Jelly Roll

Absolutely amazing concert!! I had crappy seats at the very back, but I was still able to see the show pretty well. Jelly roll put on a hella good performance! So good that I’ve already bought my tickets for his beautifully broken tour show in Atlanta in October!

Just amazing - it was nice to see the artists enjoy being on stage and the interaction between them and with the audience. This was a first time attending this type of event outside of a regular concert and it was everything. Thank you to Jelly Roll, Jake Owens, and Carly Pearce for an unforgettable evening! And The Eastern is a great venue as well!

Final date of the tour. Jelly pulled out the party and partied all night. Finished with his wife on stage for his last song. Final tour pictures and thanking all the fans and each of the 68 members of the tour crew. Super night of song and celebration. By the first person to ever be on the Number 1 hit charts for number 1 rock song and the number 1 country song for the same song as number at the same time. Jelly Roll’s ‘Need a Favor’ Makes History on Billboard Rock, Country Charts

JellyRoll: 10/12/23 “‘What’s a JellyRoll’ a friend recently asked me referring to the 38 year Country/Hip Hop artist who rolled into town with his posse Thursday for a sold out show at Greenville’s Bilo Center. A man of controversy, a talented singer, both? If you follow social media you’ll find everything from commendation to denunciation: ‘His music has helped our family heal from our lowest parts’; ‘I listen to [his songs] when I really go through it n I’m lost’; and then there’s, ‘If ppl would praise Jesus as much as they praise Jelly Roll….’ For me, it was my kind of concert and my kind of people and there was no better time to see ‘The Trailer Park Tornado’ from Nashville than now in the heat of his musical career breakout. After selling out Bridgestone Arena in December of 2022 and the release of his new album ‘Whitsitt Chapel’ Jelly embarked on 2023’s 44 city 'Backroad Baptism Tour'. Thursday was the 42nd date as he winds it all up in a three day blitz completing the tour in Jacksonville and Tampa the following two nights. To the surprise of many JellyRoll is no stranger to the music scene, with 18 studio albums (a number of them compilations) and hits crossing over six different music genre charts his recording career began all the way back in 2011. I picked my ticket (one of only a handful of $32 single seats) back in June and was situatied in the upper bowl, side stage and slightly to the front. The evening started out with Struggle Jennings step-grandson of Waylon Jennings and longtime friend of JellyRoll (country/rap). The Tennessean who began his music career in 2016 after being released from prison (serving 5 years of a 13 year sentence) took the stage at 7 p.m. for a 30 minute / 7 song set beginning with the title cut off his 2021 release ‘Troubadour of Troubled Souls’. The full bearded Struggle (William Curtis Harness Jr.) dressed in a black outlaw hat, black sunglasses, a black and blue western jacket with blue suede shoes that matched the color of his jacket. He drew from a mix of old and new songs displaying his distinctive style and sound which included a rendition of Perkin’s ‘Blue Suede Shoes’. He brought out rising Nashville star Caitlynne Curtis on vocals for his ‘God We Need You Now’ and her ‘Cries Of The Crusaders’. Sharing with the audience experiences from the prison cell he sang and spoke from the heart leaving us with parting words that set the stage for what would become an interwoven theme all evening long: ‘You see, you can’t let your past define you, you got to make it refine you. Everything you’ve gone through, everything you’ve been through, it’s been strengthening you, getting you better for something greater. Don’t lose sight!’ Next on the evening’s line up was Chase Rice, it was his first evening opening for JellyRoll. The Singer/Songwriter, Survivor contestant, Tar Heel Linebacker, and NASCAR pit crew member from Ormond Beach FL had first gotten notoriety writing Florida Georgia Line’s number one ‘Cruise’. Coming into town with 6 studio albums and 11 charted singles Rice and his five person band took the stage at 7:45 p.m. for a 48 minute / 11 song set beginning with ‘Way Down Yonder’ from his latest release. The solid musical performance included the majority of his singles including number #5 ‘Ready Set Roll’, ‘Bad Day To Be A Cold Beer’ (prior to which he cracked open a cold beer), ‘Lonely If You Are’, 2018’s #1 ‘Eyes On You’, and ended the set with his biggest hit ‘Drinkin Beer. Talkin God. Amen’. A highlight of his performance was calling on an audience member, Kaitlyn from Easley SC, to help him sing John Denver’s ‘Take Me Home Country Roads.’ Climbing down off the stage he extended her the microphone asking, ‘Can you sing?’ She did a stellar job following his lead to the delight of the local audience. After Chase the crew came out in full force to clear the stage of all support artist clutter leaving plenty of room for the headliner to move about. With set lists tapped to in place on the floor an image of an old church marquee shown on the video screen reading ‘WHITSETT CHAPEL’ with changing captions such as: ‘SOMEBODY SAVE ME’, ‘EVEN ANGELS CRY’, ‘GOD DON’T LET ME GO’. The crowd began to chant ‘Jelleeeeee! Jellllllly! JELLY!’ The fully turned stage revealed the entire top and sides enclosed with lights. There were three risers in the rear, the left reserved for pedal steel and a DJ deck (yes, a pedal steel and DJ together), the middle held the drum kit, and the right keyboards. The risers doubled as light boxes with pressurized flame boxes positioned all along on top. A row of rotating spotlights filled the entire back stage on the floor all touching each other like soldiers standing at attention. At precisely 9:04 p.m. the now smoke filled stage illuminated all in red highlighting a giant crowned skull on the stage length screen as Jelly’s 7 person ’36 Hour Band’ took the stage one by one. With the sound of an uproar from the crowd and the plucking of a banjo the 5’6” 300 pound rapper, husband to Bunnie XO, former convicted drug dealer and felon Jason Bradley DeFord took the stage with a commanding charge, ‘Let’s Go’ for a 1 hour and 40 minute / 19 song performance beginning with Whitsitt Chapel’s ‘The Lost’. The song’s chorus set the tone for the rest of the evening which was as much a religious experience as it was a concert: ‘I've been known to find my kind of people that ain't at home underneath church steeples. You'd be surprised the places I find Jesus, that ain't the regular crowd!’ Dressed in a black Industrial uniform shirt with orange flame accents and black boots and his black cap worn backwards, the words ‘Bad Apple’ on the shirt front and ‘Halfway To Heaven And Halfway To Hell’ on the back clearly identified both him and his audience as works in progress. Immediately shifting gears to the hip hop heavy ’The Hate Goes On’ from 2017 then back again to country’s ‘Halfway To Hell’ (which featured the first of many rising flames of fire) the audience fed off the energy of the diverse listening experience. Jelly cried out with commanding authority, ’I can promise you that tonight’s show will not only be a show, tonight’s show will be a revival. We will celebrate the losers finally winning in life. Tonight we celebrate the outcasts, the have-nots, the rejects, the ones that came from the bottom and found their own way!’ Moving through ‘Dead Man Walking’ then ‘Son Of A Sinner’ the raw emotion and goosebumps we were all experiencing were legitimately real. Jelly paused to talk about his musical upbringing, how his Mama listened to all the country outlaws, his sister the rock and roll greats, and his older brother gangster rap. With that he busted out into a medley of 90’s country which showcased his vocals as he sang Toby Keith and Alan Jackson in pure country form. An old school hip hop medley followed, we could all feel the upper bowl seats shaking as folks jumped and danced to ‘Lose Yourself’, then he held his microphone out into the singing crowd during ‘Mrs. Jackson’. Things were about to get real as an image of Jesus on the cross appeared on the video screen while he introduced 2015’s ‘Smoking Section’. ‘This is not a concert, this is not a show, this isn’t even a tour, what’s happening tonight in this arena is a family reunion of people healing together. I have faith, I believe in God, and I also believe in my heart that heaven has a smoking section and an open bar for sinners like you and me.’ Mid-song he took time to introduce the band: there was his 10 year long guitarist and producer Casey Jarvis, ‘Uncle’ Rosevelt on steel guitar, DJ Chill on the deck, Cody Ash ‘the nastiest and the trashiest’ on drums, Alex ‘Power’ Howard on bass guitar, and ‘hangover’ Jack Fowler on lead guitar. Prior to ‘She’, a ballad to those lost to addiction (admittedly one of his hardest songs to perform), Jelly slowed things down to spotlight and read various signs sprinkled throughout the audience, some honored individual’s years of sobriety, some the loss of loved ones to addiction. ‘Everybody knows a he or a she in their life. I hope this song helps somebody tonight.’ During the song a video of a woman in the last stages of addiction ran on the screen with the caption ‘No One Is Too Far Gone’. He waved his cap in salute to additional images of others on the screen which highlighted their years of sobriety. There were literally people hugging clutching and clinging to their loved ones seated alongside them. Jelly commenting to those sober, ’On behalf of the other fourteen thousand, we celebrate with you!’ His charisma and connection with the audience was real, it felt somewhat of a mixture of an altar call, a 12 step meeting, and a revival all at once. ‘Dancing With The Devil’ another track from ‘Whitsett Chapel’ followed, in fact he performed a total of six songs from the critically acclaimed number one album. Although admittedly a smoker of marijuana which he labeled ‘the fragrance of freedom’, he took the time to lamb baste big pharmaceuticals and their trillions of profits each year when introducing ‘2020’s ‘Bottle And Mary Jane’. As the song neared it’s end he left the stage leaving the band to carry on and was found by the mix in the rear of the floor section on a small square stage to perform ‘(I Only Talk To God When I) Need A Favor’. It was one of only seven times during the entire tour a second stage had been used. While performing ‘Nail Me’ he was escorted back up to the main stage through the audience down one of the side isles. Winding down the set was ‘Fall In The Fall’ with Struggle Jennings joining him on stage. If he hadn’t made his message of pain, addiction, redemption, and hope clear heretofore he took the opportunity once again to drive it home. ‘If you’re going through something, you just gotta keep going baby. You gotta go forward. I want you to focus on progress not perfection. I want you to poke your chest out, I want you to lift your chin up… I’m here to share some good news with you tonight, I’m here to tell you that who you were is not who you are. I’m here to tell you that people change… we can do better. I’m also hear to tell you, listen to me close, that the windshield is bigger than the rearview mirror for a reason. Everything we go through in life is seasonal, just like the weather it changes, ups and downs, highs and lows, but just like the weather it’s gonna change!’ Chase Rice was brought back out on stage for a duet cover of ‘Simple Man’ as a tribute to both Shinedown (who Jelly had previously toured with) and Lynyrd Skynyrd, once again showcasing Jelly’s strong vocals. The audience sung along to every word! In a round of thanks he concluded the evening by saying, ‘I broke generational curses because of y’all in this arena’ and shared a raving review for Group Therapy’ on Falls Street. The band and crew had spent five hours celebrating an end of tour party there. The chorus of the final song ‘Save Me’ was sung to a shower of falling sparklers and ended in a stage full of smoke and fire. Nobody left the arena until the final note was sung and Jelly left the stage. The show was by far the best production of all the concerts I’ve seen this year with only Greta Van Fleet being a close runner up. My only question is, now how’s he going to top it? A side note for those who have a weak constitution for the ‘F’ word beware —you may want to sit this one out. From being arrested at age 14 and selling his own hip hop mix-tapes out of his car JellyRoll (the nickname that his mama gave him) was only recently invited by Craig Morgan to play the Grand Ole Opry in July of 2022, and it all took off from there. Thank you Mr Craig Morgan!” Review and photo by DAve (Concert #829)

