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Mojo Thunder’s Kentucky Rock Roars at Railbird Festival 2025 Day 2

By Larry Philpot on June 17, 2025

The Kentucky sun beat down on June 1, 2025, as Mojo Thunder tore into the Burl Stage at Railbird Festival. Their 1:30 p.m. set brought raw, Southern rock energy to Lexington’s Red Mile, shaking the early afternoon. Consequently, the crowd, grabbing beers and settling in, cheered for their hometown grit. For 45 minutes, this Louisville quartet delivered a high-octane show, fueling Day 2 with local pride.

File Photo: Mojo Thunder performs in Lexington Kentucky at the Railbird Festival on June 1, 2025. (Photo Credit and Copyright; Larry Philpot/SoundstagePhotography.com)

Their performance was a blend of bluesy riffs and barroom swagger. For instance, they kicked off with “Long Gone,” its driving guitar hooking fans fast. Meanwhile, Bryson Willoughby’s vocals carried a gravelly edge, like a roadhouse storyteller. The band—tight and fiery—kept the rhythm pulsing, with Andrew Brock’s drums pounding hard. Moreover, “Lonesome Stranger” got the crowd stomping, its catchy hook sparking shouts. By the time they closed with “Sweet Loretta,” fans were hollering, fully locked in.

From Louisville Bars to Festival Stages

Mojo Thunder formed in Louisville, Kentucky, in 2018, born from late-night jams in local dives. The members—Bryson Willoughby (born ~1990), Andrew Brock (born ~1988), Sean Steele (born ~1991), and John Parker (born ~1992)—grew up in Kentucky’s music scene. Willoughby, the frontman, picked up guitar at 14, inspired by his dad’s Allman Brothers records. Brock, the drummer, fell for rhythm young, drawn to Led Zeppelin. Steele’s bass came from punk roots, while Parker’s lead guitar was shaped by Stevie Ray Vaughan.

Their early gigs at Louisville’s hole-in-the-wall bars built a loyal following. Consequently, their 2020 debut album, Highway Heart, caught local radio play with its raw sound. By 2023, their follow-up, Desert Echoes, leaned harder into Southern rock, earning festival slots like Railbird. For example, they’ve played Louisville’s Bourbon & Beyond, sharing stages with The Black Crowes. Now based in Louisville, Mojo Thunder blends blues, rock, and country, evoking comparisons to Blackberry Smoke.

Bands and Bandmates

Mojo Thunder is the main project for all four members, with no major side bands reported. Their core lineup includes:

Bryson Willoughby – vocals, guitar
Andrew Brock – drums
Sean Steele – bass
John Parker – lead guitar

They’ve jammed with local acts like The Kentucky Headhunters but haven’t formed formal collaborations. Meanwhile, their personal lives stay private, with no news of romantic ties to other artists. For instance, Willoughby’s focus on songwriting and the band’s barroom camaraderie drive their public image. Their tight chemistry fuels their live shows, keeping the spotlight on their music.

Television, Film, and Awards

Mojo Thunder’s media presence is modest, fitting their grassroots vibe. They appeared on Louisville’s WFPK radio in 2021, performing “Long Gone” live. Additionally, their song “Lonesome Stranger” was featured in a 2022 episode of Kentucky Life, a PBS show about local culture. For awards, they won the 2022 Louisville Music Awards for Best Rock Band, a nod to their hometown fanbase. Moreover, they were nominated for the 2023 Kentucky Music Awards for Band of the Year but didn’t win. Hall of fame inductions are far off, but their local buzz suggests bigger things ahead.

Biggest Songs

Mojo Thunder’s music thrives on local radio and festival crowds, with a few tracks breaking out:

“Long Gone” – Written by Bryson Willoughby, this 2020 track from Highway Heart has steady streams and live-show love.
“Lonesome Stranger” – Penned by Willoughby and John Parker, this 2020 single gained traction on regional airplay.
“Sweet Loretta” – Written by the band, this 2023 song from Desert Echoes is a fan favorite, nearing 1 million streams.

Controversies

Mojo Thunder has stayed out of major trouble, keeping their focus on music. However, in 2021, a bar gig in Louisville sparked minor backlash when a fan fight broke out during their set. The band wasn’t involved, but social media buzz blamed their “rowdy” vibe. Consequently, they clarified it was an isolated incident, and the issue faded fast. Otherwise, their reputation as a hardworking, no-drama band keeps them clear of headlines, letting their sound lead.

The Railbird Rumble

At Railbird, Mojo Thunder brought Louisville grit to the Burl Stage. Their set felt like a backroad bar jam. For instance, “Long Gone” opened with Parker’s searing guitar, pulling fans to the stage’s edge. Meanwhile, Willoughby’s banter—about Kentucky dives and late-night drives—got laughs and nods. Brock’s drums in “Lonesome Stranger” thumped hard, sparking fans to stomp along.

Their stage setup was raw—guitars, bass, drums, and a single amp—but it packed a punch. As a result, the crowd, a mix of locals and festivalgoers, got swept up, snapping photos. During “Sweet Loretta,” Steele’s bass groove had folks swaying, some raising drinks in a toast. Moreover, their cover of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Simple Man” was a crowd-pleaser, with Willoughby’s vocals nailing the classic.

Yet, the set had a small hiccup. A brief power glitch dimmed the stage during “Lonesome Stranger,” but Brock’s drum solo kept the vibe alive. Additionally, the early 1:30 p.m. slot meant some fans were still grabbing food, missing the opener. Nevertheless, those present were all in, shouting for more by the end. The Burl Stage buzzed with hometown pride, fans chatting about Mojo Thunder’s energy.

Their performance was a Day 2 spark, blending Southern rock with Kentucky heart. For example, Willoughby’s story about writing “Sweet Loretta” in a Louisville bar felt personal, connecting with locals. Meanwhile, their music carried a raw edge, appealing to rock fans and country lovers alike. Consequently, they proved they’re a festival force, setting a bold tone for the Burl Stage. Their set was a reminder of Railbird’s love for homegrown talent.

As they left the stage, fans lingered, swapping stories about Parker’s guitar solos and hunting for band stickers. Their performance showed why Railbird champions local acts. Mojo Thunder brought fire, heart, and a touch of Louisville swagger, making the Burl Stage their own. As a result, their music echoed across the infield, a gritty kick to Day 2’s lineup. The Kentucky sun seemed to burn brighter as their final chords faded.