LIVE NATION PRESENTS: VOLBEAT
LIVE AT FIRSTBANK AMPHITHEATER IN FRANKLIN, TN ON 8/2/25
Volbeat brought their Danish blend of metal, infused with rockabilly and country, to FirstBank Amphitheater. Seeing them perform at a venue of this size was a stark contrast to the first time I caught them in the 2000s at El Corazon, a Seattle club with a capacity of just 800.
FirstBank Amphitheater is one of the more unique spots to catch a live show. Built into a rock quarry, the venue offers a large sized stage and excellent sound that carries naturally through the stone walls. The only thing that takes some getting used to is the Southern humidity—a challenge I’m still adjusting to.
Frontman Michael Poulsen and the band kicked off the show by rallying at the drum riser before launching into “The Devil’s Bleeding Crown.” What I’ve always appreciated about Volbeat is Poulsen’s distinct voice—its unique tone and gritty edge blend perfectly with the band’s heavy, driving sound. That combination is a big reason why their music has resonated so well in the States. This was also my first time seeing the band with guitarist Flemming C. Lund of Arcane Order as part of the lineup.
Early into the show, we were treated to commercial rock classics like “Lola Montez,” “Fallen,” and the thundering “Warrior’s Call.” As the evening went on, the band pulled from every corner of their catalog with fan favorites such as “Black Rose,” “Die to Live,” and “For Evigt.” Volbeat knew exactly how to work the crowd, keeping the audience completely captivated by the music, the performance, and the phenomenal light show throughout the night.
One thing you’ve got to know about Volbeat’s frontman, Michael Poulsen, is his deep love for the “Man in Black,” the legendary Johnny Cash. Poulsen even sports a “J.R. Cash” tattoo across his chest—a permanent tribute to his idol. That admiration comes alive on stage, especially during Volbeat’s rendition of “Ring of Fire,” which transforms the crowd into one massive sing-along. Poulsen has even admitted that he blatantly stole the song “Sad Man’s Tongue” from Cash, and you can hear that unmistakable Cash vibe echo through every note.
As the evening wound down, Volbeat paid tribute to the late, great Ozzy Osbourne by performing Black Sabbath’s “Children of the Grave.” It came time for Poulsen to introduce the band members: bassist Kaspar Boye Larsen, drummer Jon Larsen, and guitarist Flemming Lund. I have to say, I was impressed by how seamlessly Lund fit in. They finished the night by hammering the audience with “Still Counting.”
The evening was a reminder of why Volbeat continues to resonate so deeply with fans—the mix of heart, grit, and pure rock energy is impossible to ignore. For fans old and new, this tour is the perfect chance to experience Volbeat at their best, and I, for one, can’t wait to see where the road takes them next.
VOLBEAT Photo Gallery Click HERE