Stone Horses Bring the Thunder to The Fillmore Silver Spring
Words and photos by Mike Sprouse/OddRocker Photography

The Fillmore Silver Spring recently was buzzing with anticipation, and the venue was the perfect setting for a night of raw, untamed rock ‘n roll. Stone Horses, a band that’s steadily building a name for itself with its fusion of Southern rock, hard-hitting blues, and gritty classic style rock, delivered a performance that had the crowds full attention from start to finish as the opening act for Steel Panther.

At The Fillmore Silver Spring on Dec. 5, the evening began with a steady buildup of energy, as the house lights dimmed and the crowd waited in anticipation. Stone Horses made their entrance, bringing their trademark swagger with them. Frontman John Allen, the heart and soul of the band, stepped up to the mic with a smile that showed he was more than ready for the night ahead.

From the first chords, it was clear that the band had come to bring a show that went beyond the usual “play the songs and leave” mentality. With a no-nonsense approach, they launched into “Reckless Ways,” a track that mixes Southern blues with a hard rock edge. The Fillmore’s acoustics seemed to emphasize every power chord and drum beat, making each song hit harder than expected. It wasn’t just a performance; it was a statement. This band was here to take over.

Watch the official music video for “Reckless Ways” by Stone Horses on YouTube:

Stone Horses know how to keep their audience on the edge, with high-energy rock anthems like “Let’s Rock ‘n’ Roll,” which brought the crowd to a fever pitch with its infectious rhythm and Allen’s raspy, commanding voice. Each note seemed to shake the very walls of the venue, making it feel like you were part of something bigger than just a concert.

One of the most impressive parts of Stone Horses’ performance was how well they worked together. It’s not just that they’re all clearly talented musicians; it’s the way they seem to anticipate each other’s moves, pushing and pulling the show in different directions, but always in harmony.

Drummer Jason Heiser held the rhythm tight, a backbone that anchored everything, while bassist Dylan Howes laid down some groovy lines that made it impossible not to move your feet. And then there was the guitar work. Ted Merrill was all over the stage, hair flying and riff slinging, just a madman blasting the crowd with his guitar notes.

But it wasn’t just the music that made the night special — it was the connection between the band and the crowd. John Allen, ever the charismatic frontman, made sure to engage with the audience, offering up stories, smiles, and even a few jokes between songs. By the end of the night, it didn’t feel like just a show; it felt like a shared experience.

The energy hit its peak when the band launched into “FAFO (Fuck Around Find Out),” a perfect choice to close the night. The song is a rollicking anthem, full of heart and grit. As the song came to a close, Allen stood at the front of the stage, arms raised, as the crowd erupted in applause. There was no mistaking the sense of accomplishment in the air. Stone Horses had given everything they had, and it was more than enough.

Stone Horses may be an up-and-coming band, but based on their performance at The Fillmore Silver Spring, it’s clear they’re already here to stay. Their blend of raw energy, musical chemistry, and genuine passion for rock ‘n roll sets them apart from many of their peers. The crowd was left buzzing that night, with many already looking forward to the next time the band comes through town.

In a world where live shows can sometimes feel like mere routines, Stone Horses proved that rock ‘n roll is still alive and well. If you missed this show, don’t make the same mistake next time—these guys are worth seeing. And if you were there, you know exactly what I’m talking about. The thunder of Stone Horses was real, and it echoed through the halls of the Fillmore long after the last chord was played and the band had left the stage.

Stone Horses:
John Allen – vocals and guitar
Ted Merrill – guitar
Jason Heiser – drums
Dylan Howes – bass

Setlist

1. Reckless Ways
2. Let’s Rock ‘n’ Roll
3. Free
4. I Got Mine
5. FAFO

Here are some photos of the Stone Horses opening Steel Panther at The Fillmore Silver Spring on Dec. 5, 2024. All pictures copyright and courtesy of Michael Sprouse/OddRocker Photography.