The Ryman Auditorium Nashville, TN
Contact: joe@missingpiecegroup.com
Web: stephenwilsonjr.com
Players: Stephen Wilson, Jr., vocals, guitar; Julian Dorio, drums; Scotty Murray, steel guitar; C. Miles Burger, bass guitar, harmonica
Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium was packed to the rafters for Stephen Wilson Jr.’s two-night takeover on the søn of dad tour. Hailing from southern Indiana, Wilson Jr. self-describes as “Death Cab for Country”—a nod to the huge indie rock and grunge influence in his country sound. This past year has held exponential success for his music, culminating most recently with performance alongside Shaboozey at the 2025 CMA Awards.
The scene was set with a boxing ring in center stage, adorned with plants and symbols unique to Wilson Jr.’s story. A former Golden Glove boxer and scientist, the artist has no shortage of life experience to pull from for his storytelling. His debut album, søn of dad, was named the No. 1 album of 2023 by Holler and wrestles with topics such as grief, love, fatherhood, and rebellion. He stepped into the ring and opened the night with a knockout: a cover of Hum’s “Stars,” rolling seamlessly into “Calico Creek”—a song with a tune that happily haunts your mind with its catchy reflection on small-town roots. “This hillbilly has been dreaming about this day for 20 years,” he explained. “
The set featured hits from his album, such as “Year to Be Young 1994” and “Cuckoo” and highlighted his latest single, “Gary.” Wilson Jr.’s voice grinded out melodies with a sweet twang and a gritty vulnerability. It was as if he was plucking the songs straight from the sinew of his heart and presenting it on the stage for everyone to examine. In fact, his songs sound like how his guitar looks: the body with taped family photos, swaths of wood worn down from dedicated use, odd drawings around the strings, and the Virgin Mary at the center. It’s a mess of nostalgia, authenticity, and passion that culminates in a beautiful tapestry of storytelling through song.
The standout of the night was a performance of “Father’s Søn” with special guest HARDY. The song cuts right to the core of Wilson Jr.’s identity as a man shaped by the legacy and lessons of his father. A cover of “Stand By Me” was the final piece of the evening, leaving fans roaring with applause. They won’t be left wanting for long, as Wilson Jr. has big plans for 2026 with the Gary the Torch tour.
