photo by Luca DePalo

by Luca DePalo, Contributing Blogger

The Artimus Pyle Band and SoulShine

Stadium Theatre, Woonsocket, RI

February 20, 2026

On an gloomy night in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, snow was falling through the streetlights. Just down the block, the Stadium Theatre was buzzing with life. Inside, the sound of rock music was loud and clear. The Artimus Pyle Band and SoulShine were co-headlining a show with drums, screaming guitars, and a lot of energy that made the cold weather outside feel forgotten.

photo by Luca DePalo

The crowd was packed into the theater, excited and waiting for the show to start. When the lights went down, SoulShine, the Allman Brothers Experience walked out to a cheer. They started playing away with their first song, “Statesboro Blues,” from 1971. The room lit up with energy. The bluesy guitar riffs and deep bass lines filled every seat pulsing with electricity. It felt like Duane and Gregg Allman’s spirit was there just like when they started the Allman Brothers Band in 1969.

SoulShine kept playing hit after hit. “Blue Sky,” “Ramblin’ Man,” and “Midnight Rider.” Every song was loud and full of soul like the originals. The two guitar players traded solos that soared above the lights while the rhythm section kept everything tight. People were singing along, swaying to the music and getting lost in the groove. Some knew every word while others were just amazed by the band’s performance. After an hour, it was clear that SoulShine wasn’t just covering Allman Brothers songs. They were really channeling the band.

photo by Luca DePalo

Then it was time for Lynyrd Skynyrd classics, loud and live. The lights went down again. The Artimus Pyle Band took the stage. You could feel that this was something. There was something about the way they played. The first chords of “Workin’ For MCA” rang out. The spotlight hit the drum throne. Artimus Pyle himself playing with the same fire that made him a legend. The whole band locked into that Skynyrd groove.

Lets be clear. This band isn’t just a tribute. They’re carrying on the legacy of rock with help from two guys who helped build that legacy. Up front was Barry Lee Harwood, who joined APB most recently in 2025 and brings a lot of rock history. He played with the Allen Collins Band and the Rossington Collins Band. Added his dobro and mandolin to Skynyrd’s “Nuthin’ Fancy,” “Gimme Back My Bullets,” and “Street Survivors.”

photo by Luca DePalo

Of course, Artimus Pyle himself behind the drums. A Skynyrd member from 1975 to 1977 then back again from 1987 to 1991. He’s the surviving member of Skynyrd’s classic lineup, and he lived through the bands infamous 1977 plane crash that killed Ronnie Van Zant, Steve Gaines, Cassie Gaines, the assistant road manager, and both pilots. As Artimus said, “If it wasn’t for Ronnie Van Zant there would be no thing as the band.”

Since leaving Skynyrd, Artimus has had a career. Solo records, projects, all paying tribute to southern rock’s finest. The Artimus Pyle Band doesn’t just play the hits. They bring the era’s energy right back to the stage.

photo by Luca DePalo

One standout moment was the band’s dobro player letting those shimmering slides ring out and giving songs like “Tuesdays Gone” an edge that pulled everyone in. The set kept going with classics. “Gimme Three Steps,” “Call Me the Breeze,” and, of course, the anthem. “Sweet Home Alabama.”

Then, right before the end the unmistakable opening of “Free Bird,” everything shifted. The crowd held its breath during that intro waiting for the storm to hit. Then came the epic guitar solo. Furious, relentless powerful. The energy in the room was off the charts. When it finally ended, the audience exploded into a standing ovation knowing they’d just witnessed something they’d never forget.

photo by Luca DePalo

As the band took their bows and the lights came up fans filtered back outside, the snow was still falling. Now everyone carried a little warmth with them. The energy and spirit of southern rock echoing down the quiet wintry streets of Woonsocket.

Looking Ahead

You can find upcoming tour dates for the Artimus Pyle Band on the “Tour” page of the band’s website. APB dates are currently listed for Missouri, Kansas, Pennsylvania, Illinois, New Hampshire, and New Jersey. The “Upcoming Shows” section of the SoulShine website currently lists just a single date – March 7 in Mamaroneck, NY – but that’s where to check as more shows are added. And those of you in or near Woonsocket can check out the “Events” page of the Stadium Theatre’s website to see the theater’s upcoming calendar of events.