Midnight Rider

Zoo Freaks, your favorite hippie DJs at THE ZOO are spinning the gritty, soulful vibes of "Midnight Rider" by The Georgia Thunderbolts from their debut album Can We Get A Witness. This track, a fiery cover of the Allman Brothers Band’s 1970 classic, is a staple in the band’s live sets, often igniting crowds with its heavy, dirtied-up Southern rock edge. According to lead vocalist TJ Lyle, the song’s raw energy reflects the band’s ethos of delivering unfiltered rock ‘n’ roll that resonates globally. The Thunderbolts’ rendition, released as the final single from the album on October 15, 2021, via Mascot Records, transforms the original into a muscular, modern hard rocker, especially in its thunderous closing moments. Fans on SonicHits have praised its “John Bonham-esque drumming” and “great guitar and vocal harmonies,” with one UK fan noting it’s a fresh take that bridges the 1970s to today. The band performed this track at the 911 Festival in Haleyville, Alabama, on June 4, 2021, showcasing their ability to make a classic feel timeless yet contemporary.

The recording process for Can We Get A Witness was a labor of love, with “Midnight Rider” standing out as a bold statement. The band, speaking to The Rockpit, emphasized pouring “heart and soul” into the album, aiming to create a raw rock record that sparks joy. The song’s intricate guitar interplay and harmonic progressions, as noted in a Life Music Media review, highlight the band’s chemistry, forged through years of playing together. The Thunderbolts’ take on “Midnight Rider” also caught attention for its heavier outro, a departure from the Allman Brothers’ smoother vibe, which Rock and Blues Muse suggested the original band would “dig.” This cover has become a fan favorite, with YouTube comments from shows like their opening for The Outlaws in Plymouth, NH, calling it “awesome” and a testament to their live prowess.

The Georgia Thunderbolts hail from Rome, Georgia, at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, where their Southern rock roots run deep. The quintet—TJ Lyle (vocals, harmonica, keys), Riley Couzzourt (guitar), Logan Tolbert (guitar), Zach Everett (bass, harmony vocals, keys), and Bristol Perry (drums)—started as a group of young musicians busking at gas stations and playing to near-empty bars, including a memorable gig in Alabama for a bartender and a three-legged dog. Their early days were humble, with the band fumbling through covers and scraping by, as shared in their official bio. Their big break came from relentless gigging, cutting their teeth alongside heavyweights like The Allman Betts Band, Blackberry Smoke, and Black Stone Cherry. This exposure led them to Barrick Recording Studio in Glasgow, Kentucky, where they recorded Can We Get A Witness with producer Richard Young. Their sound, influenced by Southern gospel, Hank Williams, Merle Haggard, Neil Young, and Lynyrd Skynyrd, blends soulful swagger, blistering blues, and raw rock, earning praise from Rolling Stone as proof that “Southern rock continues to thrive in the 21st century.”

The band’s journey from small-town dreamers to internationally touring act is marked by their hardworking, humble ethos. Guitarist Riley Couzzourt, in an interview with Sonic Perspectives, described their style as “timeless and classic with a modern twist,” while drummer Bristol Perry simply calls it “Rock And Roll.” Their debut EP, released before the full album, included five tracks that later appeared on Can We Get A Witness, amassing over 6 million streams despite limited touring due to the pandemic. Memorable career moments, as shared by Logan Tolbert on Apple Music, include touring Europe with Black Stone Cherry and opening for Deep Purple in the US. The Thunderbolts’ authenticity, rooted in Rome’s agricultural history, shines through in their music, with songs like “Spirit of A Workin’ Man” reflecting their blue-collar pride.

Stay connected with The Georgia Thunderbolts through their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X for the latest updates on tours and releases. Fans can dive deeper into the Thunderbolts’ world through the Georgia Thunderbolts Fan Group on Facebook, where Zoo Freaks and Southern rock lovers share concert stories, photos, and love for the band. For more fan-driven content, check out SonicHits, a hub for lyrics, song meanings, and fan reviews celebrating the band’s soulful sound. Keep rocking with THE ZOO, and let “Midnight Rider” carry you down the open road!