Music

Old Crow Medicine Show Lights Up Roadrunner: A Jubilant Night in Allston

July 21, 2024: Roots Revival and Revelry with Old Crow Medicine Show

On a humid summer evening in Allston, Massachusetts, Old Crow Medicine Show rolled into town and transformed Roadrunner into a raucous celebration of American roots music. The July 21st concert was more than just a performance; it was a joyous gathering, a hootenanny brimming with energy, warmth, and unbridled musicality that left every audience member grinning and stomping their feet well into the night.

From the moment I stepped through the doors of Roadrunner, it was clear that this venue is designed for memorable nights. The staff set a friendly, welcoming tone, greeting everyone with genuine smiles and infectious enthusiasm. Security and bar teams were attentive and gracious, guiding concertgoers with a level of hospitality that made the space feel like a neighborhood gathering spot rather than a cavernous concert hall. Their warmth became the first sign that it would be an exceptional night, their kindness echoing the communal spirit that Old Crow Medicine Show would later ignite from the stage.

Anticipation buzzed in the air as the house lights dimmed and the band strode out, a motley crew of multi-instrumentalists ready to unleash a high-octane set. Without missing a beat, Old Crow Medicine Show ripped into “Tell it To Me,” instantly electrifying the crowd. The opening notes set the whole room swaying, and as the band segued into “Alabama High-Test,” it was clear that this was going to be a foot-stomping, soul-lifting evening.

For me, it was my first time experiencing Old Crow live, and I was immediately bowled over by the sheer force of their stage presence. Every member radiated an infectious joy, trading instruments, vocals, and grins in equal measure. Their chemistry was palpable—a kind of musical telepathy that made every lick of the fiddle, every pluck of the banjo, and every holler from the audience feel like part of a single, rolling tide of sound and spirit.

One of the most impressive aspects of the night was the band’s ability to weave together a setlist that honored their deep roots while also surprising the crowd with playful, genre-bending covers. Old Crow’s own songs—rowdy, heartfelt, and steeped in tradition—formed the backbone of the night. Tunes like “James River Blues,” “Sweet Amarillo,” and “Carry Me Back to Virginia” showcased their signature blend of bluegrass, folk, and Americana, each song delivered with relentless vitality.

But it was the covers that kept the audience on their toes. When the opening riff of “Proud Mary” rolled out, the room erupted, and Jerry Lee Lewis’s “Great Balls of Fire” became a rollicking, piano-driven romp that had even the most reserved fans dancing. One of the night’s biggest crowd-pleasers was their spirited rendition of “The Impression That I Get,” a nod to local legends The Mighty Mighty Bosstones. It was a loving wink to Boston’s own musical heritage and drew wild applause from the hometown crowd. The biggest surprise, however, might have been their take on “Texas Hold ‘Em,” which they transformed into a barnstorming, bluegrass celebration.

What struck me most was how these songs, both covers and originals, weren’t just played—they were inhabited. Old Crow Medicine Show made each tune their own, infusing familiar melodies with their trademark energy, wit, and musicianship. The result? A seamless, playful, and thoroughly alive evening that had the entire audience clapping, singing, and swaying from start to finish.

As a newcomer to Old Crow shows, I was astounded by just how much power and joy this band brings to the stage. They are a force—a high-powered train barreling down the tracks of bluegrass, roots, rock, and folk. Each member, from the frontman’s exuberant vocals to the rollicking rhythms of the upright bass, fueled the locomotive momentum that defined the night.

Throughout the set, the band’s camaraderie was evident. They traded instruments and vocal duties with effortless skill, moving from blistering harmonica solos to tender acoustic moments without missing a beat. The rapport with the crowd was just as strong: every joke, every invitation to sing along, every call-and-response felt genuine and spontaneous. At times, it seemed as if the audience had become part of the band itself—a chorus of voices, hands, and hearts moving in time.

As the night drew on and the sweat-soaked crowd clamored for more, Old Crow Medicine Show upped the ante by inviting Molly Tuttle and her band to the stage. The collaboration sparked a new round of cheers, and together they tore through a killer cover of “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around,” honoring the iconic partnership of Stevie Nicks and Tom Petty. The interplay between Old Crow and Molly Tuttle’s group was electric—each musician pushing the others higher, the shared joy of live music radiating through every note.

Then, as the evening neared its end, a familiar chord progression sent the audience into a frenzy: “Wagon Wheel.” The band’s massive hit needs no introduction, and the crowd sang along at the top of their lungs, filling Roadrunner with the kind of communal energy that only a truly great live show can summon. Smiles were everywhere, arms around shoulders, voices raised in unison—a memory to savor for years to come.

The final encore, a heart-swelling rendition of “The Weight” by The Band, brought the evening to a perfect close. With all the night’s performers on stage, the entire venue joined in, turning Roadrunner into a cathedral of song. It was music as it should be—joyful, inclusive, and utterly unforgettable.

Reflecting on my first Old Crow Medicine Show concert, I’m struck by how rare it is to encounter a band that gives so much of themselves to their audience. From the first note to the last, they poured every ounce of energy into their performance, never letting the momentum flag. The music was world-class, but it was the spirit of the night—the sense of community, celebration, and pure fun—that truly set this show apart.

Special mention must again be made of the staff at Roadrunner, whose professionalism and warmth played a huge part in making the evening run so smoothly. They set the tone for a night that, in every way, was about connection: between band and audience, between friends new and old, and between the timeless traditions of American music and the living, breathing energy of a summer night in Allston.

If you’re looking for a band that leaves it all on the stage, Old Crow Medicine Show is not to be missed. Their live show is a masterclass in musical joy—a high-octane, heartwarming, soul-stirring celebration that lingers long after the last note fades. Next time they roll through town, do yourself a favor: grab your tickets, bring your dancing shoes, and get ready for the ride of your life.