Old 97’s to Play Gears & Guitars Fest in Winston-Salem
Rhett Miller and his band deliver a spirited set of outlaw country classics downtown Fri.!
Reshmi Das has over four years of experience as a content writer, covering parenting and films. She writes for Hollywoodjunction and Momjunction. Her interest in journaling and writing made this biotechnology postgraduate to take up content as her full-time profession.
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Old 97’s Set To Headline Gears & Guitars Fest
Old 97’s confirmed via Instagram that they’ll bring their signature high-octane alt-country sound to downtown Winston-Salem tomorrow, Friday, May 23. The band’s official caption read: “See y’all tomorrow, Friday May 23, in downtown Winston-Salem at @gearsandguitarsfest 2025! Let’s go!” Gears and Guitars Fest, a fusion of live music and motorsports, takes over Trade Street with multiple stages, bike shows and a car carnival—and Old 97’s are closing out the main stage with a headline set.
The featured photo from @old97s Instagram captures the quartet rocking a high-energy set under vibrant red stage lights, highlighting Rhett Miller prowling the front of the platform while the rhythm section lays down driving beats. Fans will hear favorites from across the band’s three-decade catalog alongside tracks from their latest studio album.
Band History And Alt-country Legacy
Formed in Dallas in 1993, Old 97’s helped define the ’90s alt-country movement by blending punk energy with Americana storytelling. Frontman Rhett Miller leads alongside Murry Hammond on bass, Ken Bethea on guitar and Philip Peeples on drums. Their breakthrough LP, Too Far to Care (1997), spawned college-radio staples such as “Barrier Reef” and “Hands Off My Heart.” Over the years, they’ve released 12 studio albums, including their most recent, Freeze Frame (2024), which earned praise for its honest lyricism and tight arrangements.
Longtime fans know that a typical Old 97’s show weaves ragged-edged barnburners with reflective ballads. Miller’s charismatic vocals and witty stage banter remain central, while Hammond’s warm baritone and Bethea’s intricate guitar lines fill out a full, rootsy sound. The result is a setlist that feels both familiar and fresh—exactly what Gear & Guitars Fest crowds expect.
Tour Itinerary Highlights Social Teasers
Old 97’s have been dropping hints about this North Carolina stop across their socials. In mid-May, they shared a snap announcing an Indiana date with the caption, “Indiana! Let’s do this!” (Instagram.com/p/DJ4vGoqM97B/). On April 20, the group teased a June 20 show at St. Louis’s Old Rock House with a post reading “ST. LOUIS JUNE 20 @oldrockhousestl.” Both posts indicate the band’s coast-to-coast swing this summer, spanning iconic club gigs and festival headlining slots.
A recent Instagram story celebrated a sold-out night at Denton, Texas’s Dan’s Silverleaf, where Old 97’s teamed up with Ottoman Turks for a hometown shine. Next up after Winston-Salem, they head back to Texas for a September 19 appearance at Billy Bob’s Texas, reminding followers “Tickets on sale now! GO GET ‘EM.” These regular updates keep fans plugged into last-minute ticket drops and venue details, building excitement well beyond the set times.
Between shows, Miller has posted acoustic clips from his home studio, previewing unreleased tracks and thanking fans for decades of support. That grassroots approach speaks to the band’s DIY roots while underscoring their evolution from club mainstay to festival headliner.
As Gear & Guitars Fest gears up for its tenth anniversary, Old 97’s arrive ready with swagger, twang and a catalog of crowd-pleasing anthems. From “Timebomb” to deep cuts like “Victoria,” they’ll remind audiences why their blend of rock attitude and country heart has endured for more than 30 years.
Whether you’re a long-time devotee or discovering Old 97’s for the first time, Friday night’s performance promises a rollicking ride under the North Carolina sky. Pull up close, crank the volume and join the chorus—this set is built to bring the house down.
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