Few up and coming bands are as hot as the Red Clay Strays right now.
In the midst of a career changing year that has seen the band open for massive acts like Eric Church, Dierks Bentley, Elle King, Kip Moore, Old Crow Medicine Show, and more, the band has made the most of their opportunities to play in front of enormous crowds in new markets across the country between their already busy headlining and festival schedule.
The five piece Mobile, Alabama outfit possesses a nostalgic aura, highlighted by an eclectically soulful sound reminiscent of the classic country and southern rock and roll they were raised on, and with an unmatched, high-energy live show, the band has been winning over tons of fans with each show and their music has been spreading like wildfire as a result.
Perhaps the highlight of their show this year came earlier this month as the Red Clay Strays made their Red Rocks debut in support of Dierks Bentley, playing the second slot in a stacked lineup that also featured Ashley McBryde and Harper O’Neill. Luckily for those of us that weren’t able to be there and witness this in person, the band just posted their full set to YouTube.
Whether you’re already a fan or not, this is a must watch. In light of recent news that the band has a Dave Cobb produced sophomore album on the way, they played four unreleased tracks along with three fan favorites from their impressive 2022 debut album Moment of Truth.
As you’ll’ see in the video, the band is firing on all cylinders it seems, with each members’ talents on full display, providing an integral contribution to the band’s sound and stage presence. Drummer John Hall brings the energy and is as animated with the sticks as ever. Bassist Andrew Bishop and guitarist Zach Rishel are cool as can be up there, and lead singer Brandon Coleman and guitarist Drew Nix even got up with Dierks later in the night to cover a Waylon Jennings tune which is captured here as well.
So, without further ado, checkout the Red Clay Stray’s magical Red Rocks debut.
And in case you want to check out any specific song…
0:07 – “Disaster”
4:07 – “Stone’s Throw”
8:05 – “Devil In My Ear”
12:28 – “I’m Still Fine”
16:56 – “Wondering Why”
20:56 – “Don’t Care”
24:59 – “No One Else Like Me”
29:40 – “Lonesome, On’ry and Mean” w/ Dierks Bentley
The Red Clay Strays are in fairly unprecedented territory right now, with a rapidly growing fanbase and skyrocketing trajectory with which the venues keep getting bigger and bigger each time they return to headline in a city. This is apparent now more than ever, as they have recently embarked on their biggest headlining run yet with the Way Too Long Tour starting just a few days ago in their hometown of Mobile, Alabama.
With 28 dates scheduled from now into November, they have already sold out over half of the shows, and are well on their way to doing the same with the remainder.
If you don’t already have tickets to see them in your city, you may have missed the opportunity to do so this time around. But it’s worth checking just in case there are still some left, because it’s safe to say at this point that the band probably won’t be playing venues this small ever again, and with one of the best shows out there, you’ll be glad you got to see them this early on, so up close and personal.
The sky’s the limit for the Red Clay Strays, and they may just be country music’s next big superstars. I sure think they should be, at least. If you’re just starting to get into the band, and are looking for some more of their music to get you started, here are a few more of my favorites that didn’t make their Red Rocks setlist.
“Doin’ Time”
“Ghosts”
“Sunshine”
