Soulful night: Ghost Hounds take the stage at the Roxian
Submitted photo
Editor’s note: This story has been modified to note that the Ghost Hounds’ performance was changed to Friday, Feb. 16.
Hailing from the Steel City is a band that many have said is breathing new life into the rock ‘n’ blues genre.
The Ghost Hounds’ mix of southern rock, blues and Americana is coming to the Roxian Theatre in McKees Rocks on Friday, Feb. 16 to play old fan favorites and new tracks off their latest album, “First Last Time.”
The group, comprised of Thomas Tull (songwriter/guitarist), Bennett Miller (bass), Blaise Lanzetta (drums), Joe Munroe (keyboard) and Tr茅 Nation (lead singer), have been gaining a following ever since launching in 2019.
The band most recently opened for Guns ‘N Roses at Utah’s Delta Center and have toured with other acclaimed acts like The Rolling Stones, Bob Seger, ZZ Top and Garth Brooks. Since releasing “First Last Time” this July, the band has received accolades from respected music magazines like SPIN, American Songwriter and Guitar World. Their song, “Last Train to Nowhere,” has been described as anthemic and has racked up 1.5 million streams, reaching number three on the U.S. iTunes Rock Charts and even making it to the ninth slot across the pond.
Munroe explained how the band attained its moniker: “It goes back to the legend of Robert Johnson, who sold his soul to the devil and the crossroads in exchange for the ability to play guitar and sing. He always sang about the hellhounds on his trail.”
Those who have yet to hear “First Last Time” can expect a wide range of songs that are story oriented and written by Tull, who interestingly enough, is part owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
“Tull comes up with a story idea and a riff, then we play together and figure out where it’s going to go,” said Munroe, remarking on their fourth and newest release. “In our other records, you could hear each guy in his own unique kind of way. I feel like this one is more representative of us in that it’s more of us presented a unit.”
Munroe, who is also a member of the Beaver County Musicians Hall of Fame, started out as a classically trained pianist. He said that he was influenced by Elton John and Billy Joel, “although I was a little more in the Elton camp.” The band, however, would more likely say that they are influenced by the Stones.
“I felt like I grew up in the best time of music — the late ’60s and early ’70s. It was a time when we couldn’t wait to get the next record from dozens of different artists,” he said.
Munroe said that they were rehearsing and recording in Pittsburgh and Tull, who happened to know Poison lead singer Brett Michaels, sent him some of their music. Michaels, impressed, asked the band to open for him in Green Bay and the requests kept coming.
“Last year we did 10 dates with the Rolling Stones and three in Europe,” Munroe said.
Munroe said that the band is careful not to pigeonhole themselves when it comes to style of music. “I think we have a wide range of styles that we draw from and in a sense we’re almost chameleons, at home with various genres,” he said.
As for advice for those starting out, Munroe said, “You have to love what you’re doing and play as much as you can. Practice is great, but there’s no practice that is better than playing gigs. You learn what you need to do in real time.”
Eugene Klim is a Pittsburgh resident and a fan of the Ghost Hounds.
“I went to their October 2019 concert in the Thunderbird Caf茅 & Music Hall in Lawrenceville, and more recently a performance in May 2022 during the Maple House Music and Arts Festival in Pittsburgh,” he said.
Klim noted that concertgoers can expect an electrifying atmosphere with exceptional artistry, dynamic guitar riffs, moving lyrics and the heartfelt, soulful vocals that set Ghost Hounds apart from the rest.
“Their attention to stage aesthetics also ensures a visual treat. Between songs, the band often engages with their fans, making the experience not only personal, but memorable as well,” he said.
Of course, such accolades from fans are music to the band’s ears. “We love to hear it,” said Munroe.
If you go:
Roxian Theatre
425 Chartiers Ave, McKees Rocks
Friday, Feb. 16 at 7 p.m.
Tickets are available through livenation.com.