Acclaimed singer-songwriter Jason Isbell, accompanied by the 400 Unit, made a stop in St. Louis during his 2026 North American Tour on Wednesday night in support of the March 2025 release of his recent acoustic album, Foxes in the Snow. For more than two hours, Isbell and his band filled the Fox Theatre with fan-favorites, essentials, covers, and newer material.
“It’s been too long, St. Louis,” Isbell said to the packed crowd.
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The 47-year-old six-time GRAMMY winner, who came from humble beginnings in rural Alabama, briefly reminisced about the first time they played to not many people at Off Broadway when they first started. He’s come a long way since.
The evening began with Isbell’s ‘90s indie rock-influenced “24 Frames” and slid into the raw “It Gets Easier.” They then performed the easy-going, Americana “Bury Me” off of Foxes in the Snow, which promises to be an instant hit.
During a cover of Drive-By Trucker’s “Decoration Day,” many hoots and hollers could be heard from the crowd, including wide appreciation for a long guitar solo on Isbell’s Les Paul.
The night continued with Isbell and the 400 Unit walking through much of Isbell’s decade-plus catalog, pulling out a range of stellar songs.
Heavy bass pulsated during “Children of Children.” At one point, Isbell switched from acoustic to electric, and he ripped into a slide solo, making it sing. During some banter with guitarist Sadler Vaden, Isbell said that he ate some toasted raviolis before the show. “I think it makes my guitar playing better,” Isbell quipped.
He later asked if everyone was having fun and joked about leaving the kids home alone. “There’s more important shit going on out there, but this feels pretty good in a room like this…thanks for coming out.”
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Each member of the 400 Unit gave their all, and Isbell was keen on spotlighting each one. He even noted that Will Johnson (guitar, backing vocals, drums/percussion, gong) was from Kennett, Missouri.
It was the pulsating “King of Oklahoma,” which included a long guitar jam, that finally roused many in the crowd to their feet. While the acoustic, heartfelt “Cover Me Up” settled the crowd back down, it also elicited whoops, and fans softly sang along to the lyrics.
As the night came to an end, the band came back from a short break to deliver a stellar three-song encore that ended with a rollicking cover of The Rolling Stones’ “Can’t You Hear Me Knocking,” complete with long dueling and solo guitar jams. And, yes, the entire crowd was on their feet to end the evening.
For even more photos from the night, visit bit.ly/Isbell400cz26
