Get ready, blues fans! Watermelon Slim (from Clarksdale, Mississippi) and HeavyDrunk, also known as Rob Robinson (from Leiper’s Fork, Tennessee), are about to hit the UK and Europe this October for an unforgettable full-band tour. This powerhouse duo isn’t just bringing their electrifying live presence—they’re also debuting their upcoming album, Bluesland Theme Park. Although the official digital release of the record won’t happen until February 2025, fans at the shows will get an exclusive chance to grab advance copies on vinyl and CD.
Their first single, “Watermelon Girl,” is already making waves. With its laid-back summer vibe, Caribbean beat, steel drums, and pedal steel guitar, it’s the perfect teaser of what’s to come. The song is a heartfelt collaboration—co-written by Rob Robinson and the late Tony Joe White, the legendary musician known for hits like “Polk Salad Annie.” Rob recalls how their friendship blossomed over White’s visits to his BBQ joint in Tennessee, where they started writing the song. “Tony split for heaven before we could finish it,” Rob says, “so I completed it for this record with Slim.” The result is a track that feels both fresh and timeless, infused with the soul of those original sessions.
The spark between Watermelon Slim and HeavyDrunk first ignited in Clarksdale, Mississippi, where they jammed a few shows together before deciding to bring their combined talents to Europe. Rob fondly recalls the moment that sealed their musical partnership: “Once I heard Slim play ‘Little Bighorn,’ I was blown away. It was instantly one of my Watermelon Slim favourites, and it had never been released. So I booked the studio and called the band.”
The result was a trip to Dial Back Sound, a studio owned by Matt Patton of the Drive-By Truckers, in Water Valley, Mississippi, where they laid down the tracks for Bluesland Theme Park. This collaborative energy, coupled with a full band, promises audiences a raw, rich experience filled with the grit and passion of true blues.
As for the name “HeavyDrunk,” Rob explains it’s a nod to a quote from blues legend Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown. A musician who played with Brown once relayed to Rob: “Man, he’s a no-playin’ so-and-so… and a heavy drunk!” Embracing that spirit, Rob’s persona as HeavyDrunk embodies the wild, untamed energy that only real blues can deliver.
This autumn, don’t miss the chance to see Watermelon Slim and HeavyDrunk live. With their shared love of storytelling and musicianship, this tour promises to be an unforgettable journey through the heart of blues—bringing audiences something special, raw, and exclusive. Keep an eye out for tour dates and make sure to grab a copy of Bluesland Theme Park before it officially hits the airwaves. Blues fans, this is one not to miss!
FALL 2024 UK TOUR (full band tour)
Oct 2nd – Leytonstone Social Club, London
Oct 3rd – The Hound Dog, Derby
Oct 4th – Mcchuills, Glasgow
Oct 5th – Anarchy Brewery, Newcastle
Oct 6th – The Kings, Portsmouth
Oct 8th – The Waterfront Studio, Norwich
Oct 9th – The Portland Arms, Cambridge
Oct 10th – Long Street Blues Club, Devizes
Oct 11th – The Golden Lion, Bristol
Oct 12th – Off The Cuff Bar, London
