Warehouse Live in Midtown Houston was packed with energy on Friday night, where Southern rock powerhouse Jackyl took the stage after two fantastic opening acts: local Houston rockers Thrower and Texas swag-rock group Baxley. It was a night filled with high-octane riffs, intense showmanship, and a dose of unapologetic rock 'n' roll.

    The night kicked off with the rock industry veteran Eddie Trunk introducing the first act of the night, Thrower, a local band making waves on the Houston scene. Fresh off their recent tour supporting Saliva, Drowning Pool and Above Snakes, Thrower brought a raw, intense energy that warmed up the crowd. Their set was an infectious mix of hard-hitting drums and relentless guitar work, blending a gritty style with a modern edge. By the time they finished their set, the crowd was fully engaged, shouting and clapping along as Thrower tore through their last song. They set the tone for what would be an unforgettable night.

    Next up was Baxley, a Texas-based band form Belton with a signature blend of rock and hip hop some refer to as swag-rock. Baxley brought a slightly different vibe, adding a smoother but equally intense sound to the evening. With his own unique sound, Baxley had the audience rocking to every note. Baxley is an entertaining frontman and he proved that Saturday night.

    Taking the stage for the final time of the night, Eddie Trunk introduced the main act of the night as one of the hardest working bands in the industry, and when Jackyl hit the stage, the room erupted. The band brought its legendary energy and larger-than-life presence, delivering on every expectation. When it comes to raw, unfiltered Southern rock, Jackyl has been a staple since the early '90s, and their concert was nothing short of an adrenaline-fueled spectacle. Known for their heavy riffs, unapologetic attitude, and iconic use of a chainsaw, Jackyl brought down the house with a set that reminded everyone why they’re still one of the most unforgettable live acts.

    The night opened with the rumble of drums and screeching guitars as Jackyl launched into “Blast Off”, firing on all cylinders. Frontman Jesse James Dupree was a force of nature from the start, rallying the crowd and delivering each lyric with his signature growl. Dupree's charisma is undeniable—he commands the stage like few others, often interacting with the audience and whipping them into a frenzy with his Southern swagger.

    Jackyl's setlist was a mix of old-school classics, a few newer tracks and a few classic covers each delivered with the same gritty, intense energy. Fan-favorites like “Down on Me,” “When Will It Rain,” and “I Stand Alone” had the crowd singing and throwing up their fists. But it was the band's performance of “The Lumberjack” that stole the show, as Dupree brought out his chainsaw, revving it up and carving into a wooden stool on stage. The noise and the spectacle sent the audience into an absolute frenzy, and it's this signature moment that proves Jackyl knows how to work a crowd like no other.

    The Highlight of the evening was Jesse’s son Nigel joining them onstage to play guitar. Nigel obviously has his dad’s knack as a performer and musician and it was fun seeing father and son interact together on stage. The band itself was tight, with guitarist Jeff Worley delivering blistering solos that echoed through the venue, while drummer Chris Worley kept the beat pounding, anchoring the performance with relentless energy. Bassist Roman Glick rounded out the lineup, adding a heavy, thumping bassline that drove each song forward. Together, they were a well-oiled machine, keeping the energy high and the music loud.

    Jackyl’s stage presence is something that must be experienced live. There’s an unapologetic authenticity in their performance that’s rare in rock today. They aren’t polished or overly produced, but that’s precisely the point; Jackyl embodies the rough edges, the loudness, and the sheer thrill of rock 'n' roll.

    For anyone who loves Southern rock with a hard edge and isn’t afraid of getting a little rowdy, a Jackyl show is a bucket-list experience. They aren’t just playing music; they’re delivering an experience that feels as wild, raw, and rebellious as rock was meant to be.

    Warehouse Live, known for its intimate but powerful setup, felt like the perfect venue for Jackyl’s mix of rock and Southern grit. The energy in the room was electric, and by the end of the night, everyone was left buzzing, talking about the show on their way out. From local rockers Thrower to the electrifying set from Jackyl, the night was a testament to the power of live rock 'n' roll in its purest form.

Jackyl Setlist:
Blast Off
My Moonshine Kicks Your Cocaine's Ass
Get All Up in It
Encore (It Makes My Bic Dig Her)
Screwdriver
Down on Me
We're an American Band (Grand Funk Railroad cover)
Push Comes to Shove
A Country Boy Can Survive (Hank Williams, Jr. cover)
Just Because I'm Drunk
I Stand Alone
When Will It Rain
Dirty Little Mind
Redneck Punk
Suspicious Minds (Mark James cover)
The Lumberjack