Tommy Castro and The Painkillers
Blues-rock powerhouse Tommy Castro & The Painkillers are bringing their “Closer To The Bone” Tour to The Swan Music Hall for one unforgettable night of soul, swagger, and seriously good vibes.
With his smoking-hot guitar work, impassioned vocals, and high-energy stage presence, Tommy Castro has earned his place among the greats. Backed by his exceptional band—Randy McDonald (bass), Michael Emerson (keys), and Bowen Brown (drums)—Castro delivers a live show that’s pure fire 🔥 … a masterclass in blues, R&B, and rock ’n’ roll.
🎶 Winner of multiple Blues Music Awards, including B.B. King Entertainer of the Year (2023), Tommy’s career spans over four decades and 17 acclaimed albums. Known for his relentless touring schedule—over 150 shows a year—he’s a performer who gives everything on stage, night after night.
The band’s brand-new album, Closer To The Bone (Alligator Records, 2025), takes Castro back to his roots with what he calls “a real blues record.” Expect searing originals like “Ain’t Worth the Heartache” and “Crazy Woman Blues,” plus deep cuts from legends like Magic Slim, Johnny Nitro, and Eddie Taylor. Recorded at California’s legendary Greaseland Studio, the album features guest appearances by Rick Estrin, Chris Cain, Billy Branch, and more. 🎷🎹
RBS – 2nd Annual Cruisin’ The Blues
Multiple award-winning, California-based blues and rock sensation Tommy Castro is the guiatar slinging, soul-singing leader of the telepathically tight and wildly raucous Tommy Castro & The Painkillers. He’s released 17 previous albums over the course of his four-decade career. Each release features its own individual sound and style, ranging from horn-fueled R&B to piping hot blues and soul to fiery, stripped-down rock ‘n’ roll . With his new album, Closer To The Bone, Castro has returned to his roots, delivering what he calls “a real blues record, the way they would have made them back in the day.” Closer To The Bone is the most unvarnished, straight-ahead blues release of Castro’s career, one that bristles with every ounce of his dynamic energy and raw emotion.
Castro received his fourth prestigious and coveted Blues Music Award for B.B. King Entertainer of the Year in 2023. He’s taken home a total of 10 Blues Music Awards and is among the genre’s most decorated artists. Castro’s relentless road-dog approach-gig after gig, 150 nights a year – continues to earn him loyal, lifelong fans everywhere he plays. The Washington Post says Castro is “phenomenal and funky” with “soulful vocals and inspired blues guitar.” Famed guitarist Joe Bonamassa says “Tommy has always been top of the heap among blues guitar players. He always puts on a great show.”