Nashville Native Richard Speight, Jr. Returns Home with Dick Jr. & The Volunteers

Supernatural star’s musical homecoming headlines at the historic venue, Exit/In

Nashville native Richard Speight, Jr. is coming home. The actor best known for his role as the Archangel Gabriel on the hit CW series Supernatural will headline at Nashville’s iconic venue, Exit/In, on Thursday, October 30, with his band Dick Jr. & The Volunteers. The concert marks a true homecoming for Speight, whose musical journey from local Nashville bands to Hollywood actor to legitimate recording artist has come full circle.

From Nashville Roots to Musical Renaissance

Speight’s musical journey began in Nashville high school bands before continuing through college and eventually to a signed band, Fugitive Pope, in Los Angeles. When acting took priority, music stepped aside—until the Supernatural convention circuit unexpectedly reignited his passion.

“At one point, Jason Manns had me play. He’s like, ‘You should play something.’ And I was a nervous wreck, but I sat down on stage and played ‘Paint It Black,'” Speight recalls. Those tentative steps grew into something substantial when Manns recognized a unique opportunity: “There’s a lane for what you do, and there’s nobody in that lane. There’s no country guy.”

The result was Dick Jr. & The Volunteers, balancing Speight’s comedic convention persona with serious musical ambitions. “My fear was always [that] I didn’t want to make a joke. I wasn’t going to make a joke album, but I wanted it to be fun.”

His southern identity became more pronounced during his Los Angeles years, leading him to embrace country music as an adult. COVID lockdown sparked his evolution to original songwriting: “I started messing around with the guitar” in hotel rooms, leading to his second album Fist Fights and Hug Outs, featuring predominantly original compositions.

A Nashville Show Like No Other

The October 30 concert represents more than a typical tour stop. Speight’s decade-plus experience hosting Supernatural conventions translates directly to his musical performances, creating an engaging experience that goes beyond simply playing songs.

“The same guy that’s on stage warming you up to see CW stars is the same guy who’s gonna be on stage giving you commentary between songs,” he explains. “I like energy. I don’t like dead space.”

Exit/In provides the perfect venue for this homecoming. “I have bootlegs from the Exit/In from when I was a teenager, and they’ve only improved that venue,” Speight notes. The legendary Elliston Place club has hosted everyone from R.E.M. to The White Stripes, and recent improvements to sound and lighting systems enhance the intimate experience.

The evening features The Station Breaks—Rob Benedict’s project with Billy Moran and Jason Manns—as the opening act. Benedict, known to Supernatural fans as God/Chuck Shurley, has maintained a continuous musical career alongside his acting work. The show will also feature solo material from each artist, all performed with full band arrangements.

“I said, we ain’t doing an acoustic opening,” Speight explains. “I want this to be fun, and I want it to be a band across the board.”

Mark Sheppard, whose portrayal of the demon Crowley made him a fan favorite, will join Dick Jr. & The Volunteers on drums. Sheppard brings serious musical credentials, having played in Light a Big Fire, a band that opened for U2, establishing his musical background well before his television work.

Full Circle

This homecoming represents the full realization of Speight’s musical journey—from Nashville teenager playing high school parties to Hollywood actor to legitimate recording artist returning to perform on one of Music City’s most respected stages. The Supernatural convention circuit that brought him back to music has evolved into a launching pad for an artistic career, with Nashville serving as the natural destination for his musical ambitions.

“This is one of those rare opportunities to be in one of the coolest cities in America, at one of the coolest venues in the coolest cities of America, seeing local dudes do what they do,” Speight says. “I know it’s a home run.”

Event Details:

Dick Jr. & The Volunteers with The Station Breaks
Thursday, October 30, 2025
Exit/In, 2208 Elliston Place, Nashville, TN 37203
Doors: 6:00 PM, Show: 7:00 PM
Tickets: $40 at the door; advance purchase at exitin.com
18+ event

During this homecoming, Richard Speight, Jr. will also host a Nashville bus tour. Details and tickets at creationent.com.

For more on Richard Speight, Jr.’s musical evolution, listen to his interview on Denim-wrapped Nightmares.

Images by Jenna Perry Photography. Used with permission. Illustration by Nightsky.