Wilderado’s return to Albany felt less like a tour stop and more like a milestone. Graduating from Empire Underground to the main stage at Empire Live, the Tulsa-based band delivered a triumphant, emotionally charged set that proved just how far they’ve come. Backed by a vibrant light show and the kind of humble storytelling that has become their signature, Wilderado reminded the crowd that their growth hasn’t dulled their charm, it’s only sharpened their edge. The show was presented by local radio station WEQX, who has been championing their hit single “Surefire” since the beginning.
Opening the night was Timmy Skelly, a name you may not yet know, but should. A rising artist who brought a refreshing blend of grit, vulnerability, swagger, and hook-heavy songwriting. Wearing his heart and his mullet on his sleeve, Skelly won over the early crowd one sip of PBR at a time. Playing mostly songs from his 2024 EP Dive Bar Sermon, tunes like “Soul on Fire” and “Telluride” showcased his knack for writing a catchy chorus and his incredible vocal range, while “Dear Depression” and “Come On Diana” touched on emotions all of us can relate to.
His backing band was as tight as it was versatile. Enrique Duarte’s unique bass brought thunder and flair, while John McManus showcased unexpected finesse, switching from drums to mandolin for their new single “NYE.” Skelly’s barroom anecdotes and offbeat football memories between songs made the performance feel like a living room show, that is if your living room had a killer PA and a band with punk-rock leanings, country soul and real chemistry. The crowd’s enthusiastic response after Skelly’s heartfelt plea, “Cheer for us the way you would Wilderado just so we can know how that feels” proved the hype is more than real. It’s earned.
Touring with brilliant bands like My Morning Jacket, Band of Horses and Rainbow Kitten Surprise, along with playing major festival dates around the country, the word-of-mouth buzz is spreading about Wilderado. One fan told me he drove all the way from Buffalo to Albany after seeing them perform at Borderlands last fall. Hooked ever since, he needed to see a proper headlining set.
Greeted by the unmistakable warmth of a crowd that’s been listening closely, especially through local radio favorite WEQX, Wilderado took the Empire Live stage by storm. Touring behind the momentum of their most recent album Talker, the band wove a setlist that felt both retrospective and forward-looking. Flashing the boyish, Midwestern charm that has won over fans across the country, frontman Max Rainer, flanked by longtime bandmates Tyler Wimpee and Justin Kila, showed comrade on-stage and off, spending the day taking in the sights of downtown Albany together. After a stroll past the capital building and admiring the unique architecture of the Empire State Plaza, they decided to grab a pre-show dinner at Dove + Deer, which is always a solid recommendation. With their bellies full and spirits high, it was finally time to rock.
Opening up with the first three tracks from their 2021 self-titled album, Wilderado proved they’re not only road-tested, but also joyfully committed to the songs that got them here. From the shimmering nostalgia of “Morning Light” to the driving pulse of “Wheat,” they played with the energy of a band that’s still genuinely excited to perform even a decade in, smiles rarely leaving their faces.
While the band has been riding a wave of success since the last time they were in Albany, they also didn’t shy away from their past. Their performance of “Favors,” a song written in defiance of an old label’s rejection, came across as both cathartic and triumphant with its lush harmonies a subtle rebuke to the criticism that once sidelined them. Now signed to Bright Antenna Records, the band is clearly finding its stride.
Rainer, switching effortlessly between acoustic and electric guitars, took some time to shout out Skelly’s set, saying, “It’s not often you find a true rock band, I’ve never heard of them before, but I’m so glad we discovered them together here in Albany tonight.” There was a real sense of gratitude from the stage. Between songs, Rainer addressed the crowd with raw sincerity. “If we never see each other again in this life, I just want you to know from the bottom of my heart, I’m thankful to each and every one of you.” It was more than just stage banter, it felt like the truth.
Causally mentioning their new album Talker, Rainer asked “should we tell you anything about it, or just play?” Opting to let the music speak for itself, Wilderado worked their way through tracks like “Bad Luck,” “Higher Than Most,” and “In Between,” before getting sentimental on the old-school favorite “Take Some Time.” Saving their big radio hit for last, the energy level in the room erupted at the opening chords of “Surefire.”
Returning for an encore, Wilderado closed with another fan-favorite, finally giving the crowd what it had been calling for all night, “Rubble to Rubble.” With all four members converging at the center of the stage, the a cappella harmonies drew the room into a communal chorus that felt like a small, powerful victory for live music itself. A moment of solidarity between artist and audience that made the hairs on your neck stand up. Grounded in humility, after the set Rainer leapt into the front row, hugging fans, posing for selfies, and cementing his rockstar status, at least in the eyes of the many new fans Wilderado earned that night.
An affordable show with two incredible bands on the rise. With both Wilderado and Timmy Skelly scheduled for Boston Calling this weekend, one thing is clear: these are two bands worthy of your time and your ears. On this night in Albany, they both made sure everyone got their monies worth.
Wilderado | May 20, 2025 | Empire Live | Albany, NY
Setlist: Stranger, Astronaut, Head Right, Higer Than Most, Morning Light, Wheat, Favors, Talker, Bad Luck, In Between, The Ocean and the Sea, Take Some Time, Surefire.
Encore: Rubble to Rubble.
Timmy Skelly | May 20, 2025 | Empire Live | Albany, NY
Setlist (Partial): Soul on Fire, Come on Diana, Dear Depression, Dive Bar Sermon, NYE, Breckenridge Lane.
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