Billy Currington kicks off tour with nearly flawless performance in Saint Louis
–By Sean Derrick
Taking a break from touring for 5 months can sometimes wreak havoc to touring musicians. It has been known to disrupt timing, cohesiveness and even rhythm. This was not the case for country star Billy Currington and his 6-piece band as they kicked off a heavy touring schedule with a flawless performance at the Peabody Opera House in Saint Louis Thursday.
Currington, touring in support of his 2015 release Summer Forever has dubbed this the “Stay Up ‘Til the Sun Tour” and will be touring at least through the end of the summer.
Backed by his 6-piece band Currington came out strong with his 2014 #1 hit “Don’t It” followed by his 2009 #1 “That’s How Country Bows Roll” and didn’t let up the entire night.
With a stage setup on the minimalistic side the show had that intimate feel of a small club as the band was bathed in a soft glow of purple and blue lights (the fact that there were about three dozen large candles setup around the risers further influenced that feeling).
Currington joked about how he hoped he didn’t screw up too bad since this was his first show of the year. But if he was nervous at all it didn’t show as Currington seemed to feel at ease with the crowd and several times let a front row ticket holder sing into his mic.
The nearly hour and a half long set was filled with Currington’s hits and songs from Summer Forever but it also was a treat to long-time fans as he re-introduced his hit “Don’t” back into the playlist after a five-year absence.
Most of the evening was filled with the big bass and drum sound many of Currington’s live shows are accustomed to. For this tour he has introduced an acoustic element to the show. Currington and guitarists Doug Collins and Will performed stripped down versions of “Don’t” and “Must Be Doin’ Somethin’ Right”.
Currington even impressed with his knowledge of the history of the beautiful Peabody Opera House. It’s the little things some artists do to resonate with fans that set them apart, and Currington certainly did that.
With this being the first show of the year it is safe to say that the shows will just get better as the year goes by, however tough that may be.
Be sure to check out billycurrington.com for the latest concert dates and to purchase tickets for upcoming shows.
Calynn Green opened the show with a nice 30 minute set.
Check out the photo gallery of the show after the setlist.
Billy Currington Setlist:
Don’t It
That’s How Country Boys Roll
Love Done Gone
I Got a Feeling
Pretty Good at Drinkin’ Beer
Wake Me Up
Let Me Down Easy
It Don’t Hurt Like It Used To
Do I Make You Wanna
People Are Crazy
Must Be Doin’ Somethin’ Right (Acoustic)
Don’t (Acoustic)
Hey Girl
We Are Tonight
Encore:
Friends in Low Places (Garth Brooks cover)
Good Directions
