A Devil, a Shot, and a Second Chance: A Folk Night with Amigo the Devil
Icon, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
Some birthday gifts come in boxes. Some come wrapped in ribbons. And then some come with blood, sweat, and banjo strings. This year, mine came in the form of two surprise tickets from my boy Blue—to see Amigo the Devil live.
Now, let me be honest: I was torn. I had a Live Nation press pass burning a hole in my inbox, offering access to cover Sullivan King. But Blue’s gift meant more than just a concert—he’s the one who first introduced me to Amigo’s dark, poetic world of murder ballads, whiskey tears, and folk philosophy. I couldn’t say no.
Thankfully, our editor Jeremy Mercier made the decision easier—he stepped up to cover Sullivan King for us, press pass and all. Crisis averted. Guilt absolved. And I got to keep my date with the Devil.
Tangled Cords and Familiar Faces
Before the music even started, the night gave us a dose of small-town serendipity. We ran into my wife’s brother outside the venue—he paused to check if the sound crew needed anything. Why? Because he was already running sound over at Club David down the road. Classic family multitasking.
A Shot and a Soundcheck
I don’t drink much these days, but when you’re hanging in the green room with the opener and the vibe is good, a single shot of Jameson hits just right. It was the perfect icebreaker with David Talley, the night’s opener—and let me tell you, this man delivered.
David hit the stage with a sound rooted in Americana, peppered with witty one-liners and a natural storyteller’s charm. It was country with just enough grit, and his timing made it land. When his set wrapped, he went straight back to the merch booth—not just to sell stuff, but to connect. I always respect when an opener does that.
A Talk with Talley
I got a chance to chat with David after his set. Here’s what I learned:
Born: 1987, Columbia
Raised partly in: Ecuador (which gave his accent a unique tilt)
Lives in: Nashville, since 2008
Musician since: Age 15
Joined Amigo’s crew: About 4.5 years ago
Next stop: Billings, Montana
Even better—my buddy Nelson came with me and struck up a great conversation with David, switching effortlessly into Spanish. They bonded over Columbia and Ecuador and the subtleties of the accent that lingered in David’s voice. That’s the kind of unscripted moment that makes a show feel personal.
Also big thanks to Nelson for running to grab me tacos since icon had no food this night!
Amigo the Devil: A Beautiful Mess
Then came the man himself: Amigo the Devil, stepping onto a stage full of shadows and possibility. Right out of the gate, he set the tone with a grin: “If things go wrong tonight—we’ll roll with that too.”
And wouldn’t you know it… something went wrong.
Because of me.
Okay, maybe technically not my fault, but let’s just say I caused enough distraction that Amigo’s guitarist missed a guitar solo. But in true Amigo fashion, he didn’t flinch. He sang the solo out loud—full volume, no instrument, just soul—and it worked. Honestly? Might’ve been better that way.
Later, he shared something heavy. Just two weeks ago, he lost everything in a house fire. The crowd got quiet. Real quiet. I felt that in my chest—I’ve been through a house fire myself, back when I lived in Helena, Montana. That kind of loss changes you. But here he was, raw and real, still on stage, still giving.
The Merch Dream Team
Let’s not forget the behind-the-scenes MVPs: the merch crew. The table was a well-oiled operation, with David Talley tag-teaming with the merch girl like seasoned pros. And they stayed open after the show, which meant no one had to awkwardly cradle T-shirts during the set. It’s the little things that matter.
Youtube music: Amigo The Devil Inspired song we made!
Spotify music: Amigo The Devil Inspired song we made!
Final Notes
This wasn’t some arena blowout. It was an added date in a smaller city. But the room was packed, the energy was intimate, and the connection between artist and audience was undeniable. It was the kind of show where everyone laughs at the same time, cries at different parts, and sings like no one’s watching—even though we all were.
In the end, I missed a big name EDM act for a night with the Devil.
And I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Not when the whiskey’s warm,
the strings are honest,
and the fire still sings.
Happy birthday to me. Grabbed some vinyl for the collection at home too! Thanks, Blue.