straight up
by KrMAC on 11/21/17Birchmere - Alexandriatruly an American treasure. More people need to tap into his grace
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PAUL THORN BAND IN CONCERT:
Blues rocker Paul Thorn proved his mettle opening for big names like Huey Lewis & the News and Jeff Beck, and he's firmly established his star power now that he's headlining the show. Thorn has assembled a talented and vibrant group of musicians for the Paul Thorn Band, and together they tear through irreverent favorites like "Pimps and Preachers" and "What the Hell Is Goin' On" with a party-starting energy that always gets fans rocking. From the first guitar riff to the last cymbal crash, these guys have a blast on stage, and ticket buyers lucky enough to catch them live will experience the fun firsthand.
BACKGROUND SNAPSHOT:
Wisconsin-born, Mississippi-raised Paul Thorn was a professional boxer before music became his main gig. After winning several titles and fighting a nationally-televised match against a former world champion, Thorn hung up the gloves in favor of a factory job and a hobby as a musician. After several years of playing local gigs he was discovered by Miles Copeland, brother of The Police drummer Stuart Copeland, and soon after he signed a deal with A&M Records. He made his album debut on the label in 1997 with Hammer and Nail, following up with Ain't Love Strange in 1999 and Mission Temple Fireworks Stand in 2002. His potent rock sound and electric showmanship landed him on tour with acts like Toby Keith and Sting, and his animated performances on the road further grew his fanbase. In 2008 he released his fourth album A Long Way from Tupelo to a No. 7 spot on Billboard's Heatseekers Albums Chart, supporting the release with late night TV appearances on Conan and Jimmy Kimmel. Since then Thorn has released two critically and commercially successful albums, and he continues to impress with rollicking performances on tour.
truly an American treasure. More people need to tap into his grace
Paul Thorn and his band rocked the Birchmere last Saturday, celebrating the 20th anniversary of the release of his LP Hammer & Nail.It was a high energy set, featuring outstanding musicians playing songs of redemption, love and hope. Paul's commentary between songs sealed the deal. Go see him live and buy his music.
We had a great time, the acoustics in the music hall were great! We had very good seats also! Will be going back there soon to see another band soon!!!!
Always a GREAT show....thanks to a fantastic band, awesome storyteller, and great sound... Vocals, guitars, keyboard...luv it
Paul Thorn is a charismatic performer of Southern Rock, Blues and Americana. He writes most of his own music and has an engaging on-stage personality. His band is a tight group of excellent musicians. He has you dancing in your seat.
Funny happy night. Love Paul Thorn. Fun watch the group interact
From the opening whine of What the Hell is Going On to the revival tinged closer Take My Love With You a rockin' good time. Excellent musicianship and showmanship abounded.
I'm a huge Paul Thorn fan from way back and have wanted to see him for years. He exceeded my expectations. The Birchmere is my favorite all time musical venue. I can't say enough great things about it. Add Paul Thorn and The Birchmere together and you get one amazing show.
After a great warm up set by eastern Kentucky artist Angleena Presley, Paul Thorn Band hit the stage like a thunderstorm and never let up for 2 hrs. Paul Thorn may have the best band of musicians on the road today, and Thorn is a wry, witty, intelligent people's poet who reveals life in the working-class trailer park South. All his sidemen are great, but guitarist Bill Hinds is the Paul Thorn sound and his tasteful, slide guitar is Thorn's second voice. By evening's end Thorn was in the audience holding forth like an evangelical, traveling tent-show preacher making converts and healing the fever-pitched female crowd around him with hugs and dance steps singing about "healing" ! His music certainly is a healing for a stagnant music industry which is so out of touch with it's audience that they want us to believe that "Kanye West" and "Florida/Georgia Line" are the best they have to offer! Paul Thorn is an evangelist spreading the true story of American roots music!!
Paul always plays for his fans. His songs are right up there with John Prine.
First, having Angelina from Pistol Annie open the show was fantastic! She is an extremely talented songwriter and bring great depth to her songs! She brings out the redneck in all of us!! Paul Thorn lived up to every expectation. He tells great stories and connects with pretty much everyone in the house. We sat next to people from Michigan that were visiting Knoxville and just thought the Bijou looked cool and so they bought tickets to the show, never having heard of Paul Thorn...and they LOVED IT!! Great show...we'll go see him whenever we get a chance!
Paul Thorn is a true story teller who never fails to connect with his audience. He brings me from tears to laughter every time I see him! This is our 4th time seeing him and he just gets better every time!
Another great show, featured Too Blessed CD , band very tight, venue cozy with good views and amenities.
Absolutely wonderful concert. He tell a story for just about every song. Real stuff he sings. Somebody can relate. He is so laid back but engages the crowd like crazy. When he comes back to Knoxville, we'll be there. A lot of his music includes Jesus. Way to go Paul. Great way to serve. God's Peace
We will go see Paul Thorn anytime he is within reach. He said when he came out and saw all the smiles, he would do his best to keep them there. He did not disappoint. The sound and pace were enjoyable. There were 2 songs ,we very much would have loved to hear him sing, that did not make the play list. But we respect the bands playlist for the evening. Perhaps if he returns to Knoxville we will get to hear him sing Too Blessed to Be Stressed. We love the stories about the songs he writes.
Traveled from Cincinnati with my wife to see Paul Thorn Band at the Bijou in Knoxville. The combination of great musicianship, storytelling and memorable songs made the round trip MORE than worthwhile. Add to it the raw, almost nervous energy that Angaleena Presley brought with her opening act and we had ourselves a two for one. I must admit that we did not know who she was before the trip but we do now. We love her CD and we understand why she considers Paul a kindred spirit...their lyrics are bare, at times quirky and in plain sight for all to appreciate. It was a great show at a classic, friendly venue.
What a great show! Paul Thorn was awesome!!! He has so much music I was worried I wudnt know what he wud sing. Wrong! He has a great vatiety of his music. So much good stuff to choose from.
Unless I am sick or out of town I always make sure I see Paul and his band. His music is unique, the band is excellent and Paul is a really funny guy. If you like a mix of rock, blues, gospel and soft ballads, he is your man.
I found Paul Thorn on youtube a couple of months ago. I was amazed that I had never heard him on the radio. He is a great songwriter/singer. I bought 6 tickets to his show and took my family. I went to the show as one fan and I left with 6. If he comes back to Atlanta I would recommend his show to everyone.
Love hearing Paul . Great music, he has a way of relating to his audience. And an acoustic base during 1st session wow ! Loved the slide guitar playing as well a real great musician. I know it's difficult to hear your favorites on his play list because he's trying to sell new songs but I love his older stuff. It didn't take away from the overall enjoyment of Paul's music. If you want to stomp and dance to some good ole southern rock then this would be your choice for a great night.