Can't wait, hopefully I'll scratch a song or two off my haven't seen list (not counting new album of course)

Bunk Moreland said:

---

Avett Brothers & Turnpike Troubadours - 2/25
DMB for sure
Hoping to add a lot to my concert schedule in 2023.

---

Gave tickets to my wife for that Avett Brothers / Turnpike show. Can't wait. Will take the place of our Avetts at the Beach weekend usually this time of year. Also think the Wood Brothers might be there.

I'm hoping she'll take me. Could be a fun show.

62strat said:

---

goadius6 said:

---

62strat said:

---

johnnyblaze36 said:

---

This can bookend the OP or keep it going.

Billy 2 night run in NOLA was incredible. So much so that he's already booked a 3 night run in NOLA again for next NYE at UNO Arena (if new thread is started I can already post where I'll be in 12 months).

As a short guy, I thoroughly enjoyed being off the floor for a change with all the room in the world to move on the aisles and not a person blocking my vision for a single minute of six plus hours.

Night 1:


NYE which had a pretty sweet countdown and balloon drop at midnight and a full 3 set show:

---

Not knocking on the guy; but that NyE set had 20 covers? Then only ~dozen originals?

Are there really that many people willing to pay to go see a guy play a bunch of covers?

I guess the appeal is a bit lost on me. I've watched some vids of him at red rocks, it's good; I could imagine me jammin that out if I was at a festival or something. But going to a headline show of it?

---

Im sure majority of people went to both shows so i assume N1 had mostly originals but he has become known for his covers and he makes them his own.
A lof of the bands in this circle (jam) are known for their covers, and especially they try to make it fun on NYE to mix it up a little.

---

the first night was about the same original list with 13 covers instead of 20 lol.

I get your comment; we saw Pearl Jam who is 'jammy' and known for covers. They had like 7 covers… but also 30 years of original stuff mixed in for the other 15 songs or whatever. Billy strings seems still kinda unknown to the masses. It's baffling me he is pulling this crowd; it's like pure word of mouth and FOMO.

---

The first bolded part is 100% correct.

Second bolded part has nothing do with FOMO and this arena is half the size of most of the shows on the 2023 calendar thus far (sans the UNO Arena again scheduled for next NYE). I experience FOMO or just a desire to go see this band as much as I can witnessing their rise, but crowds have been catching on and they want to go see more since the shows are never the same. And so the lifecycle of building a big fanbase goes on as with most successful bands.

They played about 13 covers I think at Stubb's night 2 that I documented in this thread out of 34 songs total for over 4 hours. Not a terrible ratio really, especially when the covers are pretty short and sweet classics.

*In just a year though I have noticed the old Deadheads gravitating to the shows so the "scene" has grown kind of organically through that. I saw a lot more wooks at the NYE run than at any of the 10 other shows previously.

The 25 minute song into the clock countdown was their own song and longest version ever played, "Meet Me at the Creek". Not everyone's cup of tea, I get, but much more than just a cover playing band.

Just curious, those that like Billy, were you bluegrass fans beforehand?

So many here love him and he does a lot of Dead covers so I've listened to a few of his songs, but ultimately I'm just not a bluegrass fan yet. I thought maybe Sturgill's two cover albums would do it for me, but it just ends up sounding like "Let's play these songs as fast as we can with as many possible notes as we can." and I don't like it. I appreciate the insane skill it takes but it just doesn't hit my ear pleasantly.

Of course the beauty of music is timing. There's plenty of bands I didn't think I liked but when I was ready for them I fell in love.

Added Turnpike on 3/11 this morning. Gotta keep the wife happy.

I'm on board with starting a permanent concert thread. What should the title be?

*** The Concert Thread ***
*** The Ultimate Concert Thread ***
*** The Concert Thread To End All Concert Threads***

Jim01 said:

---

I'm on board with starting a permanent concert thread. What should the title be?

*** The Concert Thread ***
*** The Ultimate Concert Thread ***
*** The Concert Thread To End All Concert Threads***

---

Option 1

M83 @ White Oak Music Hall on 4/15

Ducks4brkfast said:

---

On the books so far for me is

- Sierra Ferrell 3/18 Heights Theater
- Tyler Childers 4/19 713 Music Hall

---

Definitely going to try to make that Sierra Ferrell show. One of my absolute favorites right now

So it is written, so it shall be done...

https://texags.com/forums/13/topics/3355422

Jim01 said:

---

Just curious, those that like Billy, were you bluegrass fans beforehand?

