Preacher Stone

Preacher Stone is an American southern rock group from the United States, formed in 2008 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The band is founded by songwriters Marty Hill and Ronnie Riddle and draws on the classic southern rock sound associated with acts such as Lynyrd Skynyrd and Molly Hatchet, while also adding a modern edge. Its members include Brent Enman, Marty Hill, Ronnie Riddle, Josh Sanders and Mark Hill.

Career and sound

The group develops from the remnants of two local North Carolina bands, Phantom Park and Riddle. In its early configuration, the lineup includes Ronnie Riddle on lead vocals, Marty Hill on lead guitar, Ben Robinson on guitar, Johnny Webb on keyboards, Jim Bolt on bass and Josh Wyatt on drums. The band becomes known for energetic live performances and builds a following known as “The Congregation”. Its songs focus on everyday subjects including love, struggle and Southern identity.

Releases and recognition

Preacher Stone’s self-titled debut album appears in 2009 and gains airplay across the United States and Europe. The song “Not Today” brings wider attention after appearing in two seasons of the FX series Sons of Anarchy. The band goes on to release Uncle Buck’s Vittles in 2010, Paydirt in 2014, Remedy in 2016 and V in 2024. Its later recordings broaden the sound with influences from classic rock and Americana while keeping the southern rock base intact.

Tours and performances

The band tours extensively in the United States and Europe and shares stages with ZZ Top, Blackberry Smoke, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Deep Purple. It also appears multiple times on the Lynyrd Skynyrd Simple Man Cruise and the Rock Legends Cruise, and undertakes a European tour covering five countries in 2016.

Recent lineup changes

Preacher Stone continues after major losses in 2024, including the deaths of keyboardist Johnny Webb in January and founding guitarist Marty Hill in May. The group carries on with Ronnie Riddle, Ben Robinson, Jim Bolt, Josh Wyatt and guitarist Nick Nguyen, who is chosen by Hill.

Production

The album V is recorded at Gat3 Studios in Charlotte with Grammy-winning producer Glenn Tabor.