Red Wanting Blue, the indie rock powerhouse hailing from Columbus, Ohio, recently graced The Hamilton Live, bringing with them their trademark blend of passion and energy. Under the leadership of the dynamic Scott Terry, the band delivered an inspired performance that held the audience captive from start to finish.
At The Hamilton Live on March 13, the evening kicked off with the infectious beats of “High and Dry,” setting the tone for what was to come. With their unmistakable sound characterized by unforgettable melodies and explosive performances, Red Wanting Blue had the venue pulsating with energy, prompting the crowd to abandon their seats and flock to the dance area in front of the stage.
Listen to new singles, “Goliath” and “Hey ’84” by Red Wanting Blue on Spotify:
Throughout the set, the band showcased their versatility, seamlessly transitioning between rock anthems like “Love Remains” and introspective tracks such as “Hope on a Rope.” Each song was delivered with unwavering conviction, with Terry’s epic vocals soaring above the band’s gritty instrumentation.
A standout moment of the night was the performance of “I’ve Got a Feeling It Hurts,” featuring guest vocals from Meaghan Farrell. The serendipitous encounter between Meaghan and the band, facilitated by their shared participation in The Rock Boat, added a fresh dimension to the song, beautifully complementing Terry’s vocals and creating a memorable highlight of the set.
Special guest Bobby Yang’s appearance on violin added an extra layer of depth to the performance, particularly on tracks like “Audition,” where his virtuosity shone brightly. The band met Bobby, a classically trained violinist known for his classic rock renditions and original symphonic pieces, though mutual friends and The Rock Boat veterans, The Alternate Routes. His powerful virtuosity added to the palpable synergy between the performers, enhancing the already electrifying atmosphere of the show.
As the night drew to a close, Red Wanting Blue treated the audience to an encore, featuring Scott’s signature rendition of Tom Waits’ “Pasties and a G String,” accompanied by Dean on the washboard, along with the anthemic “Keep Love Alive.” The energy in the room reached a fever pitch as the band delivered a final, unforgettable performance, leaving the audience eagerly anticipating their next show.
Watch the official music video for “You Are My Las Vegas” by Red Wanting Blue with appearance by their moms on YouTube:
Red Wanting Blue consists of Scott Terry (vocals, tenor guitar, ukulele), Mark McCullough (bass, chapman stick, vocals), Greg Rahm (guitar, keyboards, vocals), Eric Hall (guitar, lap steel, vocals), and Dean Anshutz (drums, percussion).
Throughout the evening, it became clear why Red Wanting Blue has earned a reputation as one of the most captivating live acts in the indie rock scene. Their passion, musicianship, and camaraderie were on full display, solidifying their status as a must-see live experience for fans of heartfelt, authentic rock and roll.
Setlist:
High and Dry
Younger Years
Where You Wanna Go
Hey ’84
Goliath
Spies and Lovers
Walking Shoes
I’ve Got a Feeling It Hurts
Hope on a Rope
My Name Is Death
Finger in the Air
Love Remains
Audition
The World Is Over
Hitchhiker’s Lullaby
Encore:
Pasties and a G String (Tom Waits cover)
You’re My Las Vegas
White Snow
Keep Love Alive
Enjoy some additional photos from Red Wanting Blue’s March 13, 2024 performance at The Hamilton Live. All photos copyrighted and courtesy of Ari Strauss.