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Words by Jordan Kirkland: Live & Listen
Photo by Paul Citone
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Buffalo-born jam veterans moe. are set to make their triumphant return to Birmingham, AL on Friday night, and this show looks to be a very special occasion for many reasons. This will be the band's first performance at Avondale Brewing Company since 2014, as well as their first Birmingham appearance with Nate Wilson (keyboards/organ/vocals) on board. Prior to joining forces with moe., Wilson was most notably known for his work as a founding member of Assembly of Dust.
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As many will recall, guitarist Chuck Garvey suffered a serious stroke back in November of 2021, forcing the band to make yet another major pivot. This came just four years after bassist Rob Derhak was diagnosed with oropharyngeal cancer, and just months after the music industry was finally beginning to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Wilson, a long time collaborator of the band, was called on to help fill the void of Garvey's absence during his long road to recovery. This marked the first time that the band ever featured a full-time keyboardist, as they were amongst the original pioneers in their corner of the music industry to feature two legitimate lead guitarists in Garvey and Al Schnier.
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Garvey was finally able to join his bandmates on stage again in Philadelphia, PA on December 31st (2022), and the band announced his full-time return for their 2023 Winter Tour just 11 days later. Wilson proved to be such a valuable addition that the band decided to retain him as a full-time member; making the band an official six-piece for the first time in their 34 year history.
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Birmingham music fans will have the opportunity to welcome back Garvey, while getting their first taste of Wilson's keyboard wizardry, on Friday night in Avondale. Those who were fortunate enough to catch moe.'s Winter Tour shows in nearby Huntsville and Atlanta can attest that the band is truly back in full force, and this show is not to be missed.
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Friday night will be moe.'s first Birmingham appearance since December 6th (2018) at Iron City Bham. Tickets are moving fast, but they can still be purchased via Avondale Brewery's official website. The show, which is presented by Code-R Productions, is set to kick off at 6:30 PM and conclude at 10:00 PM. So go ahead and grab your tickets and prepare for what is sure to be one of the best shows of the year in Birmingham!
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Watch moe. perform "Kyle's Song" at Brooklyn Bowl in Brooklyn, NY on March 18th (2023) here:
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