By Anita Stewart, Managing Editor (Retired)
November 1, 2026
Show Review (Online with Nugs)
Billy Strings’ Halloween (aka “Billyween”) spectacular brought together Molly Tuttle, Sierra Hull, and more and vibed with Heavy Metal, Grunge, Rap, Southern Rock and a tender family connection.
Leave it to Billy Strings to find a path from He-Man to Diana Ross, then take a turn toward Slayer!
On October 31, 2026, Baltimore’s CFG Bank Arena hosted “Heartbeat of Eternia,” his Masters of the Universe-themed Halloween production. Strings dressed as He-Man, with fellow performers joining the cartoon universe in costume. The premise offered a particularly Billy kind of invitation: follow a musical obsession and see how far it can go.
The set-list tells the story of a night built around transformation. Cartoon themes shared space with rock, pop, metal and bluegrass repertoire. Electric instruments, drums and keyboards expanded the ensemble’s possibilities, with extras; Alwyn Robinson (drums), Chris Sterr (guitar) and Jimmy Olson (keys) joining the production. Billy’s good friends, Sierra Hull on mandolin and vocals and Molly Tuttle on guitar and vocals completed the lineup.
One of the most revealing choices was 4 Non Blondes’ “What’s Up?,” featuring Molly Tuttle. The song connected the evening to the much-shared He-Man internet parody, bringing another generation of pop-culture memories into the room. Elsewhere, Strings took on SNAP!’s “The Power,” complete with rapping.
Tuttle and Sierra Hull had substantial roles in that adventure. Tuttle did the lead vocals on “What’s Up?” and Sheryl Crow’s “Strong Enough,” while Hull sang lead on Diana Ross’ “Muscles” and contributed mandolin to several selections. Two formidable musicians helped shape a show whose repertoire refused to stay within a single tradition.
The second set pushed the possibilities further. Slayer’s “Skeletons of Society,” Dio’s “Rainbow in the Dark,” “South Side of the Sky” by Yes and Black Sabbath’s “Symptom of the Universe” all appeared. For Southern rock listeners, Molly Hatchet’s “Flirtin’ With Disaster” supplied another reason to investigate the evening. Bob Dylan’s “All Along the Watchtower” and Foo Fighters’ “My Hero” rounded out the late-show journey before a return to the He-Man theme.
On paper alone, those selections make a compelling argument for curiosity. A musician’s roots can provide the confidence to travel. Here, the Halloween concept gave an unusually broad collection of songs a shared setting. There was also a personal story beneath the costumes.
In a post-show Instagram message reproduced by Stereogum, Strings described how discovering the cartoons inspired his arrangements and two original pieces, “Prince Adam” and “Teela’s Quest.” Halloween was also his late mother Debra’s birthday; she would have turned 66. He described enjoying the music and friendships while missing her and imagining how much she would have loved the show.
Looking ahead, he suggested next year’s production might be the last for a while so he can spend future Halloweens trick-or-treating with his son. It was a possibility, rather than a formal farewell announcement.
And we have to give a shout out to the magnificent NUGS.net that broadcasts spectacular online shows of all genres of music by diverse artists. The top of the line audio and visual work for these concerts gives us music lovers, older folks, the differently-abled or people who just could not get their tickets in time — a chance to see quality live shows by their favorite artists from the comfort of their living rooms.
The family connection gives this year’s Billyween a resonance beyond its ambitious song list. Behind the fantasy is a musician thinking about his mother, his friends and the memories he wants to make with his child. Heartbeat of Eternia supplied the setting with some incredible stage sets, lasers, pyrotechnics, enhancements and incredible sound and gave us watching from home the feeling that we were part of the scene. And those human connections gave this Halloween story its heartbeat.
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SOCIAL MEDIA
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