Concert Review: The Reverend Horton Heat at Diamond Ballroom, OKC (11/08/2024)
Last night, Oklahoma City’s Diamond Ballroom transformed into a high-octane haven for rockabilly and psychobilly fans as The Reverend Horton Heat took the stage, leaving no soul unshaken. The crowd was primed for an electric night, thanks in large part to Jason D. Williams’ explosive opening set.
Kicking off the evening, Jason D. Williams proved he’s as much a showman as he is a pianist. Known for his manic energy and lightning-fast fingers, Williams didn’t just warm up the crowd – he had them dancing, hollering, and marveling at his signature blend of boogie-woogie and rock ‘n’ roll. Slamming keys, jumping up on his piano, and playing with a mix of humor and wild abandon, Williams’ set was a perfect precursor, blending vintage energy with a raw, unfiltered edge that prepared everyone for the sonic storm that was about to follow.
When The Reverend Horton Heat took the stage, the room’s energy was already electric, but it shifted into another gear. Led by Jim Heath (the Reverend himself) on guitar and vocals, the band launched into a setlist that spanned their decades-long career, delivering fan favorites and deep cuts with a precision that showcased their well-honed musical chemistry. With bassist Jimbo Wallace laying down thunderous slap bass rhythms and drummer Jonathan Jeter driving the relentless beat, every song hit harder than the last, keeping the crowd engaged and moving from start to finish.
The highlight of the night came when local rockabilly favorite Jimmy Dale Richardson joined the band on stage for a couple of songs. The collaboration was seamless, and Richardson’s gritty, authentic vocals added a unique flair to the set, making it a special experience for the hometown crowd. Together, Richardson and The Reverend Horton Heat performed ‘58 Buick and She’s Wild, both taken from Richardson’s latest release.
Heath’s guitar playing was a masterclass in psychobilly, blending rockabilly riffs, blues licks, and punk energy with incredible finesse. Highlights included “Psychobilly Freakout” and “Galaxy 500,” which sent the crowd into a frenzy, and slower numbers like “Baddest of the Bad” brought a darker, more contemplative vibe to the evening. Between songs, Heath’s interaction with the crowd was charismatic, showing off his well-known sense of humor while deepening the connection with fans.
The Diamond Ballroom’s intimate, gritty vibe was the perfect backdrop for this kind of show – close enough to feel the thump of each slap of the bass and see every move on stage. The sound was tight, the lights complemented the fast-paced energy, and there wasn’t a single moment where the audience wasn’t fully captivated by the performance.
By the time the encore rolled around, The Reverend Horton Heat left the crowd begging for more. The night was a reminder of why the band has become a staple in the rockabilly and psychobilly world – they’re not just playing songs; they’re delivering an experience, a pulsing, high-energy celebration of raw, authentic rock ‘n’ roll.
For those lucky enough to attend, it was an unforgettable night, and for those who missed it, be sure to catch them next time – this is a band that lives up to its legendary status every time they take the stage.
