“I just got my songs back and I’m gonna play every one of them,” said Fogerty at the start of his show, celebrating the return of his song publishing rights. He wasn’t kidding. He and his band cranked through hit after hit, culminating with a bruising “Fortunate Son”. The icing on the cake? A clearly elated Tom Morello joining for the encore, adding his guitar to fiery takes on “Travelin’ Band” and “Proud Mary”.
Take pieces of Rage Against the Machine, Nirvana, and Oasis then mix in some dance beats and you’ll get the Master Peace sound. Glorious – and high intensity – rock and roll.
The Lovell sisters came to play, setting the Austin City Limits stage on fire with their guitar pyrotechnics. Their charisma was just as electric as their blues-driven rock.
I kicked of my SXSW experience in incredibly fine fashion, seeing Spencer play at famed Waterloo Records for what she said was her first ever record store in-store performance. Then, a few nights later, she and her band delivered a powerful set at the Austin City Limits stage. What a voice.
Austin’s the West Texas Exiles are on the cusp of releasing their debut album. Their SXSW sets were more than an opportunity to preview that release, they were rousing Americana throwdowns.
Brooklyn’s Bird Streets played the annual Buddy Holly Foundation kick-off party. His short acoustic set hit the spot – some of his classic pop songs plus a stellar cover of Holly’s “True Love Ways”.
Providence, Rhode Island’s Kelly is touring Texas in support of his great 2024 classic country release Dream River. Alongside favorites from that release, Kelly previewed some newly written songs that demonstrated that the well runs deep.
Jenkins, singer-songwriter Katie Toupin’s country alter-ego, took the stage at the legendary Continental Club. She captivated with a personality as bright as her songs.
Nelson’s appearance at C-Boys was a special treat: while he plays Austin regularly, this was his first show in a decade with the band that stood beside him back in his label days. The songs sounded as fresh as ever and, even better, the band seemed to have as much fun as the audience.
A SXSW rule: When in Austin, see Jon Dee Graham. Graham played while seated as he is about to undergo back surgery, but his performance was no less incendiary. Among the highlights was watching him audible a song that the band, which included his son and fellow musician William Harries Graham, had never heard. They rocked it.
About the author: Mild-mannered corporate executive by day, excitable Twangville denizen by night.