SAVING ABEL – LIVE AT BLEACHERS BAR IN BRISTOL
Saving Abel at Bleachers Bar – Bristol, CT – 10/17/25
Saturday night at Bleachers Bar had a certain spark. Saving Abel took the stage and reminded everyone exactly why they’ve endured over the years and why they’re still a band to watch. With a refreshed lineup and renewed energy, they’ve clearly entered a new chapter, and it suits them.
The venue was packed, but not overwhelming. A perfect spot for fans to get up close and personal with the band. There was a good mix of longtime followers and newer faces, all there for the same reason: to rock out and relive (or discover) some gritty, Southern-tinged post-grunge energy.
They opened strong with “New Tattoo,” setting the tone from the first note. New frontman Randy Arthur Webb stepped into the spotlight with confidence, bringing his own vocal style to the table. Instead of imitating the past, he delivered a smoother, more controlled performance — still with enough grit to stay true to the band’s signature edge.
The momentum kept rolling with “Mystify” and “Bringing Down the Giant,” as the band sounded focused and well-locked in. The energy from the stage was matched by the crowd, who were clearly there for every beat.
A standout early on was new drummer Garfield Redden, whose sharp, hard-hitting style gave new life to the older material. He fit seamlessly with longtime members Jason Null (Lead Guitar), Scott Bartlett (Rhythm Guitar), and Scott Wilson (Bass). Together, they delivered a performance that felt tight, cohesive, and genuinely dialed in like a group that’s both seasoned and still pushing forward.
The middle stretch of the set leaned into classic Saving Abel territory, with crowd favorites like “You Make Me Sick,” “Mississippi Moonshine,” and “The Sex is Good.” The energy stayed high, and Randy’s vocals held strong, even through the more aggressive tracks. His presence on stage felt natural, not over-the-top, just steady and confident.
One of the night’s more unexpected moments came with a cover of Three Doors Down’s “Kryptonite.” It was a pleasant surprise that got the whole room singing along, with solid guitar work keeping the vibe upbeat and engaging.
“Hell of a Ride” followed, fittingly summing up the night’s momentum. Then came a surprise deep cut: “Secrets,” a song not often heard live. Its darker, more modern rock feel stood out in the setlist, drawing a strong reaction and adding a fresh dynamic to the show.
They closed the night with a powerful trio: “Drowning (Face Down),” “18 Days,” and the unmistakable “Addicted”. The crowd sang every word, and the nostalgia hit hard but it never felt stale. Randy delivered the vocals with respect and individuality, giving longtime fans something familiar but with a new edge.
With more than one version of Saving Abel on the road these days, this lineup featuring Randy Arthur Webb on vocals and Garfield Redden on drums, alongside veterans Jason Null, Scott Bartlett, and Scott Wilson proved they’re a force in their own right. The performance balanced familiar hits with fresh energy, offering a nod to the band’s roots while continuing to push forward. If you haven’t seen this version of Saving Abel yet, it’s worth the ticket. Honest energy, tight musicianship, and a setlist that hits all the right notes. It was a memorable night in Bristol.
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