Nashville, IN. – Southern rock fans filled the Brown County Music Center on Saturday night for a tightly executed, emotionally charged performance as Blackberry Smoke brought their Rattle, Ramble & Roll tour to Indiana. Opening the evening, Jason Scott & The High Heat delivered a strong, confident performance that set the stage for a night rooted in tradition, musicianship, and no-frills rock-and-roll authenticity.
Fronted by Jason Scott on vocals and guitar and backed by a tight, multi-instrumental band, their sound bridged heartland rock with a dose of country grit. Highlighting songs off their new album American Grin, the group delivered a set marked by fiery riffs, soulful storytelling, and a confident command of the stage. Scott’s voice carried a lived-in warmth that grounded the performance, while the band’s chemistry kept the momentum sharp and engaging. The audience listened intently as the tempo picked up — An opener that effectively set the stage for the night ahead.
JASON SCOTT & THE HIGH HEAT:
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When Blackberry Smoke finally took the stage, they were met with thunderous applause — a clear reflection of their loyal following. The band kicked off the night with “Like I Am” from their 2009 release Little Piece of Dixie, immediately laying down a gritty, soulful foundation for the set to come.
From there, they moved through a well-balanced setlist that honored their Southern rock roots. High-energy staples like “Hammer and the Nail” had the crowd stomping and singing along, while deeper cuts such as “Waiting for the Thunder” brought welcome emotional depth. The band’s willingness to slow the pace, share personal moments, and sprinkle in humor gave the performance an intimate feel — all the more impressive in a sold-out room.
During fan favorites like “One Horse Town” and “Ain’t Got the Blues,” Charlie Starr stepped back and let the crowd carry the choruses, resulting in sing-alongs that felt organic and communal. That kind of participation has become a hallmark of a Blackberry Smoke shows: the audience isn’t just observing — they’re part of the experience.
Musically, the band was tight yet unhurried. Paul Jackson & Benji Shank’s guitar work cut cleanly through the mix, Brandon Still’s keyboards added warmth and texture, and Kent Aberle & Richard Turner’s steady groove kept the night anchored. Throughout the set, the musicians traded smiles, riffs, and knowing looks — clear signs of a band enjoying themselves, and that energy proved contagious. Charlie Starr, with his signature cheeky grin and genuine humility, anchored the stage. Between songs he shared stories — about band history, personal milestones, and even tragic losses — weaving narratives that enriched the music. The rest of the band followed his lead, staying grounded yet dynamic, letting the songs breathe.
Blackberry Smoke also treated the sold-out crowd to a few surprise detours, weaving in some expertly chosen covers that showcased both their influences and their versatility. Mid-set, they launched into Bad Company’s “Run with the Pack,” a powerful nod to the band’s 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction. Their rendition stayed true to the original’s muscular groove while adding that unmistakable Blackberry Smoke grit.
The encore pushed the energy even higher. The band returned to the stage with a faithful and heartfelt take on Tom Petty’s “You Got Lucky,” a moment that sparked an immediate sing-along. They closed the night with a fan-favorite mash-up built on “Ain’t Much Left of Me,” seamlessly sliding into the thunderous riff of Led Zeppelin’s “When the Levee Breaks.” The transition was electric — a fusion of Southern rock swagger and classic-rock thunder that brought the room to its feet and sent the night out on a high-voltage roar.
Overall, Blackberry Smoke delivered exactly what fans love: soulful Southern rock, heartfelt storytelling, and powerful musicianship. On the Rattle, Ramble & Roll tour, the band is leaning into both their roots and their growth, and this show felt like a celebration of that journey. In short: this was a night that felt both like a homecoming and a road trip. Blackberry Smoke didn’t just perform — they connected. If you were there, you left not just having heard great music, but having shared an experience. And if you weren’t — well, you missed one hell of a show.
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Setlist: BROWN CO. MUSIC CENTER
- Like I Am
- Hammer and the Nail
- Payback’s a Bitch
- Good One Comin’ On
- Bottom of This
- Till the Wheels Fall Off
- Let It Burn
- Hey Delilah
- You Hear Georgia
- Waiting for the Thunder
- Sleeping Dogs (with “Midnight Special” interlude)
- Azalea
- Run With the Pack (Bad Company cover)
- Ain’t Got the Blues
- Run Away From It All
- We Got Company
- One Horse Town
- Old Scarecrow
Encore:
- You Got Lucky (Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers cover)
- Ain’t Much Left of Me (with “When the Levee Breaks” interlude)
Show Date: 11.15.2025
