“I think that the music is rooted in real southern culture. The bands that again “keep it reel“ are able to pull from their own experiences and translate that to a musical message that transcends and cuts through the noise of the world.”

Darrell Whitt: The Axe of Preacher Stone

Legendary USA southern rock ‘n’ rollers Preacher Stone are thrilled to announce their highly anticipated gritty and profound new album ‘By The Horns’ for release October 17, 2025. Accompanying the announcement they release the anthemic new single and lyric video ‘Think By Now’. The 9 track collection was recorded at the legendary Gat3 Studios in Charlotte North Carolina, produced and engineered by the multiple Grammy winning Glenn Tabor (Bon Jovi, Def Leppard). Kicking boots out of North Carolina USA, the band's high-octane, 200 proof, rock-n-roll guitar-driven songs about the common man with heart-wrenching smoky bar frequenting tales and the swagger of their live performances have earned them a legion of faithful fans known as “The Congregation”.

(Darrell Whitt of Preacher Stone / © Blink On Two Photography)

Having endeavoured through adversity in the past, alongside Ronnie Riddle (singer) the brotherhood of the band is steeped in musical heritage with Ben Robinson (guitar), Darrell Whitt (guitar) Jim Bolt (bass), and Wyatt (drums). Hailing from Hiawassee, GA  Darrell Whitt talks about the Southern Rock and Preacher Stone.

Interview by Michael Limnios                Archive: Ronnie Riddle, 2024 Interview

Special Thanks: O’Neill PR

How has the music and Rock Counterculture influenced your views of the world? What musicians have continued to inspire you and your music?

If the band or artist is painting a picture of their interpretation of their views by infusing them into lyrics, and then adding the emotion of the music; you tend to pay attention, especially if the message is based on intelligent thoughts. I have always been inspired by The Allman Brothers, SRV, AC/DC, Neal Schon, etc. But more recently, I have definitely been influenced by Bonamassa, Blackberry Smoke, Rival Sons, and Sturgill Simpson. I’ve also always absolutely loved real country music (Haggard, Williams, Waylon, Jones, etc).

How did you hook up with Preacher Stone? How do you describe the band's sound and songbook?

I became a fan and a friend of Preacher Stone simultaneously. I have always been impressed with the songwriting, musicianship and the brotherhood of the band. I was lucky enough, and honored to know and play with both Marty and Johnny at several shows that WSM played with the boys! I’m honored to help carry on the legacy of Preacher Stone. The sound is soulful, gritty, truthful, real, and powerful. Ronnie always writes songs that tell a story. Many are based on real life experiences and he delivers them in a way that is always believable, the songs keep it real! The Preacher Stone catalog is so big and so diverse, that it covers a lot of ground. Our passed brother Marty Hill started the band, and I understand that he had an epiphany while sitting by a fireplace when the name came to him.

Why do you think that the Southern Rock scene continues to generate such a devoted following?

I think that the music is rooted in real southern culture. The bands that again “keep it reel“ are able to pull from their own experiences and translate that to a musical message that transcends and cuts through the noise of the world.

“I'm just being me. You can’t be anything but yourself. I'm a southern boy - born and raised in Georgia USA. I put every ounce of my roots into my playing, my music, and try to pay respect and homage to those that came before me.” (Preacher Stone / © Blink On Two Photography)

Are there any memories from gigs and studio sessions which you’d like to share with us?

I'm the “new guy” in the band! It might have only been a minute, but I have had nothing but good experiences with Preacher Stone and the live shows so far have been a heap of fun with great receptions from the crowd.. I’m looking forward to more and our UK tour in early 2026. Recording our new album ‘By The Horns’ was an amazing, cohesive, true band experience and performance we laid down on every song. Our producer Glenn Tabor worked us hard and got the best out of us. I’ve known the guys in the band for several years, so I have good memories before joining. I will keep you posted, haha!

What do you miss most nowadays from the music of the past? What are your hopes and fears for the future?

For us, we try to hold true to the old ways. We use real amps and we record together in a studio, not remotely flying in parts and takes. We try to limit edits while recording so what you hear coming out of the speaker is us…warts and all. I absolutely think that AI is not a good thing for music. I also think that bands like us that actually play, and use old school methods will rise to the top. The bottom line is, you can’t create soulful music, if you don’t have a soul.

What are you doing to keep hard Southern rock music relevant today, to develop it and present it to the new generation?

I'm just being me. You can’t be anything but yourself. I'm a southern boy - born and raised in Georgia USA. I put every ounce of my roots into my playing, my music, and try to pay respect and homage to those that came before me.

What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths?

Again, always be yourself. Always give 110%. Take the work and the craft very seriously, but always be able to not take yourself so seriously. I'm my own worst critic but that means I’m always trying to improve…not only in music, but in life as well. Mediocrity is the enemy of greatness. We all should try to lift others up and pass on the love of music to the younger generations. Music is a language spoken by everyone and we hope ours connects with as many folk as possible.

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(Darrell Whitt of Preacher Stone / © Bosk Photo)