Blackberry Smoke Review with Photos 3-28-25

    Houston’s 713 Music Hall was buzzing with energy on Friday, March 28, as Southern rock veterans Blackberry Smoke rolled through town on their Rattle, Ramble and Roll Tour 2025. The evening was made even more special with an electrifying opening set from Zach Person, an emerging blues-rock powerhouse who’s been making waves in the industry.

Zach Person: A Modern Blues-Rock Force

    Before the main event, Zach Person took the stage and wasted no time in commanding the audience’s attention. Born in Texas, Person first gained national recognition as a finalist on American Idol at just 17 years old. Since then, he has built a reputation as a formidable guitarist and dynamic performer, blending blues, rock, and modern alt influences into a signature sound. His self-titled debut album, released in 2021, introduced him as a fresh voice in contemporary blues-rock, earning comparisons to Gary Clark Jr. and The Black Keys.

     On this night, Person delivered a searing set featuring fan favorites like “Can’t Stop Running” and “Send Me Away,” showcasing his razor-sharp guitar work and soulful vocals. His ability to fuse old-school blues grit with a modern edge had the crowd hooked, proving why he’s one of the most exciting young artists in rock today.

Blackberry Smoke: Southern Rock at Its Finest

    Following Person’s electrifying set, Blackberry Smoke took the stage to deafening cheers. With a career spanning over two decades, the Atlanta-based band has long been torchbearers for Southern rock, blending blues, country, and hard-driving rock ‘n’ roll into a sound that’s both timeless and uniquely their own.
The setlist drew from their latest album, Be Right Here, featuring standout tracks like “Like It Was Yesterday,” “Dig A Hole” and “Little Bit Crazy”. Also featured were fan favorites like “Good One Comin' On,” “Pretty Little Lie,” “Sleeping Dogs” and “One Horse Town”. For the encore, longtime fans weren’t left out as the band ripped through the classic “Ain’t Much Left of Me” preceded by the classic James Gang song “Walk Away” which Zach Person on guitar and accompanying vocals.

    Charlie Starr’s vocals were as strong as ever, his soulful twang cutting through the venue’s crisp acoustics. Guitarists Paul Jackson and Benji Shanks traded fiery solos, while keyboardist Brandon Still added rich layers to the band’s sound. The rhythm section, now helmed by Preston Holcomb following the passing of founding drummer Brit Turner, didn’t miss a beat, proving that the band’s spirit remains as strong as ever.

    The concert also served as a heartfelt tribute to their late drummer, Brit Turner, whose presence was deeply missed. The band honored his memory through their passionate performance, resonating with long-time fans and newcomers alike.

    The 713 Music Hall provided the perfect backdrop for the night, its unique acoustic setting allowing fans to truly connect with the music. From the opening notes of Zach Person’s blistering set to Blackberry Smoke’s closing encore of “A Good One Comin’ On,” the energy never wavered.

    This was more than just a concert—it was a celebration of rock ‘n’ roll, past and future. Blackberry Smoke reaffirmed their status as Southern rock royalty, while Zach Person proved he’s a name to watch in the years to come. For those lucky enough to be in the crowd, it was a night that won’t soon be forgotten.

Blackberry Smoke Setlist:
Shake Your Magnolia
Live It Down
Payback's a Bitch
Good One Comin' On
Like It Was Yesterday
Let It Burn
Bottom of This
Pretty Little Lie
Dig a Hole
Sleeping Dogs
Ain't the Same
Restless
No Way Back to Eden
Little Bit Crazy
Ain't Got the Blues
Till the Wheels Fall Off
One Horse Town
Holding All the Roses
Encore:
Walk Away (James Gang cover with Zach Person)
Ain't Much Left of Me