One June 1 2025 I headed back out to the Hopmonk Novato in Novato California. This time it was for the legendary Wayne ‘The Train’ Hancock with special guests IV and the Strange Band. This was a show I was excited for ever since KC Turner advertised it and they didn’t disappoint.
IV and the Strange Band was the first act to take the stage. Hailing from Nashville, Tennessee, the trio performed a fantastic set, although they left three members at home for this tour. They began their show with a song about a whip-poor-will, immediately capturing the crowd’s attention. Following that, they played a more laid-back, folky tune that was a standout piece of the evening.
Next came a thought-provoking song about being broke—not just broke as one might typically think, but BROKE. This resonated deeply with many in the audience and showcased the band’s songwriting prowess. They then transitioned into a lively song about love and life, which lifted the crowd’s spirits.
The following songs maintained the same quality, offering solid, singable, and danceable tunes that kept the energy high. Between songs, the lead singer mentioned that he is Hank Williams’s grandson and that he performs out of passion rather than for profit, remarking that genres are often defined by people who prioritize money.
They then played an upbeat song about work, struggles, and the women in his life, which struck a chord with the audience. One song addressed the creek not rising, while another reflected on a little alley in Nashville and the many people who have walked down it—this song was hailed as one of their best.
With only three songs remaining, each was solid and well-timed. As they prepared to play their final song, the lead singer introduced it as a story about a young man who was committed to a mental institution at the age of 12 and released at 23. He was infamously known as the “Vampire of Sacramento.” Tried as a functioning adult when arrested, the reality was far from the truth. He was sentenced to death, but before that could be carried out, he was given a bottle of pills and died as a result. It was a poignant way to end the set.
As they concluded, the audience responded with enthusiastic applause, clearly impressed by their performance.
Follow IV and the Strange Band members on social media
Coleman Williams – guitar / vocals
Ethan Salas – guitar
Jason Deitz – upright bass
When Wayne ‘The Train’ Hancock hit the stage, the crowd, which had been adequately warmed up, exploded with excitement. A legend in his own right, he began the set with whoops and hollers before diving into “Morning, Noon, and Night”, a song that set the tone for the evening. His distinctive guitar playing tore through the air as he delivered the first number.
Next was “No Loving Tonight”, a heartfelt track about wishing his partner was by his side. Following that was the classic “Johnny Law”, which he rocked through with fervor, shredding the guitar and singing his heart out. The energy continued with “Flatland Boogie”, though not before he had the bandage on his hand removed. This song had the crowd dancing, and the audience’s enthusiasm was spectacular to witness. It was especially memorable as the crowd sang along with him, creating a vibrant jam.
The next tune, “Viper”, showcased his versatility with its clever lyrics, including the line, ‘Get Your Kicks off Peppermint Candies’. Then came “Hide Away”, a Freddie King cover that the band played with such precision that it felt like their own composition, paying perfect homage to the original.
Next was “Killed Them Both”, a song about two people who had to face the consequences of their actions. The crowd loved it, responding with enthusiastic hollers. After that, he introduced an unnamed track which he referred to as “That Song”. This killer tune featured the repeated line ‘roll on’. enchanting the audience. “Wild Free and Reckless” followed, a song that perfectly embodied Wayne’s spirit. With stellar guitar riffs, he poured his soul into it, truly living the concept of being wild, free, and reckless. He then played the “Drinkin’ Blues”, a perfect anthem for anyone who enjoys having a little too much to drink, reflecting on his own experiences of ending up in jail yet again.
“87 Southbound” was next, packed with grit and a touch of humor. The song seamlessly transitioned into “Your Love and His Blood”. which was equally impressive, followed by “Freight Line Blues”, a fantastic ode to trains. “Tulsa”, a lively song dedicated to Harvey, kept the audience singing along long after it ended, thanks to its catchy chorus.
Next was the “Dog Days Blues”, where Wayne demonstrated his love for the blues, showing that no matter the quality of his voice, it always sounded good. When they began “Hoy Hoy”, they brought Ethan Salas on stage. Although Ethan didn’t know the songs, he played with a class that impressed everyone for the following four tracks.
“Cappuccino Blues” followed, exploring Wayne’s coffee addiction and how he copes with it. When they started “Thunderstorms and Neon Signs”, it was clear that it was a crowd favorite, and everyone joined in the chorus, creating a memorable moment.
The performance continued with “Highway 54”, which kicked off with an intro that brought smiles and frowns among the band. “Prospect in the Morning”, a song about Wayne’s ex-wife, jammed beautifully, proving that Wayne excels in crafting personal narratives through music.
The whimsical “Little Lisa” followed. She still calls him and the conversation starts out the same way. She asks him, “Hey, you still playing?” After that, “Roly Poly” showcased Dalton’s singing, which wasn’t perfect, but Wayne encouraged him to give it his best effort.
This led to a variety of instrumental surf songs while Wayne took a brief break. When he returned, they launched into “Folsom Prison Blues”, a Johnny Cash cover. They started this song twice, as the first attempt wasn’t fast enough, but once they got the pace right, they blasted it out just the way Johnny intended.
The set concluded with “Seven Nights to Rock”, the perfect song to end the night. It encapsulated what they had all experienced that evening, making for a fantastic farewell to the audience.
If you haven’t seen Wayne The Train Hancock before, You have plenty of opportunities to do it this tour. If you have, we’ll se you at a show near you!
Follow Wayne The Train Hancock band members on social media
Wayne The Train Hancock – guitar / vocals
Harvey Crowder– upright bass
Dalton Love – guitar
Setlist
1). Morning, Noon and Night
2). No Loving Tonight
3). Johnny Law
4). Flatland Boogie
5). Viper
6). Hide Away (Freddie King cover)
7). Killed Them Both
8). (Unknown)(A song with no name yet, referred to as “That Song”, with “roll on” in the chorus)
9). Wild Free and Reckless
10). Drinkin’ Blues
11). 87 Southbound
12). Your Love and His Blood
13). Freight Line Blues
14). Tulsa
15). Dog Days Blues
16). Hoy Hoy (Little Johnny Jones cover) (with Ethan Salas on second guitar)
17). Cappuccino Blues (with Ethan Salas on second guitar)
18). Thunderstorms and Neon Signs (with Ethan Salas on second guitar)
19). Highway 54 (with Ethan Salas on second guitar)
20). Prospect in the Morning
21). Little Lisa
22). Roly Poly (Bob Willis and his Texas Playboys cover)
23). Instrumental Medley (without Wayne, started with “Pipeline” by the Ventures)
24). Folsom Prison Blues (Johnny Cash cover)
25). Seven Nights to Rock
Follow IV and the Strange Band on social media
Follow Wayne ‘The Train’ Hancock on social media