"Southern rock n’ roll music touches people. People relate to the stories. It makes them want to have a good time, it makes them remember, and it helps them to forget. It’s honest and powerful and that’s what we write about."

Preacher Stone: Pure Southern Rock

US southern rock n’ rollers Preacher Stone released their butt kicking good time new single ‘Ain’t As Easy As It Looks’ on February 23. The track is lifted from their highly awaited super-charged emotive and inspiring new album ‘V’ due for release March 29 available for pre-order on CD/vinyl. The album was recorded at the legendary Gat3 Studios in Charlotte North Carolina, produced and engineered by the multiple Grammy winning Glenn Tabor. Kicking boots out of North Carolina USA, their 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”. Alongside frontman Ronnie Riddle (vocals) and founding member Marty Hill (lead guitar), the band of brothers are steeped in musical heritage with Ben Robinson (guitar), Jim Bolt (bass), the since passed away and sorely missed Johnny Webb (B3 & piano) and Wyatt (drums).

(Photo/Preacher Stone: Ronnie Riddle, Marty Hill, Ben Robinson, Johnny Webb, Josh Wyatt, Jim Bolt)

The album cover art pays tribute to the since passed Johnny and honours him bearing his signature. Their song ‘Not Today’ was featured on two seasons of the hit Fox TV series Sons of Anarchy and 2023 saw them embark on debut UK shows to rapturous acclaim from fans and critics alike. Previous tours include across the United States and Europe having shared the stage with legendary acts Lynyrd Skynyrd, ZZ Top, Deep Purple and more. This year sees the band make a warmly welcomed return to UK shores for an exclusive run of shows that culminates in a main stage appearance at the much loved Maid of Stone Festival Mote Park, Kent. Whilst Preacher Stone are rooted in southern rock history, authenticity and well travelled, with ‘V’ they assure that they’re never a band to rest on laurels. 

Interview by Michael Limnios                Special Thanks: Wes O’Neill (O’Neill PR)

How has the rock culture influenced your views of the world and the journeys you’ve taken?

The rock culture opened up to cultural diversity and made me receptive to all people. My experiences travelling and seeing the world as a musician have fostered a “live and let live” attitude to humanity. I trust the mainstream news media less. I may be naïve, but my experience has been that most people are good at heart. That’s what we write songs about and tales of the common man, you can hear that all on our new album ‘V’ that’s out March 29.

How do you describe band’s sound, music philosophy and songbook?

Preacher Stone is a hard rock band with a southern twang that draws on classic rock influences. We write songs that we enjoy playing with lyrics about real life. Our songbook consists of Marty Hill and/or Ben Robinson riffs that were hammered into a song structure and given lyrics about real life. The various influences of Marty, Ben, Bolt, Wyatt, and I make the Preacher Stone sound what it is. We work really well together. 

"The love of the process of writing, recording, rehearsing, travelling, and performing is the only thing that will sustain you. Write and play music because you love it and do not quit! Play the music that you love for the people who enjoy it as trends come and go. You’ll be up and you’ll be down, but you won’t stay up or down. It’s all about the journey." (Ronnie Riddle of Preacher Stone / © Woodys Photography)

... and what is the story behind band’s name: Preacher Stone?

As for the name, we had a list of terrible band names! One night after midnight, I get a call from Marty and he says, “I have the band name. It’s Preacher Stone.” To which I responded, “Hell yeah, it is!”  Marty was partaking in the “Devil’s Lettuce” and watching the Clint Eastwood movie “Pale Rider.” He liked the way everyone called Eastwood’s character, Preacher. He then looked at his stone fireplace and said, “Preacher Stone.” The name was perfect. It’s sounds southern and strong!

What moment changed your music life the most and what´s been the highlights in your life and career so far?

I come from a musical family and everyone sang in church. In fact, my dad still sings in a gospel quartet. I have always loved music, but when I heard ZZ Top’s “Thunderbird” on my sister’s boyfriend’s car stereo… it was game on! I had to have that in my life!

The highlights to me are meeting people that connect to our music and meeting other artists that I admire. I’ve made real friends through music. Quick list: Ted Nugent, Billy Gibbons, Scott Gorham, Malcom Young, John Prine, Dan Baird, Warner Hodges, and there are many others. I have been blessed to meet so many of my idols.

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

Southern rock n’ roll music touches people. People relate to the stories. It makes them want to have a good time, it makes them remember, and it helps them to forget. It’s honest and powerful and that’s what we write about.

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

I miss the days when you had one chance to see your favorite band every year or so. You HAD to be there. Nowadays, you can catch someone’s phone video on youtube. I guess I fear that kids will stop learning how to really play their instruments and sing.

If you could change one thing in the musical world and it would become a reality, what would that be?

People would spend more time and money supporting up and coming acts.

"Preacher Stone is a hard rock band with a southern twang that draws on classic rock influences. We write songs that we enjoy playing with lyrics about real life."

(Ronnie Riddle, frontman of southern rock n’ rollers Preacher Stone and the founding member Marty Hill / © Bosk Photo)

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

The love of the process of writing, recording, rehearsing, travelling, and performing is the only thing that will sustain you. Write and play music because you love it and do not quit! Play the music that you love for the people who enjoy it as trends come and go. You’ll be up and you’ll be down, but you won’t stay up or down. It’s all about the journey.

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