Alex Williams: Bringing Country Music Back to Carol's Pub in Chicago

The wind was a brisk spring cool, the air was thick with anticipation, and the mood was electrifying at Carol's Pub on that special night in Chicago when Alex Williams hit the stage to deliver his fiery tunes. The honky-tonk dive bar, which opened on Clark Street in 1972, was the perfect venue for the country star's performance. Williams, who grew up just 3 1/2 hours away in Pendleton, Indiana, was happy to be in Chicago, and you could tell the fans that packed Carol’s was ready as well. It was not my first rodeo at Carol's Pub. I knew what to expect – the gritty ambiance, the classic decor, and the live music that warms the heart of every country music fan. But there was something different in the air that night, a palpable energy that filled the room like whiskey in a shot glass.

Photos By: Nashville Is His Bride

The night began with the familiar sounds of No Reservations, off Alex’s latest album “Waging Peace”. One of my favorites, Fire, is a song that captured the heat of desire and the passion of a love that cannot be tamed. The music roared like an inferno, igniting the senses, and making us all feel alive. And when he launched into Rock Bottom, a poignant tune that delved into the pain of addiction and the hope for redemption, the room went silent, as if in reverence for the honesty and vulnerability of the song. When Alex reached a fan favorite The Struggle, you could tell this night was going to be unforgettable. The melody resonated deep within the crowd, as the singer crooned about the difficulties of chasing dreams and facing reality. With the power of his soulful voice, Alex transported us to a world of honest lyrics, genuine emotion, and timeless sound.

 As if sensing our need for a heart-thumping jam, Alex and his bandmates launched into Give Me Back My Bullets, delivering a performance that shook the walls and got the crowd moving. The guitars screamed, the drums thundered, and the bass line hummed like an electric current, But the most thrilling moment of the night came when Alex broke into Warren Zevon's Lawyers, Guns, and Money, and the pub exploded with wild cheers and raised glasses. Alex's version of the classic hit was a tribute to the original while adding a twist of his own that left us all cheering for more.

The emotional centerpiece of the set was Old Tattoo, which Williams dedicated to his late grandfather and aunt. The song, written about his own experiences with loss and grief, struck a chord with the audience and brought tears to many eyes.

"And I Know Time Don’t Heal, It’s Just Fading Like The Floors Of An Old Saloon, I Can Hide The Pain Way, Even If It Burns The Bitter Truth, Like An Old Tattoo"

You could feel the weight of emotion in every word as if Alex was pouring his heart out. Williams wrapped up the set with "Little Too Stoned," leaving the crowd wanting more. Throughout the night, he showcased his skills as a songwriter and performer, cementing his status as one of country music's rising stars.

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Overall, Alex Williams' performance at Carol's Pub was a testament to his talent and passion for music. With his powerful voice, impressive guitar skills, and genuine stage presence, Williams proved himself to be a rising star in the country music scene. The honky-tonk dive bar proved to be the perfect venue for his show, with its gritty and authentic atmosphere matching the raw energy of Williams' music. For those who missed the show, it's clear that Williams is a performer worth seeing live.

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Alex Williams | Carols Pub

Chicago, IL | 05/18/23

No Reservations

Old Before My Time

Hellbent Hallelujah

Higher Road

Rock Bottom

Pay No Mind

Fire

Gimme Back My Bullets (Lynyrd Skynyrd cover)

Waging Peace

The Vice

Strange Days

Conspiracy

The Best Thing

The Struggle

Double Nickel

Freak Flag

Old Tattoo

Lawyers, Guns, and Money (Warren Zevon cover)

Ain't Seen Nothing Yet

Little Too Stoned