Don't look for political speeches and grandstanding when Southern rockers Blackberry Smoke take the stage Sunday night at the Civic Auditorium, part of the band's "Find A Light" tour.
That said, the band members are not oblivious to what's going on. "This is obviously the most ridiculously topsy-turvy time I've experienced in my 44 years, politically. It's almost comical," Starr said of the recent month-long government shutdown. The band's response: An offer of free tickets to those federal workers affected by the shutdown.
"Times are strange. I don't know, we just thought, it's not exactly giving back but hey, just for two hours let's just forget about this BS," Starr said.
There's no BS involved when it comes to the Atlanta-based band's brand of rocked-up country, as evident by the reception to their sixth studio release, "Find A Light." Released last April, the record debuted as the best-selling Country and Americana/Folk album in the country and entered at No. 3 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and No. 2 on the Billboard Americana/Folk Albums chart.
With streaming services taking the place of radio airplay, a lot of bands are spending more time on the road in order to get their music to fans, Starr said. "Around the country, there are so many tour bus companies and leasing companies, but they're all on the road. Everybody's on tour. Our fans like physical copies of our music, which is good. We can continue to press vinyl and make CDs.
"Look at the Stones. They could certainly stop, but it's a love of the job. Nothing can compare to getting on stage and making people happy," Starr said.
Tickets: $35, general admission; call 229-0022 or visit www.reddingcivic.com.