The Marcus King Band has been rapidly gaining steam since the release of their 2016 self-titled LP, playing shows around the world and developing into an electrifying touring act. In the coming months, singer/guitarist Marcus King and company will play club dates around the U.S., embark on a seven-country European tour, perform at Japan’s famous Fuji Rock Festival, and deliver performances at high-profile domestic festivals like Peach Music Festival and LOCKN’ Festival, among others.
While The Marcus King Band’s big year may have caught some music fans by surprise, it was clear to all in attendance at their 3/2/16 show at NYC’s Rockwood Music Hall–just over one year ago–that this band was destined for greatness. On that cold late-winter night, New York fans flooded the small downtown room to check out Warren Haynes‘ acclaimed young protege and his new-look band. The venue was packed to the brim (including people squeezed into the open bathroom doorways as well as behind and on top of the bar), and the audience watched with amusement as King and keyboardist Matthew Jennings lugged Jennings’ Hammond organ through the front door, parting the crowd on their way to the stage. Once situated, the band tore through a selection of songs from 2015’s Soul Insight and then-unreleased 2016 album The Marcus King Band, with 19-year-old King leading the way with the stage presence of a seasoned veteran.
You can watch video of Marcus shredding on B.B. King‘s “Don’t Answer The Door” from the 3/2/16 performance at Rockwood Music Hall courtesy of Marc Millman:
Thankfully, The Marcus King Band recorded the performance and used the audio for a live EP, Live At Rockwood Music Hall, which they released a few months later. Says King of the performance, “There’s a certain energy you feel playing smaller clubs that’s unmatched in larger venues–an intimate encounter with the audience. I feel this recording captured that spirit.” The Marcus King Band: Live At Rockwood Music Hall is available for free download below:
These days, it’s no longer an intimate affair when The Marcus King Band rolls into the Big Apple. Most recently, the band delivered a sold-out performance at Gramercy Theatre with Eric Krasno Band in January. In truth, they were probably too big for the Rockwood already when they played there a year ago. Perhaps that’s what made the performance feel so special. This was a band on the rise, poised to make it big. Years from now, when they’re selling out arenas and headlining festivals, fans will tell stories about that special evening in New York City when The Marcus King Band officially outgrew the proverbial “smaller club” on their way to the “big time.”
For information and upcoming tour dates, visit The Marcus King Band’s website.
[Cover photo by Emily Butler]