Taddy Porter Brings a Few Tricks and a Few Treats Back To Atlanta

Question: How many fucking times can you see a band without getting tired of them? Question #2: What is it about a band that makes you want to see them over and over again? Well, in the case of Taddy Porter, the answer is a very simple one. They kick my ass and melt my face every fucking time I see them. Taddy Porter was once again back in Atlanta for “The Most Legendary Halloween Party Ever” at the Center Stage complex and once again I was up front and center rooting on my boys. This is now my 4th time seeing Taddy Porter and I have to say that it is pretty damn awesome to say you can literally watch a band grow up. This is a band that has definitely been cutting their teeth on the touring circuit and they showed all the signs of a seasoned and confident band.

Taddy Porter has a way of walking onto a stage and owning the stage without a single ounce of arrogance or cockiness. This night was no exception as the band took the stage in their best Hallows Eve attire. Singer/guitarist Andy Brewer was Batman, guitarist Joe Selby was Alice Cooper, drummer Doug Jones was the Brawny man and bassist Kevin Jones was some kind of a wizard looking character! Either way, they opened the set by noodling on the theme from the movie “Halloween” before launching right into “Whatever Haunts You” which brought a huge cheer from the audience. Lead guitarist Joe Selby never ceases to amaze me as he just keeps blowing my mind more and more as a player. He is really coming into his own style of playing that is a nod to greats like Joe Perry and Slash. The band played with all of the enthusiasm and energy that they always played with but with a more relaxed and comfortable vibe. Taddy Porter has found their home on the concert stage and it’s no doubt that they definitely won some folks over.

Andy playfully changed lyrics in certain songs to drop Batman references before announcing to the crowd, “We just came to make new friends and drink some beer!” which brought cheer from the crowd as they played one of the longest sets I’ve seen them play in a while. The best part about seeing a Taddy Porter headlining set was that I got to hear songs I don’t always get in their opening sets. Songs like “Fire In The Streets” (my current favorite) and “Voodoo Johnny” pack so much punch that literally every body in that room was moving and getting into the music. Singer/guitarist Andy Brewer just continues to grow by leaps and bounds solidifying himself as a front man to be reckoned with. He possesses a voice so distinct and powerful that I would easily put up there with singers like Chris Robinson and Paul Rodgers. His voice always moves me and his passion and connection with the songs is definitely obvious in his performance.

Drawing the show to a close with a one two punch of “Big Enough” and “Mean Bitch” is where I feel like the rhythm section of brothers Kevin and Doug Jones really cut through. Kevin and Doug are obviously a hodgepodge of great rock and roll rhythms sections as their individual styles are complex yet subtle and very full. Kevin also has one of the best live bass tones while as a drummer Doug is solid and hits with about as much power as John Bonham at times. It’s like a wall of fat sound creating a foundation for these songs.

I have one complaint about this night though. My complaint is that more people weren’t there to see these guys in action. Taddy Porter is a band that I believe in and I just know that given the right opportunity to play for the right audiences will do wondrous things for them. Fuck putting these guys on road with metals bands and radio based alternative bands. They had some great success on the Slash tour so that should speak in volumes. Put these guys on the road with The Black Crowes, The Allman Brothers Band, Drive-By Truckers or even Molly Hatchet. At least that way they will be playing to audiences that get this kind of music and support this music. Taddy Porter, much like the previously listed bands, are a peoples band playing peoples music. I can only hope that more folks will open the door just a bit to Taddy Porter because once they do and they hear what they have to offer, they will welcome this band in with open arms, hearts and ears.

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