The Georgia Thunderbolts – Galax, VA

The Georgia Thunderbolts:

The road to being hailed as the new torchbearers of Southern rock hasn’t been as glamorous as you might imagine for The Georgia Thunderbolts. It wasn’t many years ago that the guys busked at gas stations, fumbled through covers, and drove four hours to Alabama to play to a bartender and a three-legged dog sitting on a barstool.

These days, however, the Rome, Georgia-based quintet is a critically acclaimed and internationally touring band fending off the sophomore slump with its latest album, Rise Above It All, out on Mascot Records. The 13-track record is an artistically assured collection of hard-hitting Southern rock, blues, and heartfelt Americana.

“When you cut back on being a tough guy, more emotions can come through, and you hear that on this record,” says TJ Lyle, lead vocals, harmonica, and keyboards. “This album travels all musical genres.”

The Georgia Thunderbolts are rounded out by Zach Everett, bass, classical guitar, harmony vocals; Bristol Perry, drums; Logan Tolbert, guitar; and Riley Couzzourt, guitar. The quintet’s earthy and emotive aesthetic spans late 1960s singer-songwriter intimacy, the yearning of the blues, the mythological stories of country, and a bracing dose of arena-ready classic hard rock.

REX Theater

In 1940, the town of Galax was excited when the historic Rex Theater first opened it’s doors and the public rushed in. Operating as the only movie theater in the twin county area, many area youngsters and families grew up going to the Rex to see the latest Hollywood blockbusters.

Since 1940, the Rex has served as many things to the Galax community. Today, it is owned by the City of Galax, who has renovated it and made it an important part of the officially designated Historical Downtown area.