Photos and Review by Max Stewart
The Replacements are a band that are revered by many as a tentpole of the early ‘alternative rock’ scene despite their early self-destructive days (which are well-documented in the fantastic book by Bob Mehr, Trouble Boys). The band’s backbone on bass, Tommy Stinson, has had a prolific career in the wake of the Replacements’ breakup by forming the bands Bash & Pop, Perfect and now Cowboys in the Campfire in addition to multiple solo releases. He even was the bassist of Guns N’ Roses from 1998-2014.
It was a treat to see Stinson perform at Roswell GA’s fantastic From the Earth Brewing Company at the start of 2024, as he began his southern tour en route to the 30A Songwriters Festival in Florida. The show consisted of material from multiple phases of his career post-Replacements and his solo discography, and it even included a dynamic cover of The Who‘s “The Kids Are Alright”. Stinson’s songwriting skills are sharp, as was evident in the setlist that leaned heavily on his new band, Cowboys in the Campfire, which he formed alongside songwriter/guitarist Chip Roberts. Fans packed into the sold-out brewpub in greater Atlanta through the encore, which featured Karla Rose on the violin / vocals. A few fans in Replacements t-shirts belted the final tune, “Friday Night (Is Killing Me)”, and it indeed felt like we are all by the punk rock campfire.
Tommy Stinson Setlist –1/3/24 at From the Earth Brewing Company in Roswell, GA
“Light of Day”
“Fall Apart Together” (Cowboys in the Campfire song)
“Match Made in Hell” (Cowboys in the Campfire song)
“Mr. Wrong” (Cowboys in the Campfire song)
“Breathing Room” (Bash & Pop song)
“The Kids Are Alright” (The Who cover)
“On the Rocks” (Bash & Pop song)
“Nothing” (Bash & Pop song)
“Zero to Stupid”
“Destroy Me”
“Schemes” (Cowboys in the Campfire song)
“Hey Man” (Cowboys in the Campfire song)
“Can’t Be Bothered”
Encore:
“First Steps” (Bash & Pop song)
“Never Aim to Please” (Bash & Pop song)
“Friday Night (Is Killing Me)” (Bash & Pop song)
