It was a celebration of the sleazy side of rock at Empire Live as Buckcherry topped a three-band bill with their unapologetic stylings. Similarly, Atlanta’s Nashville Pussy seldom veered from the topics of sex, drugs, and fighting, and nobody wanted them to, either. Drew Cagle and the Reputation had an undercurrent of the blues mixed in with their set, and proved an adept opener.

Review and Photos by Pat Rogers for NYS Music

Buckcherry’s Josh Todd at Empire Live in Albany, N.Y. (October 15, 2025) – photo by Pat Rogers for NYS Music

Nashville Pussy turned the room into a riot. No band on earth embodies the sleaze, danger, and humor of rock better. Blaine Cartwright looked like he’d crawled straight out of a southern dive bar, grinning through the chaos while Ruyter Suys shredded her Gibson like it just insulted her mother. 

– Pat Rogers for NYS Music

Photos by Hilary Crannage-Gallina for 93.9 WABY

Buckcherry’s Josh Todd (center), Francis Ruiz (l), and Stevie D. at Empire Live in Albany, N.Y. (October 15, 2025) – photo by Hilary Crannage-Gallina for 93.9 WABY

Photos of Buckcherry by Lorelei for RadioRadioX

(l-r) Josh Todd and Francis Ruiz of Buckcherry at Empire Live in Albany, N.Y. (October 15, 2025) – photo by Lorelei for RadioRadioX

Photos of Nashville Pussy by Lorelei for RadioRadioX

Dusty Watson of Nashville Pussy at Empire Live in Albany, N.Y. (October 15, 2025) – photo by Lorelei for RadioRadioX

Photos of Drew Cagle and the Reputation by Lorelei for RadioRadioX

Drew Cagle at Empire Live in Albany, N.Y. (October 15, 2025) – photo by Lorelei for RadioRadioX