After staging an epic theatrical production based on Oh brother, where are you? halloween, Billy Strings returned to CFG Arena on Friday to wrap up their two-night run in Baltimore with an unforgettable, guest-packed finale.

The entire set comprised all 20 tracks of his recently released album, Prayers on the highwayincluding the 420-friendly debut, “MORBUD4ME.” Opening with “Leaning on a Travelin’ Song,” Billy welcomed frequent collaborator (and former neighbor) Lindsay Lou. From there, he worked his way through Prayers on the highway‘ tracklist, with songs like “Escanaba” and “In the Clear” capturing both the roots and breadth of Billy’s sound. When “Gild the Lily” appeared, his presence Widespread panichis Customs trucks on drums, Chris Jacobs on the twelve-string guitar and Nat Smith on the cello he instilled a lush, layered feel that transported the crowd into a cinematic, almost orchestral atmosphere.

Throughout the night, the chemistry on stage was palpable. As each guest arrived, Billy adapted, bringing new textures and angles to his music. “Stratosphere Blues / I Believe in You” saw the return of Duane Trucks and added Smith on keyboards alongside Lou’s harmonious backup vocals.

Then there was “MORBUD4ME”. After I released the rest Prayers on the highway Following its release in late September, Billy Strings debuted the stoner anthem with a touch of theatrical flair, using a bong and sampler to create a live beat. Sierra HullLindsay Lou and Rachael Davis joined the sesh, providing backup vocals.

Billy Strings – “MORBUD4ME” – 11/1/24

(Video: Troy Laure)

After Prayers on the highway marathon, Billy Strings switched gears and delighted fans with a second set stacked with covers that ran the gamut from bluegrass to rock and beyond. Starting with a rousing rendition of “Baltimore Johnny” by The Del McCoury Bandstrings was joined by Sierra Hull, who returned to the stage for a set of bluegrass classics. The pair of bluegrass torchbearers worked Bill Monroe“Midnight on the Stormy Deep” and the traditional “Little Maggie”, each song highlighting the exceptional synergy between the musicians and paying homage to the deep roots of the genre.

As the covers flowed, so did the guests. Jerry Douglaswho played his dobro on several songs in the first set, returned for “Can’t Let Go” with Rachael Davis, The rest of the salmonhis Vince HermanDuane Trucks, Lindsay Lou and Sierra Hull, turning the stage into a festive bluegrass session. Company interpretation a Blind Willie Johnson“Nobody’s Fault but Mine” marked his first performance of 2019, with Herman bringing a gravelly edge to the blues favorite.

Then came some unexpected Halloween treats. The heavy metal highlight of the night arrived with a fiery rendition of Black Sabbath“Paranoid” by Duane Trucks on drums. This unexpected detour into hard rock fired up the crowd, with Billy unleashing a blistering solo that honored the original while stamping it with his own distinct style.

Other crowd plates are also included Tom Petty“Runnin’ Down a Dream,” performed with Cris Jacobs, and a geographically appropriate “Streets of Baltimore,” which saw the company in full force. “Dust in a Baggie,” which featured Douglas and Trucks, added a nostalgic touch, connecting to the beginning of Strings’ musical journey for those who have followed his career since its inception.

The evening ended with a joyful rendition of “Y’all Come”, bringing all the evening’s guests back for one last hurrah. The energy on stage was infectious as the musicians joined in with big smiles, spontaneous solos and a sense of camaraderie that left fans feeling like they were part of something truly special.

Billy Strings’ Halloween finale didn’t just show off the glitz Prayers on the highway but he also celebrated the eclecticism and community spirit that define his music. With surprises, an extra debut and a strong collection of covers, Billy has proven once again that he is a master of both innovation and tradition.

Check out a video playlist and photos from Billy Strings’ Halloween finale in Baltimore below, and scroll down for the full setlist.

Next, Strings return to the stage for a special 50th anniversary recording Austin city limits presenting Leon Bridges, Gary Clark Jr.and more on November 21 at Moody Theatre in Austin, TX. Billy will close out 2024 with a run in December that includes a three-night New Orleans New Orleans celebration. UNO Lakefront Arena. His 2025 winter tour will kick off in January with three “360° shows” at Denver’s Ball arenafollowed by two weekends at Asheville’s ExploreAsheville.com Arena in February, a two-night fling in Atlanta and a three-show homecoming in Nashville, ending at the legendary Ryman Auditorium on March 2. For a full list of dates and tickets, visit Here.

