Ole 60’s Rowdy Country Fire Lights Up Railbird Festival 2025 Day 2

The Kentucky evening was heating up on June 1, 2025, when Ole 60 stormed the Burl Stage at Railbird Festival. Their 6:30 p.m. set brought gritty, Southern country to Lexington’s Red Mile, shaking the crowd. Consequently, fans, now buzzing with bourbon, roared for their raw anthems. For 45 minutes, this Kentucky band delivered a barroom blast, fueling Day 2’s wild energy.

Their performance was a mix of twangy hooks and rebel spirit. For instance, they opened with “Smoke & Pills,” its driving riff grabbing fans fast. Meanwhile, Jacob Young’s vocals carried a rough, defiant growl, like a backroad brawler. The band—loud and tight—kept the pace high, with Taylor Shaw’s guitar blazing. Moreover, “Boot Straps” had fans shouting along, its bold lyrics sparking fists in the air. By the end, with “Hurt,” the crowd hollered, swept up in their grit.

From Kentucky Backroads to Viral Buzz

Ole 60 formed in Henderson, Kentucky, in 2021, born from small-town jams and bar gigs. The members—Jacob Young (born ~1997), Taylor Shaw (born ~1996), Peyton Newey (born ~1998), Will Clemmons (born ~1997), and Ryan Walsh (born ~1996)—grew up in Kentucky’s rural heart. Young, the frontman, picked up guitar at 15, inspired by his dad’s Hank Williams Jr. records. Shaw, also on guitar, fell for country after hearing Eric Church. Newey’s guitar came from rock roots, Clemmons’ bass from blues, and Walsh’s drums from local bands.

Their early shows in Kentucky dives built a loyal following. Consequently, their 2022 single “Smoke & Pills” went viral on social media, racking up streams. By 2024, their debut EP, Three Twenty Four, hit country playlists, with “Boot Straps” gaining traction. For example, they’ve played regional fests like Kentucky’s Master Musicians Festival, sharing stages with Koe Wetzel. Now based in Henderson, they blend country, rock, and Southern soul, often compared to The Steel Woods for their raw edge.

Bands and Bandmates

Ole 60 is the main project for all members, with no major side bands noted. Their core lineup includes:

• Jacob Young – vocals, guitar
• Taylor Shaw – guitar
• Peyton Newey – guitar
• Will Clemmons – bass
• Ryan Walsh – drums

They’ve opened for acts like Zach Top but haven’t formed formal collaborations. Meanwhile, their personal lives stay private, with no news of romantic ties to other artists. For instance, Young’s focus on rowdy shows and Kentucky pride drives their image. Their small-town brotherhood fuels their music, keeping the spotlight on their sound.

Television, Film, and Awards

Their media presence is modest, fitting their grassroots rise. They performed on a 2023 Kentucky Music Showcase web series, playing “Smoke & Pills.” Additionally, their song “Boot Straps” was used in a 2024 short film, Kentucky Dust, about a coal miner’s life. For awards, they won the 2023 Kentucky Music Awards for Best New Band, a nod to their local fanbase. Moreover, they were nominated for the 2024 Nashville Indie Awards for Breakthrough Country Act but didn’t win. Hall of fame inductions are far off, but their buzz grows fast.

Biggest Songs

Their music thrives on streaming platforms and live crowds, with a few tracks breaking out:

• “Smoke & Pills” – Written by Jacob Young and Taylor Shaw, this 2022 single has over 10 million streams.
• “Boot Straps” – Penned by the band, this 2024 track hit country playlists, nearing 5 million streams.
• “Hurt” – Written by Young, this 2024 song from Three Twenty Four is a live-show favorite.

Controversies

Ole 60’s rowdy image has sparked minor trouble. In 2023, a bar gig in Bowling Green drew flak when Young tossed beer cans into the crowd, hitting a fan. The band apologized, calling it a misjudged stunt, and the issue faded. Consequently, social media buzz died down, with most fans laughing it off. Additionally, their lyrics about drinking and fighting have drawn occasional online criticism for glorifying “redneck” stereotypes, but they’ve shrugged it off as authentic. Otherwise, their focus on music keeps drama low, though their wild antics invite occasional chatter.

The Railbird Barroom Bash

At Railbird, Ole 60 turned the Burl Stage into a Kentucky honky-tonk. Their set felt like a late-night bar fight. For instance, “Smoke & Pills” opened with Shaw’s searing guitar, pulling fans to the stage’s edge. Meanwhile, Young’s banter—about backroad bonfires and cheap whiskey—drew hollers from locals. Walsh’s drums in “Boot Straps” pounded hard, sparking fist-pumps from younger fans.

The stage setup was gritty—three guitars, bass, and big drums—with a Kentucky flag draped behind. As a result, the crowd, a mix of country fans and festivalgoers, got rowdy, snapping photos. During “Hurt,” Young’s raw vocals hit a tender note, earning cheers from quieter listeners. Moreover, their cover of Merle Haggard’s “Mama Tried” was a crowd-pleaser, its twang connecting with traditionalists.

Yet, the set had a small snag. A brief power dip during “Smoke & Pills” caused a pause, but Newey’s quick riff kept the vibe alive. Additionally, the 6:30 p.m. slot clashed with bigger Limestone Stage acts, pulling some fans away. Nevertheless, the Burl Stage crowd stayed locked in, shouting lyrics by the end. The stage buzzed with raw energy, fans raving about their fire.

Ole 60’s performance was a Day 2 spark, blending country grit with festival chaos. For example, Young’s story about writing “Boot Straps” in a pickup truck felt real, resonating with small-town fans. Meanwhile, their music carried a rebel edge, appealing to younger crowds craving anthems. Consequently, they proved they’re a festival force, stealing the evening with their volume. Their set was a nod to Railbird’s love for homegrown wildcards.

As they left the stage, fans lingered, swapping tales of Shaw’s solos and hunting for band tees. Their performance showed why Railbird champions local acts. Ole 60 brought heart, twang, and a touch of Kentucky dust, making the Burl Stage their own. As a result, their music echoed across the infield, a loud jolt for Day 2’s night. The Kentucky air seemed to crackle with their fire as their notes faded.

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