Rock ’n’ roll is littered with legends of the unbelievable variety, from Ozzy Osbourne biting off bats’ heads to just about everything Keith Richards has done since the ’60s. The Damn Truth’s story involves an exploding van. In late 2016, the blues-rock quartet barely escaped when its tour van caught fire on the road during the band’s first cross-Canada jaunt (a subsequent GoFundMe campaign netted the band more than $10,000). The tale is proudly relayed in the band’s Facebook bio, and certainly paints a rock ’n’ roll picture before you even listen to a note of its music. But really, forget about flaming vehicles and listen to that music: The band’s 2016 sophomore effort, “Devilish Folk,” packs grinding Zep-inspired riffs, hip-shaking grooves and a powerhouse performance from snarling vocalist Lee-La Baum, a modern-day answer to Janis Joplin’s earthy belting. The Damn Truth will play Volcanic Theatre Pub on Friday, with Bend roots rockers the Jess Ryan Band opening.

The Damn Truth, with Jess Ryan Band: 9 p.m. Friday; $10 plus fees in advance, $12 at the door; Volcanic Theatre Pub, 70 SW Century Drive, Bend, volcanictheatre.com or 541-323-1881.