Billy Strings – “Leaning on a Travelin’ Song” (With Lindsay Lou), “In the Clear”, “Escanaba” – 1/11/24

Billy Strings – CFG Bank Arena – Baltimore, MD – 11/1/24
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=videoseries
(Videos: Bassjedi32)

Setlist (via Billy Base): Billy Strings | CFG Bank Arena | Baltimore, MD | 11/1/24

Set 1: Leaning On A Travel Song (1) In Clear Escanaba Gild the Lily (2) Seven Weeks in County (3) Stratosphere Blues / I Believe in You (4) (5) Cabin Song Don’t Be Calling Me (at 4) AM) (6) Faulty Intersection (7) Catch and Release (8) Be Your Man (9) Long Gone (3) (9) Ain’t Ahead of Me Alice Seney Stretch MORBUD4ME (10) (11) Leadfoot ( 12) Happy Hollow The Beginning Of The End Richard Petty (13) (14)
Set 2: Baltimore Johnny (7) Midnight On The Stormy Deep (9) (15) Little Maggie (7) (9) Can’t Let Go (16) (17) Nobody’s Fault But Mine (17) (18) (19) ) Leave London (20) John Hardy (9) John Law Burned The Liquor Sto’ (21) (22) (23) Hey Joe (24) (25) Act Naturally (26) (27) Ain’t No More Cane on the Brazos (27) (28) Leaders (29) Paranoid (29) (30) Running Down a Dream (31) (32) Streets of Baltimore (33) (34) Dust In A Baggie (35) Come ( 36) )

SETLIST NOTES

1. with Lindsay Lou (Bluegrass and Americana singer-songwriter) on vocals
2. with Royal on bass guitar, Nat Smith (internationally accomplished cellist), Duane Trucks (drummer for Widespread Panic) and Cris Jacobs (American local singer-songwriter)
3. with Duane Trucks (drums)
4. Billy Strings on a Martin 12-String HD12-28 and Royal Masat on a Nord Stage 3 88-key keyboard
5. with Duane Trucks (drums), Nat Smith (Prophet Rev2 synth) and Lindsay Lou (vocals)
6. with Jerry Douglas (Grammy Award Winning Dobro Player)
7. with Sierra Hull (singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist)
8. Billy Strings solo
9. with Jerry Douglas (good)
10. Debut – Original
11. Billy on a small 10 channel MG10XU mixer using a Boss Vocal Looper
12. with Billy on Masterton ML-1: Missing Link Béla Fleck Baritone Banjo, Billy Failing on guitar and Duane Trucks (drums)
13. The band (minus Alex) only one microphone in front of the stage
14. All of Set 1 is Billy’s new album Highway Prayers played in full from Track 1-20 w/ Special Guests
15. with Sierra Hull on vocals and mandolin
16. FTP – Randy Weeks
17. with Duane Trucks (drums), Sierra Hull (mandolin, vocals), Rachael Davis (vocals), Vince Herman (guitar), Jerry Douglas (dobro) and Lindsay Lou (vocals)
18. Vince Herman and Lindsay Lou on lead vocals
19. Last played 2019-12-21 | 411 Performances
20. with Jerry Douglas (dobro) and Nat Smith (cello)
21. with Chris Thomas King (New Orleans Grammy and Country Music Award-winning blues guitarist, actor and author) on guitar and lead vocals
22. with Sierra Hull (mandolin), Lindsay Lou (vocals), Rachael Davis (vocals) and Jerry Douglas (dobro)
23. FTP – Chris Thomas King
24. Jerry Douglas on lead vocals and dobro and Nat Smith (cello)
25. Last played 2021-09-18 | 306 Performances
26. FTP – Johnny Russell
27. with Tim Blake Nelson (American actor and director) on lead vocals, Vince Herman on vocals and guitar, Nat Smith (cello), Chris Thomas King (guitar), Sierra Hull (mandolin, vocals), Lindsay Lou (vocals), Rachael Davis (vocals) and Duane Trucks (drums)
28. FTP – Traditional
29. Billy on his PRS electric guitar, Duane Trucks (drums), Nat Smith (Prophet Rev2 Synthesizer) and Royal on electric bass
30. Last played 2019-11-13 | 422 Performances
31. featuring Cris Jacobs on lead vocals and guitar, Duane Trucks (drums) and Nat Smith (cello)
32. Last played 2019-05-11 | 496 Performances
33. with Cris Jacobs on lead vocals and guitar, Jerry Douglas (dobro), Duane Trucks (drums) and Nat Smith (cello)
34. Last played 2022-07-22 | 212 Performances
35. with Jerry Douglas (Dobro), Cris Jacobs (Guitar) and Duane Trucks (Drums)
36. with everyone