Hank Williams III is a little bit country, a little bit rock ‘n’ roll – and a little bit heavy metal.
Hank Williams III, the son of famous country singer Hank Williams Jr. and grandson of Hank Williams, will be playing at The Varsity Theatre on Friday. Williams is known for playing country and heavy metal, which he calls his “Hellbilly” in the same show.
Williams began his musical career with the drums.
“I got my first drum kit when I was about 10 years old and my first set of KISS albums, Black Sabbath and ZZ Top at age 10,” Williams said. “It sent me to a whole new world, basically.”
Williams said he has troubles with his label because his music tends to be uninhibited, filled with cursing and musical darkness.
“There’s always … people who got it out for me,” Williams said.
“I just do what I do, and do what I can to make myself happy, and try to put on … as good a live show as I can,” Williams said. “We’re one of the only bands who can play an hour of country and turn around and do an hour of our Hellbilly.”
Williams said he has played in Baton Rouge before, but not with all three parts of his show. He said the last time he was in Baton Rouge he was surprised to find he was playing at a fair.
“And hopefully we’re playing a bar,” Williams said.
Williams said he plays music for two reasons: he has played live music since he was 16 years old and he makes great friends through traveling and music.
“I’ve made some … hellacious friends out here that are road dogs and very creative people,” Williams said. “It keeps me going, man.”
Doors open at 8 p.m. Friday. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door.
 
Contact Travis Andrews at [email protected]