THE CLASSIC ROCK MUSIC REPORTER: The Box masters

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Saturday, August 16, 2025

BILLY BOB THORNTON AND THE BOXMASTERS IGNITE CLEARWATER'S CAPITOL THEATRE! CONCERT REVIEW BY RAY SHASHO

THE BOXMASTERS IGNITE

CLEARWATER'S CAPITOL THEATRE!

Concert review by music journalist Ray Shasho

August 15th, 2025 – Nancy and David Bilheimer Capitol Theatre,

Clearwater, Florida

The Boxmasters, fronted by Billy Bob Thornton, didn't just play Clearwater's Capitol Theatre last Friday night – they detonated it! From the first chord, the sold-out crowd was electrified. The house vibrated with an energy that could only be described as a full-blown rock and roll revival. The Boxmasters cultivate a fervent following, a loyal legion of fans who wouldn't dream of missing their dynamic, high-spirited live spectacle.

Billy Bob Thornton (aka "Bud"), along with songwriting partner and rhythm guitarist J.D. Andrew, ignited The Boxmasters' flame in Bellflower, California, in 2007. Since then, they have released 19 studio albums, including their latest, 'Pepper Tree Hill', which dropped in July.

Thornton is known for his acting work. He has appeared in TV episodes and feature films, with his latest role in the TV series, Landman. Season 2, premiering November 16th on Paramount+, will further explore the West Texas oil industry, with Tommy Norris (Thornton) navigating professional and personal battles.

The Boxmasters delivered an incendiary performance in Clearwater! The band played a thunderous set, featuring perennial favorites and a taste of their new album, 'Pepper Tree Hill'.

The evening began with "Emily," a traditional opener written by Billy Bob's late brother, Jimmy Don Thornton. This song, brimming with emotion, would have fit in the Top 20 charts of the 60s. The transitions from one track to the next were exhilarating, and the audience mirrored that energy.

The Capitol Theatre's acoustics were phenomenal, with each riff and vocal clear. The staff was also exceptional.

The Boxmasters then played "Jupiter Man" from their February 2025 release, 'Missing a Heart'. This was followed by "She Looks Like Betty Page," from their 2015 recording, Providence. A screen behind the band displayed The Boxmasters' logo, psychedelic effects, and photos of Betty Page during the latter song. Tracks like “Go Like This” and “Garage” from their 2022 album, Boxmasters 66', followed, encapsulating the raw essence of 1960s rock. "Science Fiction" from their 2016 album, Tea Surfing, rounded out this segment of the set.

The musicianship of lead guitarist Kirk McKim, rhythm guitarist J.D. Andrew, and bassist Raymond Hardy was superlative. McKim's heavier guitar licks were a delightful surprise, while drummer Nick Davidson anchored the sound. Billy Bob Thornton's energetic, hard-driving vocals are the heart and soul of The Boxmasters' sound.

The musical journey continued with "I Still Want to See You" from Tea Surfing, followed by “You’ll Never Be Mine” from their 2022 release, Help… I’m Alive, and the evocative “Jane Mansfield’s Car” from Love and Hate in Desperate Places. Thornton shared the story behind "Jane Mansfield’s Car", recounting how his father would take him to car wrecks. "Light Rays" from their album of the same name and “A River Rising” from Love & Hate in Desperate Places then flowed seamlessly into “The Light of Lenore” from their 2018 release, “In Stereo!” The journey continued with “I Must’ve Been High” from ’69. The final two anthems of the main set were “I Got a Girl” from Help… I’m Alive, and a cover of The Kinks' "I'm Not Like Everybody Else." Thornton invited the audience to surge closer to the stage.

The Boxmasters were phenomenal, and the Clearwater crowd loved every moment! This show marked the kickoff of their U.S. tour. The Boxmasters are set to open for The Who in Sunrise, Florida, on the 16th, and in Newark, New Jersey, on August 19th.

Thank you to the team at The Nancy and David Bilheimer Capitol Theatre and to Lucine Chammas of R&CPMK and Billy Bob Thornton for making this night possible.

Also important to mention that Donna Betts widow of legendary Allman Brothers guitarist Dickey Betts was in attendance along with high-profile music manager and owner of the Cleveland office of Alliance Artists Ltd. and producer

David Spero.

All photo credits: Ray Shasho Jr. and Bill Wallin

Music Journalist Ray Shasho...Billy Bob Thornton...Ray Shasho Jr.

Music Journalist Ray Shasho...Billy Bob Thornton...Bill Wallen

Ray Shasho and David Spero

THE BOXMASTERS

ON TOUR 2025

Saturday, August 16 @ 7:30PM

The Who with special guests The Boxmasters!

Amerant Bank Arena, Sunrise, FL 33323

Tuesday, August 19 @ 7:30PM

The Who with special guests The Boxmasters!

Prudential Center, Newark, NJ 07102

Wednesday, August 20 @ 7:00PM

Greg Rowles Legacy Theatre

Greg Rowles Legacy Theatre, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582

Thursday, August 21 @ 7:00PM

Pickens County Performing Arts Center

Pickens County Performing Arts Center, Liberty, SC 29657

Friday, August 22 @ 7:00PM

Hard Rock Live Bristol

Hard Rock Live Bristol, Bristol, VA 24201

Saturday, August 23 @ 8:00PM

Sweetland Amphitheatre

Sweetland Amphitheatre, LaGrange, GA 30240

Sunday, August 24 @ 7:00PM

Don Gibson Theatre

Don Gibson Theatre, Shelby, NC 28150

Wednesday, August 27 @ 7:00PM

Lincoln Square Theater

Lincoln Square Theater, Decatur, IL 62523

Thursday, August 28 @ 7:00PM

Canterbury Park Concert Series

Canterbury Park Concert Series, SHAKOPEE, MN 55379

Friday, August 29 @ 7:30PM

Stiefel Theatre

Stiefel Theatre, Salina, KS 67401

Saturday, August 30 @ 7:00PM

Phil Long Music Hall

Phil Long Music Hall, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80921

Wednesday, September 3 @ 7:00PM

Whidbey Island Center for the Arts

Whidbey Island Center for the Arts, Langley, WA 98260

Thursday, September 4 @ 7:00PM

Spokane Tribe Casino

Spokane Tribe Casino, Airway Heights, WA 99001

Friday, September 5 @ 7:00PM

Bourbon & Bonfire Experience