When Jesse Ahern walks onstage, he looks like a regular guy-albeit one with a six string strapped across his body and an anchor tattoo under his right eye. As he tears through his set, easily rousing brand new crowds to shout his choruses back in his face, it’s clear Jesse could be everybody’s friend.
Ahern’s tunes hold the clenched fists of the working class. Others put on full display the raw open heart of a man who is dedicated to love, and has known enough loss to cherish what he has at home. Still others reveal the tender, protective arms of a father who misses his kids when he’s off touring the world.
On tour, Ahern stands before a giant backdrop emblazoned with the words ROOTS ROCK REBEL. Three words that proclaim the truth about his music, and the man himself. The new album produced by Ted Hutt (Dropkick Murphys, Gaslight Anthem) takes those three words a giant step further.
Ahern has spent the last few years touring the world, sharing stages with Dropkick Murphys, Rancid, Chuck Ragan, Frank Turner and Jaime Wyatt. With the release of the “Roots Rock Rebel” Ahern will travel many more miles around the globe, converting more first time crowds into future longtime fans.
“The energy at The Ryman Auditorium was pleasant and inviting as Boston based musician, Jesse Ahern, walked on stage. Ahern, who has previously toured with Dropkick Murphys, captivated the crowd with not only his beautiful voice, but also his amazing storytelling. He had the crowd’s undivided attention as he spoke about how he got his start, his children, and how he appreciates Dropkick Murphys for giving him a chance to live his dream. During his 35 minute set he performed the songs “Pray,” “I Drive A Truck,” and closed out with fan favorite “Logging Miles.” ” - Brittany Nicholson