Rival Sons at The Astro in LaVista, Nebraska on September 24, 2024.
Photos and Review by The Pit Magazine Contributor, Bob DeHart Photography
Rival Sons are currently on a co-headlining tour with Clutch called the Two Headed Monster. And while it was clear on this night at The Astro Theater in LaVista, Nebraska that the crowd was more of a Clutch fan base, I was super excited about the performance of Rival Sons. They were the reason I wanted to be there. I wasn’t the only one. There were many Rival Sons fans in attendance. To me, they are one of the best bands around right now. Their songs are unique in sound by today’s standards. They have a retro sound that makes it sounds as they just rolled out of the 70’s.
Rival Sons can definitely rock with the best of them. But they also have soul and feeling that comes out in ways that are incredible. Jay Buchanan’s voice will leave you in stunned silence as he belts out the lyrics to each song. It’s almost a religious experience to witness one of these shows. I know that sounds a bit melodramatic. But let me tell you, these guys can play and with Jay at the helm as lead vocalist, there are few bands that are as charismatic as they are once the lights go down.
They take the stage with some swagger, not pretentious, but definitely confident. They have a unique look, showing some style in their stage appearance that most bands do not have. Guitarist Scott Holiday has a commanding presence on stage too. Not over powering but you can’t help but watch him as he plays. Between Jay and Scott they are the essence of cool. Rock stars in the purist form. They act and perform as they are supposed to be there. The stage was made specifically for them.
On bass you have Dave Beste. Much more subtle in his stage presence but very strong in his playing. On drums, Michael Miley has a perpetual smile on his face as he is plays and leads the band through the set. The set list was pretty eclectic and not many tunes from their newest releases. A highlight for me was hearing “Where I’ve Been” off of the Great Western Valkyrie album. A definite favorite. I know I went a little fan boy on this review…but I just call it like I see it. Rival Sons is an amazing band with amazing songs. A definite favorite. I can’t wait to see them again.
Photos by The Pit Magazine photographer, Bob DeHart Photography in York, Nebraska. ©2024.
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