“Like the dust storm that preceded them earlier in the day of March 14, 2025, the ‘Back to Life Tour,’ featuring Kelsey Hickman, Saliva, and headliners Hinder blew through town and nearly blew the doors off of Tannahill’s Tavern & Music Hall in Fort Worth, Texas.
Saliva was one of the first “national acts” I covered and photographed after I made the leap from a part-time valet gig at The Glass Cactus in Grapevine to shooting concerts. They headlined that show back in October 2023 and I immediately knew, once I saw they were coming to town again, I would have to shoot them again, now with the added bonus of Kelsey Hickman and Hinder, who was headlining the show this time.
Kelsey Hickman opened the show to an already packed house with her 2024 single ‘Straight Up’ and set the tone for the night, infusing the venue with her unique blend of country rock lyrics and high-energy instrumentation. Her soulful vocals and lyrics had the crowd singing along with every word. Hickman closed out the set with her newest single ‘RBF,’ followed by a cover of The Cranberries’ ‘Zombie,’ and finished with her most popular song, ‘In My Place,’ letting the fans know exactly who she is and what she’s about.
Following Hickman, Saliva took the stage, fanning the flames of the fire started by Hickman during her set. From the moment the band set foot on the stage, you could feel the energy emanating into the crowd, as though it was a physical being inhabiting the bodies of those who dared to move close enough to the stage, myself included, from the photo pit.
The vocalist, Bobby Amaru, absolutely destroyed the vocals on each and every song, opening with ‘Superstar,’ then ‘Ladies and Gentlemen,’ and then their newest hit, the aptly named, “Time Bomb,’ which exploded on to the set with the perfect timing the crowd had been waiting for.
Drummer Sammi Jo Bishop’s triumphant return home to the Dallas/Fort Metroplex was made all the more special by the reception given by the crowd, many of whom she had come to know personally, before joining Saliva, as a drummer in several local Dallas/Fort Worth tribute bands.
Josh Kulack and Sebastian Lebar’s guitar work was second to none, laying the thick, meaty, foundation. Bassist Brad Stewart’s signature ‘leap’ was ever-present during the set, along with booming bass lines you could feel as they rattled your bones. Following a tribute to the United States Military, the set was rounded out with two of the band’s most popular songs, ‘Your Disease’ and ‘Click, Click, Boom,” which featured one of the youngest fans, invited on to the stage and singing alongside Amaru, as the walls of the venue shook.
After what seemed like an eternity, which was only about 30 minutes to switch out the gear, the anticipation was building and was palpable. Hinder, the night’s headliner, brought the crowd of all ages back to life with the perfect songs to engage the crowd, ‘Get Stoned,’ followed by ‘Homecoming Queen’ and ‘How Long.’ The band’s performance was both nostalgic and invigorating at the same time.
The band’s setlist was a well-curated journey through their extensive catalog that had the audience singing along in unison. Their musicianship and stage presence reaffirmed their status as stalwarts of modern rock.
Reaffirming their position as a premier music venue in the heart of the Fort Worth Stock Yards, the venue itself, Tannahill’s Tavern & Music Hall, provided an intimate yet vibrant atmosphere that enhanced the overall concert experience. Its acoustics, lighting, and layout made for a seamless connection between the performers and the audience, making it an ideal setting for a night of live music.
Tannahill’s continues to cement itself as an amazing “rock show” venue in the middle of the city’s vibrant “cowboy culture” location.
As the dust began to settle outside, and as the dust settled inside, the ‘Back to Life Tour,” on their next to last stop, was a resounding success in Fort Worth. The show offered attendees a show that would not be forgotten soon. From Kelsey Hickman to Saliva to Hinder, each band built on top of the next to complete the foundation of an amazing night of rock. Celebrating new and old, each band collectively created a show that celebrated the enduring allure of rock music.”
Chris Baudo / Flashback MediaWorks Photography
Kelsey Hickman
Saliva
Hinder
