Billy Strings Plays He-Man, Joins Leftover Salmon and Announces a Halloween Pause After Next Year

Billy Strings brought a distinctive theatrical flair to his annual Halloween concert at Baltimore’s Bank Arena, delivering an imaginative tribute to the classic 1980s cartoon He-Man and the Masters of the Universe. Known for transforming this night into a thematic spectacle, the bluegrass virtuoso embraced the role of He-Man himself, donning a costume complete with the iconic muscular suit and blonde wig, while the stage showcased the cartoon’s famed Castle Grayskull as a backdrop.

This year’s celebration was marked by an expanded lineup that included collaborators and friends, such as Leftover Salmon’s Alwyn Robinson on drums, guitarist Chris Sterr, and keyboardist Jimmy Olsen, augmenting Strings’ regular band members. Strings’ bassist Royal Masat and mandolinist Jarrod Walker switched to electric instruments during the performance, contributing to the evening’s diverse sonic palette.

Strings and his ensemble opened the show with the He-Man theme song and introduced two original compositions, “Prince Adam” and “Teela’s Quest,” inspired by Masters of the Universe characters. These compositions were woven into the concert’s narrative, with notable appearances by Molly Tuttle and Sierra Hull, who took on the roles of the show’s principal female characters and contributed vocally and instrumentally.

The setlist was an eclectic mix, carefully curated to reflect the He-Man storyline through both original work and covers. The group tackled songs such as Pink Floyd’s “Fearless,” the theme “Portal To Earth” from the cartoon’s composers Shuki Levy and Haim Saban, and Snap!’s “The Power,” during which Strings notably incorporated rap vocals. This blend underscored the multi-genre approach Strings favored throughout the night.

Sierra Hull’s presence was highlighted in a segment featuring Diana Ross’ “Muscles” and a series of intricate instrumental pieces, including selections by Béla Fleck and Bad Livers. After intermission, Strings ventured into heavier territory with a cover of Slayer’s “Skeletons of Society,” reflecting his metal influences, and continued with renditions of Dio’s “Rainbow in the Dark” and Black Sabbath’s “Symptom of the Universe.”

The diversity of the evening was further emphasized by interpretations of music from progressive rock band Yes, folk artist Frank Wakefield, and Sheryl Crow, with Molly Tuttle joining on the latter. The concert’s energetic crescendo featured live debuts of Molly Hatchet’s “Flirtin’ With Disaster,” Bob Dylan’s “All Along the Watchtower,” and Foo Fighters’ “My Hero,” before concluding with a reprise of the He-Man theme.

Following the main event, Strings, alongside Hull and Tuttle, surprised attendees by joining Leftover Salmon at a nearby venue, Nevermore Hall, extending the musical festivities. The collaboration underscored the communal spirit of the weekend, which included a prior show at the same arena where several guest musicians made appearances and Strings teased future musical directions with snippets like “Orko’s Theme.”

In a reflective moment shared on social media after the shows, Strings revealed that this Halloween event might be his final one for some time, citing a desire to spend more holiday time with his young son. This decision adds a poignant layer to an already emotionally resonant weekend, marking a shift in his personal priorities while closing an important chapter of his annual live performances.

Looking ahead, Strings is scheduled to perform with Trey Anastasio and the Trey Anastasio Band at Worcester, Massachusetts’s DCU Center later in November. The shows will support the Divided Sky Foundation, continuing his engagement with collaborative and philanthropic endeavors.

Billy Strings’ 2024 Halloween celebration not only showcased his musical versatility and theatrical creativity but also highlighted his deep connections within the music community and his evolving balance between career and family life. As he prepares for an upcoming hiatus from this signature event, fans can anticipate further artistic developments in the near future.