WORDS AND IMAGES SAM HOLT
I came across Brothers Osborne while listening to a national radio station. Although their country music isn’t typically my preference, I couldn’t resist enjoying the southern rock influences they exude. For those unfamiliar, the ‘band’ is made up of two brothers: TJ, who provides vocals, and John Osborne, who plays guitar. For this tour, they have a four-piece backing band. Brothers Osborne have made a notable mark in the country music scene. Hailing from a musical family in Deale, Maryland, the brothers first played in a band with their father before signing with EMI in Nashville.
Accompanying them on this segment of the “Might As Well Be Us” tour is Tyler Braden from Alabama, who I understand is one of the emerging talents in country music. I wasn’t previously familiar with his work, but I’m always eager to explore new music.
Tyler took the stage around 8 p.m. The former firefighter turned musician participated in the “America Song Contest” and has gained many new fans lately with his powerful vocal style, particularly with “Devil You Know,” which was the final song of tonight’s performance. However, from the very first notes of his opening song, it was clear that the crowd in Bristol was captivated and listened closely throughout his set. Tyler spoke eloquently about men’s mental health issues before going on to play ‘Save A Life’ and ‘Call Me First’. He also threw in a couple of covers—The Proclaimers‘ ‘500 Miles’ and Elvis Presley’s ‘Devil in Disguise’—but it was his original work that stood out. I believe we will be hearing a lot more from Tyler in the future. He’s definitely a headline act in the making.
The captivating sounds of a Hammond organ created a strong atmosphere as TJ and John made their entrance, greeted by enthusiastic applause, kicking off with ‘Might As Well Be Me’ from their latest EP, released just last year. A significant portion of their performance is based around two albums, Skeleton and Pawn Shop, with some intriguing extras sprinkled in. After the first few power openers, they slowed things down a little. I particularly liked the rendition of ‘I Won’t Back Down’ that they performed. It wasn’t the only cover, as they also played ‘Three Little Birds,’ which had the crowd joining in with ‘Don’t Worry About A Thing’ beautifully. It took some time to energize the audience, despite John and TJ’s enthusiastic encouragement, especially for ‘The Burning Man,’ a track that had been a joint effort between the brothers and Dierks Bentley.
Johnny, the keys player in their touring band, gave a great solo during the set’s last song, ‘It Ain’t My Fault.’ The song was an extended version that gave them plenty of time to introduce the backing band before John gave a searing solo. I have to admit it’s a great, catchy tune, but I was also drawn to an earlier song of theirs that they played earlier in the set: ‘Stay A Little Longer,’ which showcased more of John’s great guitar work.
‘21 Summer,’ another of my personal favorites, and ‘Heart Shaped Locket’ completed the setlist as they returned for an encore.
Country music, maybe, but you cannot hide those southern rock influences—perhaps better described as country rock. As with all genres of music, there are crossovers, and this is where this sits. I felt they played well; the sound and lighting were effective, but the Bristol crowd came across as having to be worked hard by the guys, even though they were an appreciative audience.
SET LIST
1/ Might As Well Be Me
2/ Nobody’s Nobody
3/ Shoot Me Straight
4/ Skeletons
5/ Break Mine
6/ Weed, Whiskey and Willie
7/ I Won’t Back Down
(Tom Petty cover)
8/ I’m Not for Everyone
9/ Stay a Little Longer
10/ Three Little Birds
(Bob Marley & The Wailers cover)
11/ Rum
12/ Burning Man
(Dierks Bentley cover)
13/ It Ain’t My Fault
Encore
14/ 21 Summer
(Extended guitar solo intro Blackbird @cover[The Beatles)
15/ Pushing Up Daises
16/ Dead Man’s Curve
FOLLOW BROTHERS OSBOURNE
FOLLOW TYLER BRADEN

Returning to gigs and live music after a short break, and love being able to combine that with photography. For me I’m happy to make a road trip out for the right band/artist. I enjoy all genre’s of music, but a huge Gary Numan, Rival Sons and more recently Dirty Honey fan, but I’m always up for checking out all new music, and its just as important to catch support acts, during a gig, as one day they could be headliners themselves.