The Blips rock out Druid City Brewing Co. + more Tuscaloosa shows on our radar

The Blips Put Their Heart And Soul Into Their Set. Photo By Libby Foster For The Bama Buzz.
The Blips land in T-Town. Photo by Libby Foster for The Bama Buzz.

Over a year after venues shut down due to the pandemic, The Blips resurfaced at Druid City Brewing Company on June 17. Read on for what made the audience smile so big.

Long live Alabama rock ‘n roll

The Blips Played An Awesome Show At Druid City Brewing Co. Photo By Libby Foster For The Bama Buzz.
The Blips played an awesome show at Druid City Brewing Co. Photo by Libby Foster for The Bama Buzz.

The Blips are bringing back classic rock and roll with their own twist. The Birmingham-based supergroup is made up of Taylor Hollingsworth, Will Stewart, Chris McCauley, Wes McDonald and Eric Wallace. All have been a part of Alabama’s rock scene for decades.

The band chose the perfect venue for their Tuscaloosa appearance. Druid City Brewing Co. was Tuscaloosa’s first production brewery, and they’ve been hosting Alabama talent for years.

The crowd was excited and engaged throughout The Blips’ set. Though it was the band’s third show, The Blips have already garnered international attention. In the week before their show, they got shout-outs from Little Stevie’s Underground Garage and Rolling Stone India. Little Stevie even named The Blips’ Inside Out as “The Coolest Song in the World This Week.” 

Will Stewart Added Texture To The Blips' Sound On Thursday. Photo By Libby Foster For The Bama Buzz.
Will Stewart added texture to The Blips’ sound on Thursday. Photo by Libby Foster for The Bama Buzz.

The Blips lived up to the hype. They created a loud and complex sound during their performance. All of The Blips’ members are experienced guitarists and vocalists, so they were able to create beautiful harmonies. Everyone in the audience was transfixed by the sheer talent on stage.

A turning point in the show was when The Blips’ drummer, Wes McDonald, took over lead vocals. His voice catapulted through the outdoor venue, which proves one thing–drummers should get up front more.

During the show, Hollingsworth sang praises to Bo Hicks, the owner of Druid City Brewing. “Every town should have a guy like Bo Hicks,” said Hollingsworth. Hicks has been a member of Tuscaloosa’s scene for decades, and he’s often called the “midnight mayor of Tuscaloosa.”

I'M A Sucker For A Good Hat. Photo By Libby Foster For The Bama Buzz.
Look at Wes McDonald banging those drums in the background! Photo by Libby Foster for The Bama Buzz.

My highlight of the show was when The Blips played Throw Me Around. I was definitely the weirdo headbanging along to the chorus.

The entire set at Druid City was upbeat and invigorating. It still feels so special to see live music post-pandemic, and the audience was full of grateful smiles. I hope The Blips return to Tuscaloosa soon. They’re playing Gold Sprint Coffee in Huntsville tonight.

Chris Mccauley Rocking Out. Photo By Libby Foster For The Bama Buzz.
Chris McCauley rocking out. Photo by Libby Foster for The Bama Buzz.

More music coming to T-Town

More Southern rock ‘n roll is coming to Tuscaloosa. Here’s what’s ahead:

The Williamson Brothers with The Great Dying and Hans Condor

Sqquat

Tuscaloosa also has no shortage of country acts this summer. Here are a couple:

House Whiskey

Brad Paisley

Have you been to a show in T-Town lately? Tag @thebamabuzz and rock out with us!

Libby Foster
Libby Foster
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