On a perfect summer evening at the Maine Savings Amphitheater in Bangor, Maine, fans were treated to an unforgettable night of Southern rock and country sounds. The weather couldn’t have been better, with clear skies and a gentle breeze that set the stage for an epic musical experience.
The night kicked off with a strong performance by Eddie Flint, who brought a mix of originals and a cover that set the tone for the evening. His set began with “Picture,” immediately drawing the audience in with his raw, emotional delivery. The crowd was clearly moved by his rendition of Pure Prairie League’s “Aimee,” a nostalgic choice that had many singing along. Flint continued to showcase his songwriting prowess with “If You Came Back” and “Fine Without You,” both songs highlighting his ability to blend heartfelt lyrics with memorable melodies. He closed his set with “Broken People,” leaving the audience in a reflective mood and setting the bar high for the night ahead.
Next up was Blackberry Smoke, and from the moment Charlie Starr and the band hit the stage, the energy in the amphitheater was electric. The band opened with “Live It Down,” a high-octane start that got the crowd on their feet. The seamless interplay between Starr’s gritty vocals and the band’s tight instrumentation was on full display, particularly during “Good One Comin’ On” and “Hammer and the Nail.”
As the set progressed, Blackberry Smoke showed their versatility, with tracks like “Pretty Little Lie” and “Hey Delilah” mixing soulful storytelling with Southern rock swagger. A standout moment came during “Sleeping Dogs,” where the band extended the jam, allowing each member to shine, particularly Brandon Still on keyboards. The band also delivered fan favorites like “One Horse Town” and “Ain’t Much Left of Me,” each song driving the energy higher. By the time they closed with “Little Bit Crazy,” it was clear that Blackberry Smoke had once again solidified their reputation as one of the best live acts in the genre.
Headlining the night was Whiskey Myers, and they did not disappoint. The band stormed onto the stage with “The Wolf,” immediately engulfing the audience in their signature blend of Southern rock and country grit. Cody Cannon’s powerful vocals, paired with the band’s intense musicianship, made for a dynamic start that carried through the entire set.
Tracks like “Gasoline” and “Bury My Bones” brought a fiery intensity, while songs like “Broken Window Serenade” offered a more introspective and emotional vibe. The band’s cover of Brent Cobb’s “Bar, Guitar, and a Honky Tonk Crowd” was a crowd-pleaser, blending seamlessly with their originals. A highlight of the night was their performance of “Mud,” where the band’s raw energy was palpable, turning the amphitheater into a full-on rock revival.
As the set progressed, Whiskey Myers showcased their range, from the haunting “Stone” to the raucous “Die Rockin’.” The night was capped off with a rousing rendition of Chuck Berry’s “Johnny B. Goode,” a fitting end to an evening that celebrated the roots and evolution of Southern rock.
The concert was a triumphant display of Southern rock and country music at its finest. The combination of Eddie Flint’s heartfelt opener, Blackberry Smoke’s masterful middle act, and Whiskey Myers’ explosive finale made for a night that fans will be talking about for a long time. The beautiful weather and the energy of the Maine Savings Amphitheater only added to the magic of an unforgettable night in Bangor.