Highly suspect embarked on the as above so below tour with talented new comers Family Dinner and James and the Cold Gun, holding it down as their opening acts.
On Tuesday night the tour made a stop in Knoxville, TN for a show at the Mill & Mine. The iconic venue, known for its intimate atmosphere and excellent acoustics, proved to be the perfect setting. Though the venue expanses 8,ooo square feet, the crowd felt deeply connected to the performance. The industrial feel meshed well with the line up’s gritty, no-holds-barred style, and it allowed for an immersive experience that kept fans engaged from start to finish.
Before the main event, fans were warmed up by solid performances from Family Dinner and James and the Cold Gun —who brought their own brand of indie-tinged rock. Though both bands are fairly new to the scene, they got the audience’s feet moving and gave the crowd of 1,200 a taste of what was to come.
When Highly Suspect took the stage they brought an electric energy that lit up the room from the moment they hit the first note. Known for their gritty rock sound and emotionally raw lyrics, the band delivered a live performance that was as intense and captivating as their discography.
From the first strum of “Lydia” to the powerful, cathartic notes of “My Name Is Human,” Highly Suspect owned the night. The band’s frontman, Johnny Stevens, commanded the stage with his signature raspy voice, while guitarist Rich Meyer and bassist Ryan Meyer held down a thick, groovy rhythm that had the audience fully engaged.
What stood out most was the band’s seamless mix of raw emotion and technical proficiency. Stevens’ voice carried both grit and tenderness, especially during more somber tracks like “Serotonia” and “Upperdrugs.” The crowd was completely absorbed. There was a palpable connection between the band and the audience, a shared understanding that the night was as much about the music as it was about emotional release.
The band’s heavy tracks, like “Bloodfeather,” had the crowd jumping with abandon. Highly Suspect’s ability to bring both intensity and tenderness to their performance allowed the evening to move through varied moods, keeping the energy fresh while still maintaining a steady momentum.
Throughout the show, Stevens made an effort to connect with the audience, sharing stories and joking around while passing around a bottle of Espolon between band mates. His candid and unfiltered stage presence made the show feel incredibly personal, even in such a large space.
Highly Suspect’s performance was a testament to their growth as a band while staying true to the raw energy that first made them stand out. Their ability to mix heavy, riff-driven rock with emotional, soul-searching lyrics makes them one of the most compelling live bands in modern rock. The performance was a thrilling ride from start to finish, leaving fans with that rare feeling of complete satisfaction.
These guys have proven that they’re not just another rock band—they’re one that truly connects with their audience, and this performance was a perfect example of why their fanbase is so loyal and continues growing.
For the TLDR version; the show was a perfect blend of love, laughter and good vibes—an unforgettable experience with just right touch of humor. Music is the one thing that keeps you going when everything else feels like too much. And don’t forget take a moment to check in on your friends and remind them how much you care.
