Holy Roller to Perform at Boston Calling Music Festival

News Summary

Richmond-based Southern rock band Holy Roller will take the stage at the Boston Calling Music Festival on May 24, just before TLC. Band members express enthusiasm about the event, making plans to showcase their diverse musical styles and expand their fanbase in New England. The festival marks a significant milestone, being their debut performance in Boston, following the release of their cover of Fleetwood Mac’s ‘The Chain’.

Richmond, VA – The Richmond-based Southern rock band Holy Roller is gearing up for a highly-anticipated performance at the Boston Calling Music Festival on May 24. The band will perform on the Green Stage just hours before the iconic girl group TLC takes the stage, an opportunity that has the lead singer, Rebekah Rafferty, buzzing with excitement.

Rafferty has playfully expressed her aspiration to join TLC, stating she would consider leaving Holy Roller if a spot opened up in the legendary group. Her admiration for TLC dates back to when she watched them perform live, and the upcoming festival marks a unique moment for her to share the stage with an act she deeply respects.

Brady Heck, a guitarist and vocalist in the band, echoed Rafferty’s excitement, revealing his enthusiasm for Avril Lavigne’s performance at Boston Calling, which stirs fond family memories tied to her music. The band prepares for the festival, hoping to leave a lasting impression on the Boston audience as they pursue the expansion of their fanbase in the Northeast.

Holy Roller is a six-member band hailing from Richmond, Virginia, known for blending various musical styles, including Americana, rock, soul, funk, and country. The lineup includes:

• Rebekah Rafferty (vocals, tambourine)
• Brady Heck (guitar, vocals)
• Bryce Doyle (piano, organ)
• Peter Cason (bass guitar)
• Ryan Davis (drums)
• Clay Massok (trumpet, guitar)

Holy Roller originated from a collection of bands that bandmates Brady Heck and Peter Cason participated in since the late 2000s. The group officially adopted the name Holy Roller following an unintended change on social media platforms. Since its inception, the band has released two studio albums, “Holy Roller” in 2019 and “Good Religion” in 2024, alongside several singles to showcase their diverse musical capabilities.

Recently, Holy Roller added to their discography with a cover of Fleetwood Mac’s classic song “The Chain,” which was released on April 25. Their work has garnered attention, most notably receiving praise from esteemed multi-Grammy winning songwriter Jim Lauderdale. This recognition further emphasizes the band’s dedication to quality music and artistry.

Holy Roller secured their performance slot at Boston Calling with support from the local band These Wild Plains and cultivated relationships with former manager Pete Boyd. Their performance at the festival represents not only a significant milestone for the band, but also their debut in Boston. Following their appearance at Boston Calling, Holy Roller will continue their New England tour with additional shows scheduled, including a performance at Middle East in Cambridge on July 12 and another at The Parlour in Providence, Rhode Island, on July 13.

As the festival approaches, both Rafferty and Heck are thrilled about the opportunity to connect with new audiences and showcase their music. Heck has emphasized the importance of delivering the best possible performance on stage, showcasing the band’s dedication to their craft and the excitement surrounding their participation in a celebrated musical event.

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Additional Resources

• MassLive: Singer’s Aspirations at Boston Calling
• Wikipedia: Boston Calling Music Festival
• MassLive: Boston Calling Gallery
• Google Search: Boston Calling Music Festival
• Patriot Ledger: Boston Calling Guide
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Music Festival