February 21, 2024 | Great American Music Hall – San Francisco
by Dave Golden
Reverend Horton Heat brought their signature brand of rockabilly chaos to the Great American Music Hall for the 2025 Noise Pop Festival, delivering a high-energy set that was equal parts vintage cool and punk-fueled mayhem. The Dallas-based trio, led by frontman Jim Heath, ripped through a blistering performance that showcased their decades-long mastery of psychobilly, blending twangy riffs, breakneck rhythms, and a swaggering stage presence. From the first note, Heath’s fiery guitar work and smooth baritone commanded the stage, while Jimbo Wallace’s upright bass and Jonathan Jeter’s relentless drumming kept the energy surging.
The night kicked off with two stellar openers: San Antonio’s Piñata Protest, who got the crowd moving with their accordion-fueled Tex-Mex punk, and Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears, who brought a dose of gritty blues-rock straight from Austin. By the time Reverend Horton Heat took the stage, the audience was primed for a full-throttle rockabilly ride. Heath wasted no time launching into fan favorites like “Big Sky,” “Baddest,” and “Let Me Teach You How to Eat,” each delivered with lightning-fast guitar licks and tongue-in-cheek swagger. The set reached peak intensity with the raucous “Psychobilly Freakout,” sending the crowd into a frenzy, while covers from their latest album, Roots of the Rev, including Johnny Cash’s “Big River” and Jerry Byrne’s “Lights Out,” paid homage to their deep musical roots.
Decades into their career, Reverend Horton Heat remains one of the tightest and most electrifying live acts around. Their chemistry was undeniable, with Heath’s scorching solos, Wallace’s rock-solid bass slaps, and Jeter’s furious drumming proving that their high-speed, whiskey-soaked rockabilly is as potent as ever. As the final notes rang out, the Great American Music Hall buzzed with energy, a testament to the band’s enduring ability to turn any stage into a wild, unforgettable party.
Leave a reply