Bilmuri Returns to Charlotte NC with Summer Slammer Tour

September 24, 2025

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Bilmuri has returned to the Carolinas for this super-limited run tour called the “Summer Slammer Tour “. With only 14 dates on the tour, we were lucky to get a date here in Charlotte to end the summer season. Their special guests for this run were John Harvie and Driveways (On Select Dates). Bilmuri has finally gained the fanbase over the past few years after its inception 10 years ago. In my opinion, I am not sure that Johnny Franck (Bilmuri) expected such a loyal following from what I perceived to be a fun experimental solo endeavor when he first announced the project. To my surprise, here we are a decade later, and with only 4 major touring years, he is selling out decently sized venues such as The Fillmore here in Charlotte.

With great anticipation, Bilmuri takes the stage with his touring band, and they start it off with “EMPTYHANDED”. Such a great sing-along to start the high-energy set off with! As the set went on, I noticed how strategically the setlist was to get maximum crowd engagement . Between each song, Johnny inserted funny one-liner jokes such as “I don’t know how I ended up making a song about Ohio”. The high commitment, energy, and passion they have during the set is actually quite masterful for not touring that long together. I honestly believe the solo project should permanently be this combination, as it just works so perfectly. The live experience from this band is just so much better than the recorded version, and that is pretty rare. The crowd’s mutual energy also plays a huge factor in this experience . Nonstop sing-alongs, ridiculous drum fills, and very cool saxophone solos really highlight the live experience. I can’t wait to catch Bilmuri live again on the next tour and would even travel far to see them if that tells you anything about their live show!