The Red Clay Strays took the Ryman Auditorium stage on Sept. 6 and left their mark, transforming the concert into an unforgettable journey. The stage was set with lead singer Brandon Laine Coleman opening the night with a heartfelt speech.
“You either believe you can or you believe you can’t, and both are true,” Coleman said. “We believed we could.”
Hailing from Mobile, Alabama, The Red Clay Strays started in 2017 as a cover band, with Brandon Laine Coleman on lead vocals, Andrew Bishop on bass and Drew Nix on electric guitar and harmonica. As the band evolved and their sound matured, they added John Hall on drums and Zach Rishel on electric guitar, transitioning from covers to crafting their own distinct blend of country-rock.
What sets The Red Clay Strays apart is their unique sound — a fusion of Delta blues, gritty honky-tonk, rockabilly and ‘70s country. Their lyrics, drawn from deeply personal and often painful experiences, touch on themes like mental health, depression and forgiveness, adding a level of emotional depth and resonance to their music.
Their recent three-day residency at the historic Ryman Auditorium kicked off with Ben Chapman opening the night. Chapman performed his track released the day of the concert, “Down Beat,” showcasing his Southern-funk jam-band energy. His performance, full of swagger and emotion, established a real connection with the audience, setting the tone for the night.
Next up was Pony Bradshaw and the North Georgia Rounders, who brought a bluegrass and Americana vibe, complete with fiddle and pedal steel. Their extended jam sessions and Bradshaw’s lyrics, rooted in the history of his family’s Appalachian home, provided a soulful and relaxed experience for the audience.
As the night rolled on, the crowd stood up, energized by the song “Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue” just before The Red Clay Strays took the stage at exactly 9:32 p.m. CDT. They opened with “Rambling,” immediately capturing the audience’s attention. Coleman quickly informed the crowd that the performance was being recorded for a live album, making the night even more special. The atmosphere of the performance was distinctive, with the band creatively using the Ryman’s lights alongside their own setup to evoke a ‘70s concert vibe.
The band’s Southern-rock vibe was palpable, with comparisons to Waylon Jennings or Johnny Cash one moment and Lynyrd Skynyrd or Elvis Presley the next. Coleman, in a sharp suit with slicked-back hair, contrasted with his guitarist’s glittering red shirt and Hall’s simple jean overalls — a look that reflected their eclectic energy.
Coleman and Hall were the standout performers, with Coleman channeling Elvis in his movements and Hall bringing his own eccentric energy, often standing and dancing while drumming. Hall’s celebratory “booyah” after songs added a personal, playful touch, as did his and Nix’s toasts between tracks.
Throughout the night, Coleman took time to share the stories behind their songs, but the most powerful moment came when he sat at the piano. He opened up about depression, describing the feeling of numbness and disconnection. He reminded the crowd that anyone facing mental health struggles is not alone and urged them to seek help. His vulnerability resonated deeply, and as he transitioned into “Sunshine” followed by “Devil In My Ear,” the audience responded with an overwhelming wave of applause.
One of the standout features of The Red Clay Strays’ performance was their knack for playing with the audience’s expectations. They would slow a song down, giving the impression it was coming to an end, only to burst back into an explosive, high-energy section. The way they faked out endings, adding an extra chorus or two, kept the crowd on their toes and heightened the energy in the room.
One of the night’s most memorable moments came when Coleman hushed the audience, stepped away from the microphone and spoke directly to the crowd.
“I need everybody to be quiet,” Coleman said.
The raw intimacy of his voice filled the venue as he introduced The Castellows. Together, they delivered a special rendition of Lonesome Will Mullins’ “Gone Away With A Friend,” their harmonies filling the Ryman with intimacy. Coleman thanked The Castellows and the audience.
“That was my dream to do that, so thank you very much for that,” Coleman said.
Another surprise guest took the stage to perform for the crowd: Wilder Woods of NEEDTOBREATHE. He joined the band for an unforgettable moment, with the band expressing how much Wilder Woods had influenced their music. They called it a dream come true to share the stage with him, and the similarities between the vocal styles of lead singer Coleman and Woods were unmistakable.
As the night drew to a close, the crowd erupted as the band played their most famous song, “Wondering Why.” Fittingly, the audience’s voices rose louder than the band’s as Coleman announced that “Wondering Why” had officially gone platinum. The band’s families joined them on stage to celebrate the milestone, presenting the framed platinum record. In the end, it was a night of emotional highs, deep connections and a performance that will linger in the memories of those who witnessed it.
