Brothers-in-Arms: Guns for Hire at Amp the Alley
- Moose Nicholson
- 5 days ago
- 6 min read
Guns For Hire
Hurricane Erin was spinning well north in the Atlantic, but she still had Aiken on edge. When I got downtown, the puddles told the story—they’d already taken a soaking. I pulled out the tarps anyway, because nothing keeps the rain away quite like being ready for it. Murphy hasn’t let me down yet.
Thing is, in Aiken, if it rains once, folks act like it’s signed a day-long lease. One clap of thunder at lunch and suddenly the whole evening’s a wash. And in fairness, two out of three weather apps swore it was definitely going to rain—at least four out of the seven times you checked them.
And that kind of forecast jitters showed in the turnout. Some folks clearly decided to sit this one out, but the ones who came dragged out bag chairs, fans, and snacks for the kids like it was a backyard festival. Josh laughed about it on stage—said when he’s in their shoes, he keeps his load light in case he’s underwhelmed and wants to bail early. But Amp fans? They know better. They don’t hedge their bets. They’re all-in.
I’ll start with a correction. Last week I called this Josh Pierce’s debut at Amp, but I was mistaken. He’s been here before, years back during a guitar-pull style night. This time, though, with Dave Mercer at his side, the stage was fully theirs.
Dave set the tone right away by bending the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air theme into a blues-drenched groove. It took a second to place it, but once you did, you couldn’t stop grinning. From there the two stitched together an impromptu set that roamed across genres and decades—Clapton, Ozzy, Bonnie Raitt, Aerosmith, Leonard Cohen, Bon Jovi, and more. Originals slipped in too: Josh with Social Tragedy and Legacy, Dave with Rainy Days and January (for Jim and Howard). Covers like Mama I’m Coming Home, Wanted Dead or Alive, and 3AM rounded it out.
What makes Guns for Hire click isn’t just the catalog, it’s the chemistry. Josh and Dave play like brothers-in-arms—equal parts admiration and mischief. There’s no setlist, no script, just a running conversation in song. One jumps in, the other follows. They swap leads, trade harmonies, and then stand back to let the other shine.
Josh brings a rougher, grittier edge—the kind of voice and presence that feels lived-in, like it’s been earned. Dave, by contrast, has an easy, unassuming way about him that makes you forget just how much range he’s packing until he unleashes it. Together, it’s a pairing that lands somewhere between Bradley and Gaga, with both capable of stealing the show and both just as happy to hand it off.
So when they launched into the Bradley Cooper–Lady Gaga duet, it felt like destiny. Josh, the gravel and grit. Dave, the soaring range. The perfect setup. This was going to be it.
Except… wait a second. Why is Dave still singing? Hold on—he’s doing both parts. Josh is right there, but Dave isn’t leaving him a single line. Josh is supposed to be Bradley, and Dave… well, I guess he isn’t supposed to be Gaga… but my God, he makes a great Gaga.
It was ridiculous, audacious, and downright impressive. The kind of move that made the
whole place laugh at the sheer boldness, then cheer in awe at the execution. After, I told him how cocky it was—taking both roles with Josh sitting right beside him, perfectly capable of stepping in. Just to bust his chops, of course. But honestly? It showed exactly who they are—two friends who’d rather laugh at each other’s stunts than worry about who gets the spotlight.
That’s the core of Guns for Hire: getting lost in each other’s successes. When Dave nails it, Guns for Hire nails it. When Josh nails it, the same. They celebrate each other openly, without ego, and the whole crowd gets to celebrate right along with them.
When the band shines, the whole crowd feels it. When a business thrives, the whole block rises. When Amp nails it, Downtown nails it. And the measure of it all is simple: the people who keep showing up, clapping in rhythm, and choosing to be part of this community.
There’s a certain beauty in basking in the glow of someone else’s success. Especially now, when every Facebook group seems riddled with folks quick to root against new businesses, question someone’s wins, or poke fun at people willing to try something different. A couple of weeks ago there was even a tongue-in-cheek post about the number of chairs in The Alley during Amp—as if too many people enjoying free live music, supporting local businesses, and supporting the arts could ever be a bad thing.
The truth is, those chairs aren’t a problem—they’re a sign of commitment, of people planning to stay awhile and soak it in. Josh said it best during the show: one of Aiken’s strengths is that our people come prepared, with no intention of leaving early. And sure, we can all help by leaving enough space for pedestrians, children, dogs, wheelchairs—and even groups of people taking less-than-sternly worded signs for a walk. Because Amp is about rooting for each other. We do it every week, and with a little practice, we can do it every day.
Guns For Hire
Celebrating a Year of Hydration & Wellness
Downtown Hydration is celebrating one year in Downtown Aiken! 🎉 Over the past year they’ve introduced IV therapy, injections, and wellness services that have quickly become part of the community’s health routine.
We’re fortunate to have someone bringing something new, innovative, and cutting edge to our town—and their success is worth celebrating. They’re heading into year two with events, collaborations, and September specials—starting with injections: stack any injection of equal or lesser value for just $20. A perfect chance to try a new combo or double up on your favorite boost.
Chucking Balls
The new beer pong table at Woodchuckers is already a crowd favorite. From friendly rivalries to full-on bragging rights, it’s added another layer of competition to a spot already known for axe throwing, arcade games, and big group energy. Pair it with a cold drink and you’ve got the recipe for a night that keeps the laughs rolling.
More of Josh and Dave
The Holiday Starts at The Lounge @ Electric Eats
Downtown’s holiday weekend starts in The Lounge at Electric Eats. On the menu: beer brats with peppers and onions, chili cheese sliders, buffalo shrimp cocktail, and loaded potato salad. Drinks include spiked lemonade, watermelon coolers, and $2 off drafts—Friday and Saturday from 4pm.
Ladies Night and Girl Dinners
Rhumba keeps Wednesdays trendy in Downtown Aiken. 💜 The lounge leans into the “Girl Dinner” craze with shareable bites, $10 French 75s, and live music from @musicbykrystal starting at 6:30pm.
It’s the kind of night that proves why Rhumba has become one of Aiken’s most stylish spots—where a TikTok trend feels right at home alongside craft cocktails, Latin flair, and a room full of energy.
📍 321 Richland Ave W – Downtown Aiken
Tomorrow: Dave Mercer Trio
Dave has a way of making every song feel bigger than itself. His voice and guitar work don’t just cover a tune, they consume it, break it down, and hand it back with something new stitched inside. He can take Chris Cornell’s Say Hello 2 Heaven or My Chemical Romance’s Helena and fill them with empathy and reverberation that hits whether you know the original or not.
And while his stage presence is understated—often just a stool, a guitar, and a quiet confidence—you somehow can’t look away. It’s that effortless mix of humility and soul that makes his shows so memorable.
With the Trio behind him, expect the same emotional depth with even more dynamic range. It’s a night that promises everything from quiet reverie to big, soaring moments—and another chance to be reminded why Dave Mercer belongs at the heart of Aiken’s live music scene.
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