Well, I am back at the Barrel House Brewing Co. for the second time this month — this time for a kick ass country rock show by Pecos and the Rooftops along with Austin Meade. Out on the road promoting their newest album release From Me, Pecos and the Rooftops are more than just another rising band coming out of Texas. In 2019, they released a track “This Damn Song” — it was an instant hit among country music fans. Austin Meade — also from Texas — embraces a country rock energy that made him a great fit as a show opener. Two Texas country rock bands set to fire up Paso Robles on a Thursday night works just fine for me.
Austin Meade may have popped up in your wheelhouse of music if you are a Koe Wetzel fan. After the two released a duet version of “Happier Alone,” fans loved it. Since, Austin become a name to talk about. His new album Almost Famous is set to be released November 7th, 2025. Fans got to hear a few tracks off the upcoming album like “Bad Days,” and “Honey Do Ya.” His style and attitude fit right in with the new, younger crowd of country music fans who are out to party. The band members all had a ton of energy on stage — the bass player headbanging like he was in a heavy rock band. “Déjàvu,” “Black Sheep,” and “Loser Mentality” made it onto the set list for the night, as well as a favorite of mine, “Stoner Fantasy.” This is an artist I recommend checking out as an opener — get there early and don’t slack on getting to the show and missing out on a great live set. Austin Meade’s hard work out on the road is paying off getting the attention he deserves.
Next, Pecos and the Rooftops are set to take the stage at Barrel House Brewing Co. and our town’s rowdy country music fans are ready to party. There is such great energy felt in this little backyard venue — no matter where you are, it’s a great view of the stage. The night started with what I’m sure a few fans may have had: “11 Beers,” a track of the new album. “Leave Me Lonely” is second to be played and the night is only turned up from there. “Last Thing I Remember,” “Back In The Bottle,” “One Drunk Summer,” “Hate Waking Up,” and “Wouldn’t Have to Miss You” are played before we get to a big fan favorite song “Last Night’s Lashes.”
By this point, the band and crowd are tuned up and the night is rolling along great. Pecos and the Rooftops soon after cover a song that is widely loved amongst the country music community: “Indian Outlaw” by Tim McGraw. With the crowd singing along to every word, it was a perfect song to cover for the night. Then, we got to hear a personal favorite of mine: “Hurt No More.” During this song live, my focus is always locked in on the drummer. I’ve had the chance to see this band play before in the past and watching him beat those drums all night is awesome to watch. The whole band has a great stage setup and energized performance, making them a really entertaining live show.
The night carried on a few more songs including “5AM” before getting to the final song that helped create the band’s breakthrough: “This Damn Song.” Fans piled up to the front of the stage as the song finished. Pecos was signing hats from his mech and throwing them into the crowd — more than just an average guitar pick souvenir. With a few more tour dates, left on the books you may have a chance to check out this tour run do so. If you miss out on this go-around, keep your eyes out for a show from Austin Meade or Pecos and The Rooftops coming to a town near you next year.
GALLERY: Pecos & The Rooftops with Austin Meade at Barrel House Brewing Co in Paso Robles, California (October 16, 2025)
