[Review] The Driver Era’s Electrifying Stop at the Joy Theater in New Orleans

It’s been over six years since brothers Ross and Rocky Lynch have performed a show in Louisiana. The last time they were here was back in the Summer of 2016 when their family band, R5, performed at Blue Bayou Water Park in Baton Rouge! So it’s no surprise that fans were eager for their return.

The Driver Era stopped to perform a show at the Joy Theater in New Orleans on Wednesday night – the 13th show of their 57-stop tour. The Joy Theater shared on their Instagram story that fans had begun lining up outside as early as 10 AM. When I arrived at the venue around 7 PM, fans were wrapped around the building waiting to get in! Once inside, you could feel the excitement all around as fans of all ages packed onto the GA floor to get close as possible to the stage!

Almost Monday opened up the show bringing the California vibes with their sound. Their music and personalities could be described as fun and uplifting. Although the majority of the crowd was unfamiliar with their songs, their charisma and funky sound captivated the crowd. “Thank you guys so much, you guys have been so sweet to us tonight,” lead vocalist, Dawson Daugherty told the crowd of screaming fans. “He then thanked Ross and Rocky for letting them join the tour, “They’re putting us in front of the best fans in the world.”

Next up, Summer Salt. The Texas trop-pop duo took the stage with two other instrumentalists and did not disappoint. During their melodic tune, “Revvin’ My CJ7,” the crowd lit up the Joy Theater with their cell phone lights and had the ground shaking five minutes later as they jumped up and down during a more upbeat track! One member, in particular, Winston, got a little extra love from the crowd during the set. Turns out, he lived in New Orleans for many years!

The Driver Era was welcomed to the stage by deafening screams a little after 9 PM! Brothers Ross and Rocky Lynch of indie alt-rock duo opened the show with their recent single, “Keep Moving Forward.” The electric track dropped earlier this summer. It, along with their recently released single, “Malibu” are two songs on their third album, Summer Mixtape – which is out everywhere on September 16th!

Throughout the night, The Driver Era played the fan favorites from their first two studio albums including “Low” from X and “Heaven Angel” from Girlfriend. They also threw a couple of covers in the mix including Michael Jackson’s “Rock with You” and Kings of Leon’s “Sex on Fire.” But there was no denying how loud the crowd got when Ross performed “A Billion Hits,” a song he wrote for his old Disney Channel show, Austin and Ally.

Ross and Rocky were accompanied on stage by another Lynch brother, Riker. He joined them to play bass and provide additional vocals throughout the show! So of course, when they performed one of R5’s songs, “Cali Girls,” the crowd went crazy!

Watching the duo perform together on stage along with seeing how they connect with their fans is something special. You can tell they genuinely love what they do (and the fans love it too)! The concertgoers matched Rocky and Ross’ energy the entire set! One fan threw a cowboy hat on stage, which Ross proudly sported as he performed for the crowd. After performing for almost an hour and a half, The Driver Era ended the night with an encore “Fade,” “Afterglow,” and “A Kiss.”‘

Overall, The Driver Era’s performance was electrifying and magnetic! By the end of the night, it didn’t feel like a concert but more of a dance party with a couple hundred of your closest friends.

Missed the Driver Era or just want to relive the night? Check out my Instagram Highlight from the show!