So many here love him and he does a lot of Dead covers so I've listened to a few of his songs, but ultimately I'm just not a bluegrass fan yet. I thought maybe Sturgill's two cover albums would do it for me, but it just ends up sounding like "Let's play these songs as fast as we can with as many possible notes as we can." and I don't like it. I appreciate the insane skill it takes but it just doesn't hit my ear pleasantly.

Of course the beauty of music is timing. There's plenty of bands I didn't think I liked but when I was ready for them I fell in love.

---

I've loved bluegrass for around 20 years now but didn't become a big fan of the genre until my first Yonder Mountain String Band show opening for moe. in 2001 and then a co-billing Yonder show with Del McCoury Band. So I'm by no means a bluegrass historian and am not all that familiar with a lot of the legends that Billy covers and says are huge influences.

Billy quit playing Dead covers for some reason back around March or April. I'm not sure why but it sucks because I've seen them play some good ones. "Wharf Rat" and "Dark Star" in particular.

I may have mentioned it earlier in the thread but when I went to the Ohana festival this past year Mike Campbell went up to Billy after their set and said "You sure play a lot of notes, kid.". Billy responded with "They only gave me 40 minutes and I had to fit them all in".

Go see them in June in Austin if you can. Or anywhere else convenient for you. I've never met a person that had a bad time. What separates him from traditional bluegrass is the pedals and electric sounds. Saw him on IG live a couple of days ago where he said he has a new studio at his home in Nashville and has written 10-12 new songs and album coming out this year.

Greensky Bluegrass is what got me into more bluegrass over the last 7ish years, love me some Billy Strings but havent' been able to catch him live yet.

Found out about him through the Grateful Dead community though due to his covers

johnnyblaze36 said:

---

Jim01 said:

---

Just curious, those that like Billy, were you bluegrass fans beforehand?

So many here love him and he does a lot of Dead covers so I've listened to a few of his songs, but ultimately I'm just not a bluegrass fan yet. I thought maybe Sturgill's two cover albums would do it for me, but it just ends up sounding like "Let's play these songs as fast as we can with as many possible notes as we can." and I don't like it. I appreciate the insane skill it takes but it just doesn't hit my ear pleasantly.

Of course the beauty of music is timing. There's plenty of bands I didn't think I liked but when I was ready for them I fell in love.

---

I've loved bluegrass for around 20 years now but didn't become a big fan of the genre until my first Yonder Mountain String Band show opening for moe. in 2001 and then a co-billing Yonder show with Del McCoury Band. So I'm by no means a bluegrass historian and am not all that familiar with a lot of the legends that Billy covers and says are huge influences.

Billy quit playing Dead covers for some reason back around March or April. I'm not sure why but it sucks because I've seen them play some good ones. "Wharf Rat" and "Dark Star" in particular.

I may have mentioned it earlier in the thread but when I went to the Ohana festival this past year Mike Campbell went up to Billy after their set and said "You sure play a lot of notes, kid.". Billy responded with "They only gave me 40 minutes and I had to fit them all in".

Go see them in June in Austin if you can. Or anywhere else convenient for you. I've never met a person that had a bad time. What separates him from traditional bluegrass is the pedals and electric sounds. Saw him on IG live a couple of days ago where he said he has a new studio at his home in Nashville and has written 10-12 new songs and album coming out this year.

---

I was a blues and classic rock guy into my early 20s. Caught a blue grass night at the chicken oil co. and I was hooked ever since. Billy merged all my tastes into one live show in 2021 that blew me away.

Seeing him at the Ryman next month. Can't wait

Pantera announces tour with Lamb of God

I'll get to see them back to back in Houston then Arlington for Metallica concert

fuggin Woodlands for rock shows

People! There is a thread for this.

https://texags.com/forums/13/topics/3355422

Would love to see Greensky Bluegrass. I missed them last time they came to town. Seen Billy twice and he crushes. Sucks he's not coming to Houston this next go around.

johnnyblaze36 said:

---

Billy quit playing Dead covers for some reason back around March or April. I'm not sure why but it sucks because I've seen them play some good ones. "Wharf Rat" and "Dark Star" in particular.

