The Dead South / Wood & Wire @ Atomic Cowboy Pavilion, St. Louis, MO

Words and photos by Duane Clawson

Great music, a great venue, and cold beer...what could be better on a summer night in St. Louis? Not much! Adding to this perfect evening was The Dead South’s first visit to St. Louis and fans were more than ready to welcome them! But first a warm up with the night’s opening act, Wood & Wire. Wood & Wire’s bio page on their website describes the band as “south of rich and north of despair”. After witnessing this band live I believe they may be directionally challenged, their sound is definitely north of rich. With roots in Texas but a sound that could be straight from the hills of Kentucky, Wood & Wire make their music the good old-fashioned way. Wood & Wire got everyone swaying in the right direction and made a perfect travel companion for The Dead South!

As I’ve said many times before, great nights of music are like the brewing of a great beer. The right ingredients at the right time, in the right place. The Dead South certainly had all of this working in their favor! Taking the scenic route from Canada, this was the band’s first time in St. Louis and love for the band was in the air. With every pre-concert song the PA system went up a notch in volume, adding to the anticipation. A mighty cheer from those in attendance greets the shadowy figures on a dark stage. The slow, growing glow of a vintage light bulbs, strategically placed in front of each band member, illuminate the four musicians on stage.

I really want to say The Dead South is a Bluegrass band but are they? Rebelgrass would probably be a more appropriate term. They are loud, they are refined, they are calculated, they are spontaneous, they are everything a live band should be. Songs like the catchy YouTube hit, “In Hell I’ll Be in Good Company” showcase the band’s ability to captivate an audience. Most of the Atomic Cowboy crowd sang, danced, or whistled along with this fan favorite! The St. Louis folk were also privileged to hear some new music, “Diamond Ring” from the upcoming fall release, Sugar and Joy. After a rousing main set, the call for encore was deafening! Of course, The Dead South was more than happy to oblige their new friends in the Lou! Thanks to the Atomic Cowboy for hosting a great show and to The Dead South for granting MTC MAG access to their St. Louis debut!

Photos of the show are below:

Wood & Wire