Preacher Stone Unveil New Single And Video ‘Old Joe’, Lifted From Acclaimed Album ‘By The Horns’

North Carolina southern rock veterans, Preacher Stone have released their strutting new single and video ‘Old Joe’, taken from their highly acclaimed sixth studio album ‘By The Horns’, which is available now on CD, digital download and vinyl direct from the band.

‘Old Joe’ arrives as a compelling slice of storytelling rock ‘n’ roll, centred on a haunting piece of local folklore close to frontman Ronnie Riddle’s heart.

The charismatic vocalist explains the song’s deeply human meaning: “It’s a ghost story about a local folklore figure who used to walk the streets every day that I would see. “

“He would buy two fifths of whiskey and stroll from one side of town to the other, and people swear that he is still seen today – he was a war veteran, very much part of the fabric of the town.”

The tale carries weight beyond its ghost story framing. “There were far too many men of a generation who returned from war – many had mental health issues but went back to work. Others never got the welcome home and thanks for their service that they deserved, and fell on hard times where more could have been done to support them… sadly that still happens to this day across the world,” Riddle adds.

“It is a theme that lends ‘Old Joe’ a resonance and emotional gravity that extends well beyond the song’s regional roots, and serves as a fitting representation of the emotional depth running throughout ‘By The Horns’.”

The album itself, Preacher Stone’s sixth full-length, was born out of a period of considerable personal upheaval and hard-won triumph for the band.

Riddle reflects on its origins: “As cliché as it is, we literally grabbed this one by the horns as we have been through a lot of personal turmoil, angst and grief alongside incredible highs over recent years. We’ve 100% unapologetically made the type of rock ‘n’ roll record that we grew up listening to in the 70s – it rocks from the off and we rode it like we stole it.”

The nine-track collection was recorded at the legendary Gat3 Studios in Charlotte, North Carolina, produced and engineered by multiple Grammy-winning producer Glenn Tabor, whose credentials include work with Bon Jovi, Def Leppard and Kid Rock.

The album has earned Preacher Stone a wealth of glowing critical notices since its release. MetalTalk praised it as “quality southern rock, rich in quality”, while Maximum Volume Music called the record “defiant, proud, and unshakably authentic.”

Rockposer described it as “a masterclass in how to craft a classic rock album”, and Jace Media labelled it “a statement of perseverance, brotherhood, and the joy of playing music that matters – a must-listen.” Fabrications HQ went further still, declaring it the band’s “best album to date, no exception.”

Preacher Stone are a band rooted firmly in the southern rock tradition – a high-octane, 200-proof guitar-driven outfit whose songs speak to the common man with smoky bar tales and a swagger that has earned them a fiercely loyal fanbase known as “The Congregation.”

Alongside frontman Ronnie Riddle, the brotherhood of the band comprises Ben Robinson on guitar, Darrell Whitt on guitar, Jim Bolt on bass, and Wyatt on drums. The lineup carries deep musical heritage, and the band’s collective experience spans decades of touring and recording.

Their cultural footprint extends into television as well. Preacher Stone’s track ‘Not Today’ was featured across two seasons of the hit FX drama Sons of Anarchy, a placement that brought their music to millions of new ears worldwide.

The band has toured extensively throughout the USA, UK and Europe, sharing stages with some of rock’s most celebrated names, including Lynyrd Skynyrd, ZZ Top and Deep Purple. Most recently, their performance at Planet Rock’s Winter’s End festival drew a standout response.

Planet Rock Radio’s Paul Anthony was unequivocal in his praise: “The real deal – absolutely nailed it last night with their own brand of infectious rock ‘n’ roll.”

With ‘By The Horns’ receiving widespread acclaim and Preacher Stone showing no signs of letting up, the band remain bullish about what lies ahead.

“We really hope those that listen feel the love and emotion that went into this record, and that’s going to come across live even more so,” Riddle says. “We play and write for our friends and fans first and foremost, and while change is inevitable, we’ve got the same attitude that never will – and you can count on that.”

‘Old Joe’ is out now. ‘By The Horns’ is available on CD, vinyl and digital download direct from Preacher Stone, HERE.