Absolutely loved the show! Anybody who follows jelly and his story knows that he is a beautiful soul! The concert was loud and full of joy. You could feel the energy there and it was absolutely beautiful! Im inlove with the fact that this man is so genuine and thanked us just for being there 💖 love you bunnie + jelly💖💖💖

We were front row center with a poster of Bunnies for Jelly to have her with him through the show. He was very grateful and spoke on it during the show. Struggle Jennings and Caitlynne Curtis were phenomenal as well. It was an amazingly therapeutic show, as always!

Concert was great! But the staff security was a huge let down to the show!! If anyone sees this and knows how I can get a message to jelly or bunnie about Hollywood casino amphitheater and how during Allison’s set I was rec a short vid for myself wasn’t in anyone’s way … had a tix for row D and two security told me to keep it moving blah blah, I asked politely if I could finish up this song got30 seconds!!? Fuck no they say can’t stand here show me ur ticket”. I went to my phone and it was dead completely, obvious I had a seat in the frontsection but I was told to go to lawn .. I said fuck no I paid $1200 for my tickets there and jrllynlust came on … so the dude follows me out the gate and I stop bc he is on my ass and turn around to tell him to quit following me and he chest bumps me and then cried out assault and has me escorted to holding … for nothing.. all this while jelly plays on, I’m gettin so pissed that I fire up a joint in their holding and tried to listen to the hate goes on”. Which it does! I need to contact jelly this was the biggest ba I ever dealt with and a assault charge when I’m 130 lbs and this dude was 220. Fuckin bs I swear there is camera footage etc bc I didn’t bump the guy first he did it to me. Anyway loved struggle wish I could of saw more of jelly ugh!!!! I’m so pissed!!

