In the scenic mountain town of Brezoi, Romania, the Open Air Blues Festival came alive in July 2022, and one of its standout acts was the formidable Popa Chubby. The New York blues-rock titan, born Ted Horowitz, brought his signature high-octane energy to the Romanian stage, delivering a performance that was both ferocious and deeply soulful.
Known for his imposing stage presence and a guitar style that merges the raw power of punk with the deep traditions of the blues, Popa Chubby captivated the festival audience. His music is a blistering concoction influenced by legends like Jimi Hendrix and Muddy Waters, yet filtered through the aggressive lens of the New York punk scene where he cut his teeth. This performance was a testament to his unique sound, as he unleashed powerful riffs and searing solos that echoed through the Lotru Valley.
The concert showcased an artist at the peak of his powers, a masterful guitarist and a charismatic showman who has spent over three decades honing his craft in clubs and festivals across the globe. It was a raw, unapologetic display of modern blues-rock, demonstrating exactly why Popa Chubby remains one of the genre's most popular and enduring figures.