CONCERT PHOTOGRAPHY & REVIEW: Evan J. Thomas photographed Alabama based Hard Rock/ Blues band Them Dirty Roses at Joe's on Weed St. in Chicago over the weekend, check out his photos and review - SEE IT ALL HERE

9/14/2021

It was a few months ago when I was introduced to Them Dirty Roses by good friend and publicist Tom George. He was talking so highly of them and I take Tom by his word since he is the same man who has introduced me to Blacktop Mojo, Joyous Wolf, South Of Eden among many others over the past few years. Well tonight I finally had the opportunity to check out one of Tom's new finds at Joe's on Weed Street in Chicago. Joe's is a legendary and award winning live music venue featuring mainly country artists. Over the years Joe's has hosted up and comers like Miranda Lambert, Dierks Bentley, Brad Paisley, Eric Church and a bevy of others.

It was Them Dirty Roses first time in Chicago and the guys strolled onto the massively wide stage to take their collective spots moments before the music hit. Sporting bell bottom pants, tinted sunglasses, long flowing hair and beards like the legendary 70's "Southern Rock" bands before them the quartet had the look to fit their music catalog. It took a little bit early on for the masses and the band to get lathered up before the real fun started with their bad ass cover of "Mississippi Queen" before rolling through their head bobbing, baby making, booty shaking 90 minute set that included "Fix You", "Holy Roller", "Cocaine and Whiskey". I'm saying that because their was literally booty shaking going on.

The last few songs were epic! The inebriated crowd danced and rocked out as the Alabama boys got a well deserved Chicago encore request as we were chanting "One More Song" over and over till the guys wandered back onto the stage. We were in for a treat as the beginning riff of Led Zeppelin's "Whole Lotta Love" rumbled through the speakers to our wanting ears. Them Dirty Roses gave the Chicago audience what we wanted, pure rock and roll to end a show to a flurry of deafening cheers. To say that I was impressed by Them Dirty Roses would be an understatement, from their down to earth off stage personalities to their on stage musical magestry they just have it.

I've said this before and I will rehash my statements but we are witnessing a new generation of rock and roll bands that WILL be the headlining bands in the near future. For those saying that Rock Music is dead must be listening to the same old 20+ year playlists from the "Classic Rock" stations and not looking for the incredible new music that is out there. There are folks like myself that pride on sharing new music and new bands, so instead of ho humming through another tired 80's hair band ballad take a chance and listen to something new, something fresh and rocking. It's out there, just open your mind and take a listen. ROCK ON!