GARY CLARK JR
Gary Clark Jr, Parx Casino, Bensalem, PA 7/3/25.
I’ve been waiting for years to see Gary Clark Jr. live, so spotting a billboard announcing his show at Parx Casino felt like fate. Finally, I was going to witness the guitar legend in person, and he didn’t disappoint.
The night kicked off with Lamont Landers, an R&B/soul powerhouse I’d seen before opening for the Black Pumas. I already knew we were in for a treat, but he still managed to blow me away. His standout moment was a soulful, spine-tingling cover of Al Green’s “Love and Happiness,” which showcased the full force of his vocal range. It was the perfect warm-up for what was to come.
After a quick changeover, the lights dimmed, and the stage glowed in a smoky orange haze as Gary Clark Jr. stepped out to a roaring Philly crowd. He opened with a gritty, hypnotic rendition of Robert Petway’s “Catfish Blues,” setting the tone for a night that would blend blues, rock, soul, and straight-up magic.
Early in the set, someone in the crowd shouted, “Man, you can really jam!” Gary cracked a grin and replied, “I like the way you put that can you follow me around forever?” The room laughed, and just like that, the connection between artist and audience was electric. He took his time between songs, chatting and sharing stories, making the large venue feel intimate.
A high point of the evening came when he launched into “Don’t Owe You a Thang.” Though it was technically a seated show, that didn’t stop the crowd, everyone was up and dancing, fully caught up in the rhythm. But the ultimate moment came when he closed with his iconic hit, “Bright Lights.” As the opening riff rang out, phones lit up across the venue, capturing a performance that felt both massive and personal. You could feel the awe in the room, Philly fans were completely captivated.
Gary Clark Jr. didn’t just deliver a concert; he delivered a full experience. His return can’t come soon enough.
Shot and Written by Jonah van Bemmelen
