Live Music Spotlight: Blessid Union of Souls

You may wonder why I am reviewing a Blessid Union of Souls show on Country Music Views. Simply put, I love their music. Blessid Union of Souls may not be a mainstream country band, but they have a lot of really good, positive songs that have stood the test of time. Their music doesn’t sound that different than the songs that are played on country radio these days. Personally, I would like it if there were no genres at all and music were only judged on whether it’s good and its ability to move people.

I saw Blessid Union of Souls perform last night at J.D. Legends in Franklin, Ohio. It was the first time that I had watched the band perform in almost 20 years. I had the opportunity to see them play at Northern Kentucky University when I was a student there in the early 2000s. Back then, their songs were newer and I thought the band did an amazing job. I had the same reaction to last night’s concert.

Lead singer Eliot Sloan is a great vocalist who had great stage presence. I believe he made use of practically every inch of the stage last night. If his voice has changed at all in the nearly two decades since I watched him perform live, it has changed for the better. Another thing that makes Sloan an outstanding frontman is his attitude and personality. He inters very well with audience. One example of this last night was when Sloan took a fan’s phone and gave her some real close-ups as he posed with band members. Those moments really make a difference to fans. He noted during the show that he appreciated people asking for songs that weren’t released as singles. It was obvious to me that Sloan genuinely loves to play music and appreciates that fans love the band’s music.

Blessid Union of Souls kicked off last night’s show with a cover of Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” and played a cover of Tom Petty’s “I Won’t Back Down” later in the set. I think both of these covers were great choices. I like it when a national act with a catalogue of their own hits plays covers songs during their set. I think it shows the fans which songs that artists love. I like to know what songs influence and inspire the artists I enjoy hearing.

J.D. Legends is a great place to see any concert. In recent years, they have brought in several national acts every year. This year alone, their schedule includes Jack Russell’s Great White, Cody Jinks, Tracy Lawrence, Hinder, Lee Brice and more. It’s an outdoor venue that can accommodate a lot of fans, but it’s a much more intimate setting than a 20,000+ seat arena.

2 thoughts on “Live Music Spotlight: Blessid Union of Souls”

  1. Hello to Rick at Country Music! My fiancé has been a BUOS “Groupie” since the 90’s. She introduced me to their music after she entered a contest last year for Valentine’s Day. She won the 3rd week of the 4 week contest, and the band wrote a song and did a video featuring us. I had no idea this happening in background! You can see the video on Facebook at: Blessid Union Of Souls Crazy Puzzle Valentine. So what’s happened since then? I think we’ve seen them 7 times, in Dayton (2 times), Myrtle Beach, Cleveland, Chicago, West Chester, and Franklin (OH). We plan to travel from our home in Dallas, TX to see them again, whenever we can!

    1. Awesome! Thank you so much for sharing your story. I love hearing stories like that. I will check out the video. I’m glad you are a fan of the band now and hopefully I will get a change to meet you and your fiancée at a show sometime.

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