In the month of August, an impressive gathering of nearly one million motorcycle enthusiasts is anticipated to flock to the stunning Black Hills of South Dakota for the highly celebrated 85th annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. To ramp up excitement for this monumental event, renowned rock musician Jesse James Dupree made an appearance on Loudwire Nights on Monday, June 23, sharing insights and tips with listeners about what to expect during this electrifying celebration, which is often regarded as the biggest party of the year.

Catch the complete interview and hear all the details by tuning into the audio player located near the end of this article.

“It’s genuinely the last fantasy island for adults left in this world,” Dupree passionately remarked to host Chuck Armstrong while discussing the vibrant atmosphere at the rally and the iconic Full Throttle Saloon, which is recognized as the world’s largest biker bar.

“Every individual should experience it at least once. You’re surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Deadwood, and Devils Tower. Just think about it; the gold rush originated in Deadwood… It’s simply stunning. It could take a person five years to fully explore everything that this magnificent land has to offer, often referred to as God’s country.

For the delight of fans, Dupree, along with the Full Throttle Saloon, has teamed up with Loudwire Nights to provide an exciting giveaway of wristbands for the Full Throttle Saloon. Make sure to check here for all the essential details and learn how you can enter for a chance to win this thrilling experience.

“You don’t need to ride a motorcycle to enjoy it,” Dupree reassured listeners. “It’s truly the time of your life.”

Exciting New Music Projects from Jesse James Dupree

As he gears up for the upcoming Sturgis event, Dupree shared with Chuck his ongoing efforts in creating new music after the release of his latest solo album, Breathing Fire. He expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I’m in the process of finalizing the mixes, and I can promise you, it’s just a slab of rock that’s going to blow your mind.”

“You know the classic song ‘Crossroads’… It’s a timeless rock and roll tale, representative of a universal experience, as we all encounter the crossroads at various points in our lives. Inspired by this, I decided to reinterpret that narrative through my own lens. Hence, I wrote a new track titled ‘Mississippi Madness’ and incorporated a voice box reminiscent of the one used by Peter Frampton to make the guitar communicate… I’m genuinely excited about this song.”

In addition to his creative take on ‘Crossroads,’ Dupree revealed that he has also crafted a powerful rendition of the classic ‘Country Boy Can Survive.’ He is equally eager for fans to experience his fresh response to an old-school classic country hit.

READ MORE: Zoltan Bathory Discusses Why Five Finger Death Punch Are Re-Recording Their Music – ‘We Can Play This Game’

“Do you recall the classic Kris Kristofferson song that Johnny Cash famously covered called ‘Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down?'” Dupree queried Chuck.

“I pondered what the protagonist might have been experiencing the night before. Where was he on Saturday night? This reflection led me to compose a new song entitled ‘Down to Me and Jesus,’ which captures the transition of Saturday night turning into Sunday morning.”

Key Insights from Jesse James Dupree’s Appearance on Loudwire Nights

• Revealing the unexpected roots of a major country band in Black Sabbath: “I used to attend rehearsals at a friend’s hardware store, situated in the basement, where they played Black Sabbath. At that time, I thought they were quite ominous. I was just a young kid. The band was Alabama, who later transitioned to a successful country band with numerous hits, but their roots were deeply entrenched in rock.”
• Exploring the lasting influence of Sabbath on Dupree: “The evolution of music and cultural changes have made it less intimidating for audiences today, compared to when I was growing up. It was akin to the experience of watching The Exorcist. The sound was profoundly powerful and resonated with a certain darkness… They showcased the transformative power of music and established a reference point that had never been seen before.”
• Sharing the story behind his campground’s name at the Full Throttle Saloon, inspired by Pappy Hoel: “[Pappy] began hosting an annual picnic where everyone would ride their motorcycles, competing to see who could climb the highest hills on their bikes. This event grew substantially over the years, culminating in the 50th anniversary, which overflowed into the city park. Despite the city attempting to halt the rally, it only gained more momentum.”

Don’t Miss the Full Interview in the Podcast Player Below

Jesse James Dupree featured on Loudwire Nights on June 23; the show is available for online listening, and you can catch it live every weeknight at 7 PM ET. You can also check if it’s available on your local radio station and listen to previous interviews on-demand.