Gary Clark Jr. Brings the Heat at Merriweather Post Pavilion
Words and Photos by Michael Sprouse/ Odd Rocker Photography
There’s an undeniable electricity that fills the air before a Gary Clark Jr. concert — like you’re on the edge of something big, something that’ll grab you by the shoulders and shake you awake. When he recently opened The Black Keys at Merriweather Post Pavilion, that feeling wasn’t just in the air — it was in the sound, the vibe, and in every note Clark played. With his signature blend of rock, blues, and soul, he not only reminded the crowd why he’s considered one of the best guitarists of his generation but also why his live shows are something you need to experience to truly get it.
Before Clark hit the stage, the crowd was buzzing with anticipation, settling in for what was clearly going to be a night of pure musical bliss on August 28. Opening up with “Catfish Blues/Maktub,” it was clear from the first few notes that Clark had come to play. His guitar sang in a way that you almost couldn’t tell where the man ended and the music began. If you didn’t know this track, it would’ve been easy to mistake it for a whole new song, with its raw blues-infused riff. He made it his own — dynamic, fiery, and layered with emotion.
Then, boom. “Ain’t Messin’ Round” hit like a freight train. If you ever doubted that Clark was in the business of making magic on stage, this track alone would’ve put those doubts to rest. The rhythm section was tight and added the perfect punch, and Clark’s guitar riff was so smooth you could practically hear it slide right into your soul.
Watch the official music video for “Ain’t Messin’ Round” by Gary Clark Jr. on YouTube:
Clark wasn’t here to mess around. A few tracks in, we got “When My Train Pulls In,” one of those songs that just takes you to a different place. You know that feeling when a song hits just the right groove, and it seems to stretch out forever, each note taking its sweet time to hit you? That’s “When My Train Pulls In.” It had a haunting quality — dark and brooding — but then burst into this cathartic, bluesy freedom. The kind of music that feels like it’s about to crack wide open, like the moment before a storm when the air is thick with the weight of it all.
Clark’s command of the stage, his effortless charisma, and the way he wove his guitar solos into the fabric of the music felt like he was leading a conversation with the audience. It wasn’t just about the music; it was about the connection, that shared experience where the energy in the crowd was perfectly synced with the rhythm of his playing.
Then came “Don’t Owe You a Thang” — a swaggering blues number that felt like an invitation to a conversation. The way Clark switched between his silky-smooth vocals and explosive guitar work was mesmerizing. His voice has this laidback coolness to it, but when he lets loose on that guitar, you’re reminded of the power he holds. He plays with such precision, each bend in the string feels like it was crafted just for that moment.
By the time “Feed The Babies” came around, the audience was locked in, hearts beating to the rhythm of the guitar. Clark wasn’t just playing for the crowd — he was feeding off it, too. The song’s soulful groove had everyone swaying, and even as the band stretched it out with a few experimental licks, it never lost its pulse. It was an unexpected but totally fitting transition, showcasing the band’s versatility and Clark’s willingness to take musical risks.
You couldn’t help but feel like “What About Us” was a moment of reflection — both for Clark and for the crowd. It’s one of those tracks that blends vulnerability with intensity. His voice cracked in all the right places, and the guitar felt like an extension of his emotions. As if you were hearing not just a performance, but a piece of his soul. That’s the kind of artist Gary Clark Jr. is — he doesn’t just play the notes; he feels them in his bones, and somehow, you feel them too.
Watch the official music video for “What About Us” by Gary Clark Jr. on YouTube:
Finally, when Clark tore into “Bright Lights,” it was like the entire night had been building to this one moment. It’s one of his most well-known tracks, and for good reason. The energy that filled Merriweather when the first notes rang out was indescribable. The whole venue was lit up — not just by the stage lights but by the electricity that had been building all night. The groove was undeniable, the guitar solos were blistering, and the audience was swept away. The performance felt like an explosion of joy, a massive release of everything that had been slowly building.
Clark’s solos on “Bright Lights” are like a showcase of what makes him stand out from the rest of the pack. He bends strings with surgical precision, riffs that go on for miles and still somehow manage to surprise. You can hear the influences of the legends — Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan — but Clark’s sound is uniquely his own.
What makes Gary Clark Jr. such an electrifying performer is that it’s not just about his musicianship (although, let’s be honest, it’s extraordinary). It’s about how he makes you feel. He’s a master at shifting the vibe, pulling you into a slow-burning blues jam one minute and then rocking you with a shredding solo the next. The ebb and flow of the set kept the crowd on its toes, fully immersed in the ride.
From the first note of “Catfish Blues” to the last triumphant scream of “Bright Lights,” it was clear that this was a show meant to be felt. There’s something about the way Clark brings you along for the journey — making you feel every note, every chord, every pause. If you didn’t walk out of that show with a little more soul in your step, you probably weren’t paying attention.
Setlist
1. Catfish Blues/Maktub
2. Ain’t Messin’ Round
3. Whem My Train Pulls In
4. Don’t Owe You a Thang
5. Feed The Babies
6. What About Us
7. Bright Lights
Here are some photos of Gary Clark Jr. performing live to open The Black Keys at Merriweather Post Pavilion on August 28, 2025. All pictures copyright and courtesy of Michael Sprouse/ Odd Rocker Photography.
