Blood From A Stone

The Zoo Crew is spinning the gritty southern rock anthem "Blood From A Stone" by Preacher Stone, from their self-titled debut album, and the Zoo Freaks are loving every riff. This song carries the band’s signature raw energy, blending soul-shaking rhythms with lyrics that tell stories of struggle and resilience. According to a 2024 interview with MetalTalk, lead vocalist Ronnie Riddle is a master storyteller, often crafting songs like a "rock ‘n’ roll poet" that draw listeners into vivid narratives. While specific trivia about "Blood From A Stone" is scarce, the song’s place on the 2009 album helped catapult the band to wider recognition, especially after their track "Not Today" from the same record was featured on the hit TV series Sons of Anarchy. This exposure, as noted by guitarist Marty Hill on their Facebook, grew their fanbase, affectionately dubbed "The Congregation," solidifying their place in modern southern rock.

Another tidbit comes from the band’s storytelling approach, shared in a Sweet Home Music interview, where Ronnie explained their songwriting process. Marty Hill typically lays down the musical foundation, and Ronnie weaves a story from the arrangement, making songs like "Blood From A Stone" feel organic and deeply personal. Fans on the Preacher Stone – The Congregation Facebook group often praise the song’s hard-hitting guitar riffs and relatable themes, with one fan calling it “the kind of song that makes you crank the volume and forget your troubles.” The band’s Instagram posts also hint at the song’s live impact, with clips of performances showcasing its ability to get crowds moving, a testament to their reputation for delivering a “rock and roll show, tent revival, and family reunion” all in one, as described on their official bio.

Preacher Stone was born in 2008 in Charlotte, North Carolina, from the vision of guitarist Marty Hill, who wanted to revive the spirit of classic southern rock bands like Lynyrd Skynyrd. As detailed on their website, Hill teamed up with award-winning singer-songwriter Ronnie Riddle, and their first collaboration, "Not Today," set the tone for their guitar-driven, story-heavy sound. The duo, joined by Ben Robinson on guitar, Josh Wyatt on drums, Jim Bolt on bass, and formerly Johnny Webb on keyboards, tapped into their diverse musical influences, from The Allman Brothers to ZZ Top, to craft a modern yet timeless southern rock vibe. Their X account often shares throwbacks to their early days, highlighting how their North Carolina roots and vinyl record collections shaped their sound.

The band’s rise was fueled by relentless touring and strategic partnerships, as noted in their bio. They performed alongside southern rock giants like Blackberry Smoke and ZZ Top, and their music’s inclusion in Sons of Anarchy brought global attention. By 2016, they signed with NoNo Bad Dog Productions and released their fourth album, Remedy, recorded at Asheville’s Echo Mountain Studios, a hotspot for southern rock recordings. Their Facebook page frequently posts about their journey, from playing Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Simple Man Cruise to their 2024 UK tour, showing their commitment to connecting with fans worldwide. For Zoo Freaks wanting more, check out the fan-driven Preacher Stone website for tour updates and merch, or join the The Congregation group to swap stories with fellow fans.