Simon RushworthThe Fargo Railroad Co. are midway through this month’s UK headline tour. Rushonrock caught the Steel City crew spreading their Southern rock gospel.
From South Yorkshire to the Deep South — fabulously named The Fargo Railroad Co. fuse Sheffield steel with Jacksonville swagger to create the perfect melting pot of sweet melody and sharp wit.
Put simply, we’ve not had a better night out all year.
Frontman Jody Davies is a deeply affecting character: the big hearted, big bearded, big bear of a singer’s a serious musician.
But his self-deprecating stance and beaming, bespectacled smile have a reassuringly disarming effect: long-time fans and wide-eyed new converts alike immediately feel at ease in the company of a born entertainer.
The band’s autumn 2025 UK tour affords Davies et al a golden opportunity to run through the very best of a back catalogue bursting with Allman Brothers cool and Skynyrd-esque style.
Latest long player Time & Grace features prominently and prime cuts Jackie Come On, Drinking Alone and Vegas underpin a band that’s only getting better.
But if Davies keeps the show on the road there’s no denying the ace in The Fargo Railroad Co. pack.
Andy P Davison is a purveyor of pin sharp electric guitar and his intuitive touch gives the late Dickey Betts and Gary Rossington a run for their money.
Every Southern rock collective needs their Duane Allman and Davison’s the perfect foil for wise-cracking buddy Davies.
There’s a whole lotta fun to be had spending an evening in the company of The Fargo Railroad Co. but Time & Grace has its serious moments.
Sure, there are some hefty lyrics — and some serious messages — behind the jokes, japes and riotous ribaldry.
But The Fargo Railroad Co. have that happy knack of knowing how to perfectly pace a setlist that regularly runs the full gamut of emotions.
Rhythm kings Steven McMurray and Andy Dye drive that pace: keeping The Fargo Railroad Co. on track is no easy task (Davies’ mind wanders like a hobo in Macon) but McMurray and Dye do their damnedest.
Sheffield might not be synonymous with Southern rock but there’s time yet.
The Fargo Railroad Co. are on the fast track to success.
Oh, and their choice of supports on this tour ain’t half bad either.
We were treated to a welcome shot of Heartbreak Remedy as the Railroad rolled into Tyneside.
And these are the best of times when it comes to following these hard rocking late bloomers.
From out of nowhere Matty Penn and co. have found another gear and a fresh focus in 2025 after years spent honing their craft.
Hot on the heels of a Call Of The Wild set we rated as one of their best, the crack Cumbrians were at it again warming up the Fargo fans.
Hurricanes And Hand Grenades was the explosive pick of a volatile bunch.