Jelly Roll was Fantastic! Jelly Roll was on my playlist before many people heard of him. I would ask people, they would laugh and say who? I listened to so many people complain he was on the lineup for INKcarceration 2022 but when he sang Save Me, that was the loudest crowd singing back that I had heard at the time, Tonight blew Ink out of the water almost 24,000 fans singing back was absolutely amazing. Then he gave us a Big Surprise and brought out Brantley Gilbert. That was awesome. I would have loved to have seen Yelawolf, and Struggle Jennings but that didn't get to happen! The Pavilion at Star Lake needs to come up with better parking. They failed us last night and Jelly Roll really could have seen what a sold-out show looks like with that being the biggest venue of his career right now. Luckily I was able to get in to see him but so many people who paid lots of money including my friends whom I bought tickets for were still in line trying to park when Jelly Roll was on his last couple of songs! I truly believe something needs to be done for the people who didn't get a show they paid for! 100% NOT THE ARTISTS FAULT. The Venue needs to repay us!!!!!!!

I'm so glad I came to this concert it was awesome and I can't wait till you come back cuz I will be there and up closer to Thank you for the great memories and the wonderful music you put out Thank you for being so inspiring to so many people Thank you for sharing your life's struggles to teach so many people that you can change and turn your life around and be a better person Thank You!!!!! Love to my brother Jelly Roll ❤️❤️❤️❤️

One of the BEST concerts I’ve been to yet!! I even cried twice 😭💜 so happy and can’t wait to see you again in Nebraska!!🥰💚 Bunnie Beautiful as ever!💋 Bailey Rocked it!🌈 struggle KILLED IT TOO!! Caitlyn Curtis has a BEAUTIFUL VOICE 😍

Thank you for directing the staff to my sister-in-law needing medical help in Clinton, ia Saturday night, as she ended up having a seizure from dehydration and neurological issues unexpectedly. We love you and wish we could've seen the whole show! You're insperation to so many! ♥️

I didn't know some of his songs but I am now a fan of his forever !!! I haven't been to a concert in a very long time and let me tell you what he is by far the greatest performer ever !! Not only was he a great performer but he also had so many guest singers and artists. The greatest concert ever so glad we were able to go see him live !! I can't wait to go to another concert of his !!

Loved the music.. Didn't like the arena. Seats to close felt locked it and claustrophobic. Drunks in front and drunks in back. It's a struggle to get up if you had to get up right away and then people would steal your seats. Weather was bad and two of my people couldn't make it but we're on way. so I lost money on the tickets.

So I'd heard of this guy (my sister follows his wife on tiktok), but if never listened to his music before this show. But damned if i don't live him to death now. Because he put on a great showand I'm so happy I got to discover him and see what he was about. Not only was the show awesome, but Jelly Roll himself was so cool. You can really tell he's grateful for his success, that he felt and genuinely appreciates his fans so much. He made a point of connecting with the audience, of yelling them how much he appreciated them, and then he connects in a human level too, relating to people through the emotions of his songs. Dude seems like he's a regular person, just like everyone else, and he really makes you feel like he cares about the audience, like his fans matter to him. That alone just made me fall in love with him. Because his music is great and I could listen to it all day, but even more, I love who he is as a person, someone who's humble, who has a heart of good and hasn't met success or fame turn him a jerk. I'll forever be a fan after that. Total Jelly Roll stan now, lol

Jelly Roll has one of the prettiest, soulful voices I have ever heard. This was by far one of the best concerts I have ever attended. I love seeing his interaction with his fans, he truly loves them and his career and it definitely shows. The world needs more people like Jelly Roll❤️

Jelly Roll you were amazing. I changed the way I delt with my pain! I was always trying to find the solution to my pain and depression at the bottom of the bottle. Jelly roll your music has had a major effect on my life. Thank you for always telling the story the rest of us don't have the strength to. Your music helps me just like it has helped so many before. And so many more people to come. Your music gives us strength and power! We are not alone in the struggle. We have each other. Best concert I have ever been to.

Such an amazing show. His headliners were great and Jelly was more amazing than I could have imagined. Would definitely go again. Great show, great energy... 5/5 It was my kids first concert.. and he had a blast, loved the music, lights, everything.. Can't wait till next show in AZ

Ive been to the Pavillion at Star lake 15 or 16 to see country shows never seen a rock band there Jelly Roll and Shinedown was the best cocert ive seen there to date. If you get a chance to see either of them you must go, you will not be disaapointed.

This was the greatest show I've ever been fortunate enough to attend and my friends say toward the end of the show was the only time they've ever seen me not sing along with Jelly because I literally lost my voice.... This man's music is made for the real and you will feel it in your soul

Of all the shows we have ever been to jelly put on the best show.Everone who has never been to a show you need to get a ticket and experience not a show but a amazing and talented artist who fans are as much as family in his life.