---

Interesting observation. Wonder why. Really enjoyed his "Shady Grove" a few years back. Would love to see either of those you mentioned.

Hotdog Hamblin said:

---

johnnyblaze36 said:

---

Billy quit playing Dead covers for some reason back around March or April. I'm not sure why but it sucks because I've seen them play some good ones. "Wharf Rat" and "Dark Star" in particular.

---

Interesting observation. Wonder why. Really enjoyed his "Shady Grove" a few years back. Would love to see either of those you mentioned.

---

Rumor has it that when Trey Anastasio played with Billy at Pier 1 in NYC he told Billy you don't want to be known as a Dead tribute band.

Can't confirm that at all and it would seem especially strange coming from a guy that played the Jerry role at Fare Thee Well three nights in a row (which I was at) but who knows. I'd love to know the reason for the cease.

The closest I keep getting since last spring is "Thunder" written by Robert Hunter and it's a heater.

AstroAggie15 said:

---

johnnyblaze36 said:

---

Jim01 said:

---

Just curious, those that like Billy, were you bluegrass fans beforehand?

So many here love him and he does a lot of Dead covers so I've listened to a few of his songs, but ultimately I'm just not a bluegrass fan yet. I thought maybe Sturgill's two cover albums would do it for me, but it just ends up sounding like "Let's play these songs as fast as we can with as many possible notes as we can." and I don't like it. I appreciate the insane skill it takes but it just doesn't hit my ear pleasantly.

Of course the beauty of music is timing. There's plenty of bands I didn't think I liked but when I was ready for them I fell in love.

---

I've loved bluegrass for around 20 years now but didn't become a big fan of the genre until my first Yonder Mountain String Band show opening for moe. in 2001 and then a co-billing Yonder show with Del McCoury Band. So I'm by no means a bluegrass historian and am not all that familiar with a lot of the legends that Billy covers and says are huge influences.

Billy quit playing Dead covers for some reason back around March or April. I'm not sure why but it sucks because I've seen them play some good ones. "Wharf Rat" and "Dark Star" in particular.

I may have mentioned it earlier in the thread but when I went to the Ohana festival this past year Mike Campbell went up to Billy after their set and said "You sure play a lot of notes, kid.". Billy responded with "They only gave me 40 minutes and I had to fit them all in".

Go see them in June in Austin if you can. Or anywhere else convenient for you. I've never met a person that had a bad time. What separates him from traditional bluegrass is the pedals and electric sounds. Saw him on IG live a couple of days ago where he said he has a new studio at his home in Nashville and has written 10-12 new songs and album coming out this year.

---

I was a blues and classic rock guy into my early 20s. Caught a blue grass night at the chicken oil co. and I was hooked ever since. Billy merged all my tastes into one live show in 2021 that blew me away.

Seeing him at the Ryman next month. Can't wait

---

Wow, Nice! Which 2021 show was your first?

So you won the Ryman lottery or are you getting in the two Bridgestone shows before as well? I'm jealous.

Hotdog Hamblin said:

---

johnnyblaze36 said:

---

Billy quit playing Dead covers for some reason back around March or April. I'm not sure why but it sucks because I've seen them play some good ones. "Wharf Rat" and "Dark Star" in particular.

---

Interesting observation. Wonder why. Really enjoyed his "Shady Grove" a few years back. Would love to see either of those you mentioned.

---

Lucky for you shady grove is not a dead song. It's an old Appalachian folk song made famous by Doc Watson. Love me some Doc Watson. I'll be seeing Billy in Austin this year in June. Cool story about the Houston show three years ago. I emailed Billy about sharing some music I wrote to which he responded with kind words (just him being nice) and I mentioned going to the show in Houston at White Oak and how Shady Grove is one of my favorite songs. Sure as ****, he played it. What a lad!

Here's hoping I finally get to hear Turmoil and Tinfoil.

johnnyblaze36 said:

---

AstroAggie15 said:

---

johnnyblaze36 said:

---

Jim01 said:

---

Just curious, those that like Billy, were you bluegrass fans beforehand?

