Yelawolf: Never Gone

Yelawolf w/ Hillbilly Casino
Showbox SoDo, Seattle, WA
06.03.15

Never before have I seen so many concertgoers in a venue strapped with VIP passes around their neck, all standing tall as their shiny laminates gleamed in the stage lights. This sort of fandemonium makes sense for an artist such as Yelawolf, coming from a small town in the south and hitting it big, while still managing to be himself and say damn the man when it’s necessary. It’s a legacy that people can comprehend and aspire towards. And, apparently, bonus points are awarded for those with tattoos.

As we waited in suspense for lights to dim and Yelawolf to get the crowds’ hands in the air, I couldn’t help but think how the Showbox SoDo smelled entirely too much like Las Vegas, just with more weed. So bizarre. The stage setup takes rolling down the street with the top down and blazing blunts to a whole new level. The DJ booth was dropped behind the hood of what I can only imagine is a Chevy. And, just like the engine of a powerful driving machine, the turntables powered the crowd and the band with its beats and technical scratches. As low tones of what would typically appear in an epic movie portrayal before a major battle scene set the beginning for several of the songs, the crowds’ legs are crushed under the weight of these tones. The DJ’s scratching brings their arms to the air and Yelawolf’s lyrical stylings tie it all together. The guitar and bass might lead one to believe there was going to be some more common riffs throughout the performance. Rather, it seemed they were intricately adding to the DJ effects.

As someone who is fairly new to Yelawolf, I am happy to say that the music is far more than just good ol’ American angst disguised as poetry. Sure, the man can rap. And he can yell. And he can do them both at the same time if he damn well pleases. But don’t leave too soon, or else you’re gonna miss some whiskey-driven a cappella. Let Yelawolf be your inspiration to never let other people hold you down or determine your destiny. And, if someone tries, follow the advice given during the show: “Middle fingers up! Middle fingers up!”

Yelawolf Set List:
Outer Space
Good to Go
Gutter
Box Chevy
Pushem
Whiskey in the Bottle
Let’s Roll
Throw It Up
Pop the Trunk
I Wish Medley
Catfish Billy
Trunk Muzik
Tennessee Love
Heart Break
Johnny Cash
Best Friend
Empty Bottles
Ball & Chain
Billy Crystal
Daddy’s Lambo
Marijuana
Devil in my Veins
Till It’s Gone
American You