Thomas Rhett & Friends Bring the Party to Sold-Out Hometown Show
The night truly belonged to Rhett as he cemented his headliner status to a heavy industry crowd who were on their feet singing along to his set.
Thomas Rhett kicked off his first of two sold-out, star-studded concerts at Nashville’s Ascend Amphitheater Thursday night (April 20). His high-energy 90-minute set was a personal one as it included adorable video clips of him as a child singing the first songs he wrote. He’d also introduce the audience to friends and collaborators Dierks Bentley, Maren Morris and Danielle Bradbery, all who shared the stage with him throughout the evening.
“I have to propose a toast to you guys,” Rhett said halfway through his set on a second stage set up near the back of the venue. “Although I’m from Georgia, I grew up in Nashville so this is a very, very special night. I want to say cheers to good friends, good times and good music. We love you guys. As you saw in the video, I wrote my first song when I was about seven years old with my dad and it was a horrible song. I’d like to think we’ve come a little bit of a ways since then.”
Rhett has come a long way since those early clips and his talent was showcased time and time again whether it was his more soulful, dance-heavy songs like opening number “Crash and Burn” and “South Side” or the tracks he penned for other acts. During an acoustic performance, Rhett showed his versatile artistry when he played his previous hits with other artists including Florida Georgia Line’s “Round Here,” Lee Brice’s “Parking Lot Party” and Michael Ray’s “Think A Little Less.”
Later, Bentley surprised the audience for a stripped down rendition of “Somewhere On a Beach.” Bentley explained how he was texting his friend earlier in the day to congratulate him on his huge night when Rhett extended an invitation to join in on the fun.
“It’s the perfect Nashville day. I get a chance to watch the Predators sweep the Blackhawks and I get a chance to witness one of my best friends in this town having the biggest night of his life,” Bentley said. “This is a great day for me. Only in Nashville.”
The night truly belonged to Rhett as he cemented his headliner status to a heavy industry crowd who were on their feet singing along to his set. Highlights included the funky “Vacation” which featured an impressive instrumental interlude where the band shared their musical chops and choreographed dance moves and the beautiful ballad “Die A Happy Man,” which Rhett wrote about his wife, Lauren. At one point, Rhett pulled up a teenage fan to help him sing Garth Brooks’ “Friends In Low Places” to which he’d give him the microphone and walk him down the catwalk. “Dylan, this is what 8,000 people look like,” Rhett said.
Additionally, Rhett enlisted the help of duet partner Morris to perform their beat-heavy new single “Craving You” as well as Bradbery for the soaring “Playing with Fire.” Rhett further showcased his staying power with the danceable “T-Shirt” which he began on drums. Then, he’d invite out openers Kelsea Ballerini, Ryan Hurd and Russell Dickerson for the encore of an animated cover of Bruno Mars’ “24K Magic.” As fireworks lit up the sky at the close of Rhett’s set, it was evident that the singer’s star power only continues to shine with each song he delivers.
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Ballerini, Hurd and Dickerson opened the Home Team Tour stop in Nashville and each delivered a unique performance. While Ballerini shared her chart-topping hits from her debut album The First Time including “Dibs,” “Peter Pan” and “Love Me Like You Mean It” she also demonstrated her ability to make other songs her own. Alone with just her guitar, Ballerini stood on the catwalk to sing the Chainsmokers’ “Closer,” James Bay’s “Let It Go,” Justin Bieber’s “Sorry” and OneRepublic’s “Apologize” to an attentive audience.
NASHVILLE #hometeamtour : @alexmferrari
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Hurd, meanwhile, showcased his rock side performing several songs off his new self-titled EP. The catchy “We Do Us” highlighted the singer’s undeniable swagger on stage while the beat-heavy “City Girl” left a lasting mark. It was the nostalgic “Love In a Bar,” however, that best displayed the singer/songwriter’s talent with vivid storytelling and spot-on musicianship.
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Dickerson kicked off the evening and got the energy going with songs like “MGNO” which segued seamlessly into a cover of Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance with Somebody.” His forthcoming single “Yours,” which hits country radio on Monday (April 24), was the most memorable of his set as the soaring ballad was written for his wife and details how he is better now than he was before he found her.
Thomas Rhett’s Home Team Tour continues tonight at Nashville’s Ascend Amphitheater.
