It’s been almost 30 years since the formation of St. Louis roots rock band Bottle Rockets. And there’s no denying they were an integral part of the rising wave of roots and alt.-country artists in the ‘90s. This is, of course, in addition to making waves of their own with social commentary that pulled no punches. Combine damn good folk and twang with gut-punching lyrics that show no mercy, and you have one hell of a perfect mix.
These days, the guys are touring in support of their latest release, Bit Logic, and it’s an absolute pleasure to hear front man Brian Henneman be as ornery as ever. But look past those initial curmudgeon impressions you might have. These are rants with all the wit, self-deprecating humor and antihero perspective a Bottle Rockets fan could hope for.
Catch Bottle Rockets tomorrow night at 3Ten at ACL Live, 310 Willie Nelson Blvd. Nashville-based artist Ryan Culwell opens the show. Doors at 7 p.m., music at 8 p.m.
-Photography by Cary Horton.
