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The Blips rock out Druid City Brewing Co. + more Tuscaloosa shows on our radar
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 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.”
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.”
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.
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
- What: Rock and roll
- Where: Druid City Brewing Company, 607 14th St, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
- When: Saturday, June 18 at 7 PM
- Price: A free, unticketed show.
Sqquat
- What: Tuscaloosa metal
- Where: The Alcove International Tavern, 730 22nd Ave, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
- When: Friday, July 2, time-TBD
- Price: A free, unticketed show
Tuscaloosa also has no shortage of country acts this summer. Here are a couple:
House Whiskey
- What: Country band
- Where: Druid City Music Hall, 1307 University Blvd, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
- When: Thursday, June 24 at 8 PM
- Price: A free, unticketed show
Brad Paisley
- What: Country solo artist
- Where: Tuscaloosa Ampitheater, 2710 Jack Warner Pkwy, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
- When: Friday, July 23 at 7 PM
- Price: $40-$100+
- Tickets: Link
Have you been to a show in T-Town lately? Tag @thebamabuzz and rock out with us!