Almost two and a half decades have passed since Ike Reilly released his critically acclaimed debut album, Salesmen & Racists, on major label Universal. 

Since splitting with that label, the former doorman and gravedigger hailing from Libertyville, Illinois, has been recording and performing with his backing band as Ike Reilly Assassination, creating rebellious and uncompromising punk, country, and blues-influenced rock. 

Reilly’s penchant for blending epic storytelling with intrepid rock riffs and melodies has caught the ear of many heavyweights of rock over the years, and many cite the band as a huge influence to their own music. Now the subject of the documentary Don’t Turn Your Back on Friday Night, produced by one of those heavyweights, Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine, the documentary chronicles the songs, career, and proverbial life of Reilly through stories intertwined with booze, drugs, religion, family, financial calamity, and the pursuit of greatness and authenticity. 

The chance to see a band like Ike Reilly Assassination in an intimate venue is a rare one, but your chance will come when the band bring their American Steal Tour to The Brass Rail in Fort Wayne on Thursday, Feb. 20.