Them Dirty Roses at Whiskey Roadhouse in Council Bluffs, Iowa on December 5, 2025.
Photos and Review by The Pit Magazine Contributor, Bob DeHart Photography
If you love southern rock with great guitars and a singer with an amazing voice, then Them Dirty Roses are the band for you. On a cold night at Whiskey Roadhouse in Council Bluffs, Them Dirty Roses definitely got things heated up with a set of melodic southern rock. Hailing from Alabama, their southern roots are very evident, They are a definite breath of fresh air on the music scene. Just four guys who like to play live music and have a good time. They are not pretentious rockstars, they just want to play the music for the people.
On this night, they were band number two of three, Aryon Jones kicked things off, Them Dirty Roses came on and really got the crowd going for the headliners, Black Stone Cherry. Them Dirty Roses are a great compliment to the Black Stone Cherry guys. Similar styles, but different enough that it’s not overkill.
Them Dirty Roses are made up of vocalist/guitarist James Ford, guitarist Andrew Davis, bassist Ben Crain, and drummer Frank Ford. Four hard working and hard rocking guys. Highlights of the setlist for me was Molly and Cocaine and Whiskey..Two great songs that really show the essence of what these guys are about. I’m sure others have their favorites, but for me those were mine on this night. I feel like these guys are still a relatively new band.
Them Dirty Roses first Ep came out in 2017, and two full album releases in 2023 and 2025. Their following is getting bigger by the minute. Touring constantly and getting to open for bands like Black Stone Cherry helps a lot. I’m excited to see where these guys go. They are definitely paying their dues on the road. That/s how it’s supposed to be done. All the great ones did that way. If you are not familiar with these guys, add them to your playlist, buy the record…whatever it is you do. But make sure you give these guys a listen. And check them out on the road if you get the chance.
Photos by The Pit Magazine photographer, Bob DeHart Photography in York, Nebraska. ©2025.
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