Local Tambourinist Dixon Blake Callahan Joins The Rolling Stones

  • Wednesday, May 8, 2024
  • Alex Volz

A few days ago I had the good fortune to catch a concert by a young whippersnapper named Dixon Blake Callahan. In between songs, he engaged in witty and amusing stage banter and said it was great to perform for local crowds again after touring with the Rolling Stones.

For any of you millennial readers out there, let me clue you in: The Rolling Stones were one of the greatest rock n’ roll bands of all time along with the Beatles, the Who, and Herman’s Hermits. So when I heard that this Dixon Blake Callahan fella toured with the Stones, I had to find out more.

After the “gig” (that’s what musicians call concerts) I found Mr. Callahan enjoying a cold beverage with his friends. After forcing myself into their conversation, I found the perfect opportunity to ask him some follow up questions about his time with the Stones.

He swapped sideways glances with his friends, who seemed to be suppressing the urge to laugh. I could only assume this was because they’d been privy to many salacious anecdotes about Mick and Keith.

Journalistic ethics compelled me to first disclose that I am a professional music critic for the Chattanooga Pulse, one of the most respected names in the business.

Duly impressed, he was suddenly happy to sit and answer all of my questions about the Rolling Stones. He was even patient enough to wait as I slowly typed each of his answers into my laptop computer, thereby ensuring any quotes I used would be 100 percent accurate.

“The management of the Rolling Stones reached out to me and asked if I would like to join the tour as a permanent opener,” he recounted. “I told them maybe, but not on a permanent basis because I have a busy schedule.”

Almost overnight Dixon Blake Callahan found himself performing in front of massive stadium audiences. “Honestly it’s not that big of a deal,” he said. "I know a lot of people would get stage fright, but I’m so confident in the music I’ve written that it felt like I was on autopilot.”

In addition to performing his own songs during the opening set, he would regularly sit in with the Stones during their performance. “I played tambourine,” he told me, adding, “I’m really good at tambourine.”

Wow! Isn’t that amazing? I couldn’t believe my ears. But wait! There’s more!

Apparently Mick and Keith were so taken with his tambourine skills that they asked for his help writing some new songs. “None of our collaborations ended up making the album,” Callahan told me, “but some of them may be included as B-sides as a deluxe edition for Record Store Day.”

“One of those songs was a country rocker called You May Have the Boots (But You Ain’t Got the Feet),” he told me. “Mick asked if I would be offended if he sang in a fake Southern accent, and I told him heavens no but thanks for asking! Mick is such a sweetheart,” he laughed, adding “he also told me in confidence that he regrets running off with Pierre Trudeau’s wife.”

Naturally I wanted to ask a follow-up question, but we were interrupted by his phone.  He  had to leave. Apparently Beyonce’s jet had just touched down at the Chattanooga airport, and he did not want to keep her waiting.

Musical legend Dixson Blake Callahan will perform this Thursday at the Woodshop Listening Room.  Mick and Keith will not be in attendance, but he will be joined by Toothless Hags and Alex the Band.  Doors open at 7, music starts at 8, and there is no cover charge.


Entertainment
Chattanooga Live Music Upcoming Events
Chattanooga Live Music Upcoming Events
  • 5/16/2024

The upcoming Chattanooga Live Music events are scheduled through May 23. Send your event co-host invites to Chattanooga Live Music (Mark A Herndon) to amplify your events. 16-May Comedy ... more

Summer Nights Concerts Kick Off June 7
Summer Nights Concerts Kick Off June 7
  • 5/16/2024

The month of June heats up with hot, local musical talent as Rhea Heritage Preservation Foundation presents the fifth annual Nokian Tyres Summer Nights concerts each Friday night. “Nokian ... more

McLemore Songwriter's Series Begins May 23 With Patrick Davis
McLemore Songwriter's Series Begins May 23 With Patrick Davis
  • 5/15/2024

The Songwriter’s Series at McLemore’s 4th annual season begins on Thursday, May 23, with monthly performances through October. This year’s performances are sponsored by First Bank and Land Rover ... more