Steve ‘N Seagulls – The Turf Club – St. Paul MN – September 10th, 2022

First Avenue and The Turf Club present Steve ‘N Seagulls

Review and photos by Jim Zons

I first learned about the Finnish band Steve ‘N Seagulls when I saw their viral video cover of AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck,” an energetic bluegrass version that was captivating and just a ton of fun to watch. When I heard they were returning to America and the Twin Cities, at the historic Turf Club in St. Paul, I knew I needed to catch this show!

The opening act was a duo from Nashville called Volk. They are self-described as a thrash-and-twang duo with their music a unique blend of cowpunk and glam rock. The band features Chris Lowe on guitar and backing vocals and Eleot Reich on drums and lead vocals and were entertaining during their energetic opening set.

Next, it was time for the main attraction, and as soon as they took the stage, you just knew that this was going to be a fun night! Steve ‘N Seagulls claim to fame is truly the bluegrass covers of well-known hard rock and classic rock songs, and they gave the crowd exactly what they wanted with the first song out of the gates: a hyper, bluegrass version of Metallica’s “Master of Puppets!” From there, the bluegrass covers kept coming: Guns and Roses’s “Paradise City,” Deep Purple’s “Perfect Strangers,” the Knack’s “My Sharona” and more! These guys are really more than just a novelty cover band, however: each member of the band is an incredible, multi-instrument, talented musician … some of the best blue grass performers I have ever seen with amazing harmonies!

Whether they were playing one of their own original compositions, or one of the many covers (like Kansas’s “Carry On,” Metallica’s “Seek and Destroy,” The Offspring’s “Self Esteem”), I was amazed at just how manic, and talented, these guys truly are! I have never seen fingers move so fast … it was just amazing! This is one of those few bands who I will make a point of catching in concert every time they return to the United States … you should make sure they are on your own “must see” list!