So many here love him and he does a lot of Dead covers so I've listened to a few of his songs, but ultimately I'm just not a bluegrass fan yet. I thought maybe Sturgill's two cover albums would do it for me, but it just ends up sounding like "Let's play these songs as fast as we can with as many possible notes as we can." and I don't like it. I appreciate the insane skill it takes but it just doesn't hit my ear pleasantly.

Of course the beauty of music is timing. There's plenty of bands I didn't think I liked but when I was ready for them I fell in love.

---

I've loved bluegrass for around 20 years now but didn't become a big fan of the genre until my first Yonder Mountain String Band show opening for moe. in 2001 and then a co-billing Yonder show with Del McCoury Band. So I'm by no means a bluegrass historian and am not all that familiar with a lot of the legends that Billy covers and says are huge influences.

Billy quit playing Dead covers for some reason back around March or April. I'm not sure why but it sucks because I've seen them play some good ones. "Wharf Rat" and "Dark Star" in particular.

I may have mentioned it earlier in the thread but when I went to the Ohana festival this past year Mike Campbell went up to Billy after their set and said "You sure play a lot of notes, kid.". Billy responded with "They only gave me 40 minutes and I had to fit them all in".

Go see them in June in Austin if you can. Or anywhere else convenient for you. I've never met a person that had a bad time. What separates him from traditional bluegrass is the pedals and electric sounds. Saw him on IG live a couple of days ago where he said he has a new studio at his home in Nashville and has written 10-12 new songs and album coming out this year.

---

I was a blues and classic rock guy into my early 20s. Caught a blue grass night at the chicken oil co. and I was hooked ever since. Billy merged all my tastes into one live show in 2021 that blew me away.

Seeing him at the Ryman next month. Can't wait

---

Wow, Nice! Which 2021 show was your first?

So you won the Ryman lottery or are you getting in the two Bridgestone shows before as well? I'm jealous.

---

First show was December 2021 Houston show. Then saw him at 713 and both Stubbs shows. Was front and center at Stubbs when they all unplugged after curfew and played completely acoustic.

& yep won the lottery! Going to do the Saturday night Bridgestone show and then ryman on Sunday.

DMB tour dates dropped today with the Woodlands tour opener (5/19) and Dallas the next night (5/20).
Tickets on sale 2/17.
https://davematthewsband.com/tours

New album, Walk Around The Moon, releases on 5/19 as well.

Got Pantera tix for August in the Woodlands, not happy about the venue at all but couldn't skip seeing the show.

Echoes97 said:

---

Got Pantera tix for August in the Woodlands, not happy about the venue at all but couldn't skip seeing the show.

---

I really wish this tour was in theaters.
In Denver it's at ball arena.. hard pass for me, unless I come across some decently priced lower level.

My first show was also that Houston one December 2021, also went to 713, and was standing about three people behind you in that photo from Stubb's. What a time.

Tibbers said:

---

Hotdog Hamblin said:

---

johnnyblaze36 said:

---

Billy quit playing Dead covers for some reason back around March or April. I'm not sure why but it sucks because I've seen them play some good ones. "Wharf Rat" and "Dark Star" in particular.

---

Interesting observation. Wonder why. Really enjoyed his "Shady Grove" a few years back. Would love to see either of those you mentioned.

---

Lucky for you shady grove is not a dead song. It's an old Appalachian folk song made famous by Doc Watson. Love me some Doc Watson. I'll be seeing Billy in Austin this year in June. Cool story about the Houston show three years ago. I emailed Billy about sharing some music I wrote to which he responded with kind words (just him being nice) and I mentioned going to the show in Houston at White Oak and how Shady Grove is one of my favorite songs. Sure as ****, he played it. What a lad!

Here's hoping I finally get to hear Turmoil and Tinfoil.

---

That's greatness.

Time to add another show to the calendar

Got to catch Billy at the Ryman auditorium in Nashville. Just wow.

All traditional bluegrass set, all instruments mic'd like they would have back in the day. Still on cloud 9

Dp

Amazing. I don't think the show is up on nugs yet and I didn't get a chance to listen live on mixlr but can't wait to hear it. Looked like however long of strictly bluegrass heaven on paper.

It was all traditional bluegrass. Don't think it's going on nugs. PBS was there with a full film crew.

Rumor is a PBS release of the video and then a live album