Billy Strings returned to The Eastern in Atlanta, GA on Saturday for his third of four nights. In addition to debuting a new cover earlier in the show, Strings debuted a new instrument during the encore which saw him utilize a synth guitar on a Bill Monroe cover. The entire show once again featured a guest appearance from John Mailander, in addition to his usual associates Billy Failing (banjo), Jarrod Walker (mandolin), and Royal Masat (bass).
The show started off with the pairing of Erick Robertson‘s “Sally Goodin'” and Bill Monroe’s “John Hardy” for a pair of opening covers. Billy then offered his Renewal environmental retrospective “Fire Line”, which linked up with “Running The Route”. Jim Reeves‘ “Letter Edged In Black” came next as The String Cheese Incident‘s “Black Clouds” settled overhead, allowing for the first bit of extended improvisation of the evening. A quick breather of “While I’m Waiting Here” led back into deep jam territory with “Pyramid Country” before ultimately segueing into a set-closing “Know It All”.
Back for more, Strings lent his “Secrets” to the wind with the track off the Grammy-nominated Renewal. The originals flowed steadily through the second set, with the “Likes Of Me” leading into a feisty “Meet Me At The Creek”, which would feature J.J. Cale‘s “Ride Me High” sandwiched in the middle. “Ride Me High” saw teases of the Inspector Gadget theme before transitioning back into “Meet Me At The Creek”.
About due for a geographic cover, Billy debuted Bobby Russell‘s “The Night the Lights Went Out In Georgia” ahead of a traditional take on Hank Snow‘s “I’ll Remember You Love In My Prayers”. The mood stayed somber for the Grateful Dead‘s cautionary tale “Wharf Rat” before Billy delivered the slow build of John Hartford‘s “All Fall Down” to close the set.
Billy Strings – “The Night The Lights Went Out In Georgia” (Bobby Russell) – 12/11/21
Returning to The Eastern stage one more time, Billy surprised audiences by donning a Casio DG-20 synth guitar. He led the band in a take on Bill Monroe’s “Big Mon” that was listed on the printed setlist as “Big Mon 3000”. The song also featured teases of the Beverly Hills Cop theme as Strings employed a drum track on the electronic instrument.
Billy Strings – “Big Mon 3000” (Bill Monroe) – 12/11/21
Full-show audio of Billy Strings at The Eastern is available thanks to taper ZManatl. Billy returns to The Eastern tonight, December 12th, to close out the four-night run. For tickets and a full list of tour dates click here.
Billy Strings – The Eastern – Atlanta, GA – 12/11/21
Setlist: Billy Strings | The Eastern | Atlanta, GA | 12/11/21
Set One: Sally Goodin (Erick Robertson) > John Hardy (Bill Monroe), Fire Line > Running The Route, Letter Edged In Black (Jim Reeves), Black Clouds (The String Cheese Incident), While I’m Waiting Here > Pyramid Country > Know It All
Set Two: Secrets, Likes Of Me > Meet Me At The Creek > Ride Me High (J.J. Cale) [1] > Meet Me At The Creek, The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia (Bobby Russell) [2], I’ll Remember You Love In My Prayers (Hank Snow), Wharf Rat (Grateful Dead), All Fall Down (John Hartford)
Encore: Big Mon 3000 (Bill Monroe) [3][4]
[1] Inspector Gadget tease
[2] First Time Played
[3] Billy on Casio DG-20 Synth Guitar
[4] Beverly Hills Cop theme tease