Blues Heavyweights Bobby Rush and Kenny Wayne Shepherd Hit Phoenix Stop on 2025 Tour

Kenny Wayne Shepherd and special guest Bobby Rush gave the Phoenix crowd a trifecta kind of night: blues, jokes, and killer guitar work. Rush supplied the jokes; Shepherd dazzled the guitar-watching fans with solo after solo, and the two of them teamed up to bring the blues to another level in Arizona.

Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Bobby Rush perform on May 18, 2025, in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Rick Scuteri)

Bobby Rush and Kenny Wayne Shepherd took the stage together to start the night. This duo recently released an album called Young Fashioned Ways, and in support of this, they performed seven tunes from it. Rush, 91 years old, moved as if he were twenty. The high energy he brought had the band feeding off his every move. Adding in his harmonica playing and Shepherd’s guitar work, you would think these guys had been crushing the blues together for years. The two fed off each other while showcasing their album.

Rush, in between songs, talked to the crowd, kept them laughing with witty one-liners and stories—even had Shepherd and drummer Chris Layton cracking up. This was just a great jam that set the tone for KWS. Many in the audience kept sneaking up front for phone pics and video throughout this set, and it ended with a standing ovation for the boys. Rush won over the crowd, continuously thanking them for their support and seeming very humbled by the love in the theater.

Bobby Rush performs on May 18, 2025, in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Rick Scuteri)

The KWS Band came out next after a quick break. Powered by their leader, this all-star cast blew the roof off the Gila River Theater. Chris Layton (of Stevie Ray Vaughan’s band) on drums, Noah Hunt on vocals (who has been with the band 27 years), Kevin McCormick on bass, Joe Krown on keys, Doug Woolverton on trumpet, and Charlie DiPuma on sax.

KWS dazzled the fans with guitar solos all night—song after song, hit after hit. A few came from his newer album Dirt on My Diamonds Vol. 2, along with a bunch of older tunes from his 30-year catalog that had his following wanting more. There are so many more he could have played, but this was an incredible night to experience with a great set. Shepherd at one point told the crowd to watch out for his next album, promising a redo or remake of his first album, Ledbetter Heights. “Not remaking the songs—just putting a twist on them,” Shepherd said. “You guys compare the two,” he added, sharing that his next tour will be about playing the album in its entirety. Everyone seemed to like this idea—a lot of clapping and whistling seemed to be the nod of approval.

Noah Hunt and KWS really have it going on—and they should, after almost three decades of making music together. The one thing I thought was just kick-ass, though, was the horn section. The dynamic duo of Woolverton and DiPuma took Shepherd’s music to another level—just a great addition to his amazing sound. KWS has a unique sound that really comes together when they hit the stage. It’s a must-see show.

“Deja Voodoo” was just out of this world, bringing everyone to their feet for a standing O’ that would knock your socks off. “I’ve Got to Use My Imagination,” a cover from The Rides, was another one that was over the top. Hunt even had everyone singing along to “The Middle,” and with Kenny’s guitar, it was another highlight of the show.

“I’m a King Bee,” a Slim Harpo cover, closed out the set and was entertaining to witness. Everyone took a turn showing off a little—just a great way to end things. The band never left the stage, as KWS explained they weren’t taking a break but just moving on with the music. As they went into “Blue on Black,” the place lost itself. The fan favorite had most folks standing, dancing, and singing along. This was probably the biggest part of the night—and it was a powerful one at that.

Shepherd brought Bobby back to the stage, and the two continued with a couple more songs before eventually saying good night. This is a great show to see. I can’t wait to see the next tour—with a revamped album and more surprises.

List of tour dates here.