The Wallflowers take the stage with confidence
photo by Ethan Dake
Chris Masterson rocks a guitar solo
photo by Ethan Dake
The crowd filled in after the opening act
photo by Ethan Dake
Jakob Dylan closed the show with covers of Tom Petty songs
photo by Ethan Dake
The Wallflowers returned to Chattanooga on Tuesday night to play the historic Walker Theatre, joined by Early James.
James, from Birmingham, led the crowds through an opening 30-minute set that was folksy and fun. Accompanied only by his pink guitar and his drummer, James’ sense of humor and catchy tunes brought excitement to the beginning of the night. The quick and witty comment, “My mama hates that song” following his song, “Mama Can be My Valentine”, proved that he could gain the attention of an audience that knew little of him.
After James closed his set, The Wallflowers took the stage, making it obvious from the beginning that they were in charge of the room. Fronted by Jakob Dylan, they played hits such as “6th Avenue Heartache” and “One Headlight,” as well as new songs and classic covers. Dylan is a classic story-telling rocker who, through darkened red and blue stage lighting, took his fans through their own lives with haunting guitar riffs from Chris Masterson and a voice that sounds even stronger than their breakout 1996 album "Bringing Down the Horse".
Dylan began the show without dialogue, but with pure intensity that broke into a simple smirk with "6th Avenue Heartache" five songs in. This smirk was a full-blown smile by the time he stood by and allowed the fans to take lead vocals and soak in the entire experience of "One Headlight".
The venue began to clear, but the show wasn’t over as Dylan led his 6-piece band back on stage to play covers of “Wild World” by Cat Stevens, as well as “Refugee” and “The Waiting” by Tom Petty before closing with “The Difference.”
The Wallflowers put on a near flawless show, captivating the audience from the opening guitar riff to the bows at the end of the night. They balanced classic hits with new music that leaves the listener wanting more.