Brett Eldredge Captured the Christmas Spirit with his Glow Live Tour in Saint Louis Thursday

Sean Derrick December 24, 2023 0 Comments Brett Eldredge, Fabulous Fox

–by Sean Derrick

Country music star Brett Eldredge closed out his 2023 version of his limited run Glow Tour in fine fashion Thursday with a solid sold-out performance at The Fabulous Fox Theatre in Saint Louis.

The annual event has turned into a must-see tradition since its inception following the 2016 release of his album Glow, which was his first Christmas-centered album (He would later go on to release 2021’s Mr. Christmas.)

Eldredge has made a name for himself as one of the top Christmas crooners of our generation and backed up that assessment with a magical performance at the historic Fabulous Fox Theatre. Eldredge repeatedly fawned over the grandeur of Fox, reminiscing in stories of how he grew up dreaming of performing there (He grew up a little over 2 and 1/2 hours away in Paris, Illinois.)

This year’s version of the annual Christmas spectacular spanned 14 shows in 10 cities.

Members of Eldredge’s band performed jazzy versions of Christmas classics while the audience mingled amongst themselves creating an old-time jazz club atmosphere. The only thing missing were the cigarettes (thank goodness).

Eldredge emerged for the main set under a single spotlight to perform the first verse of “Christmastime is Here” before the main stage lights came up to reveal a large Christmas tree centerstage, flanked on both sides by his band: An 8-piece horn section on one side, and the more contemporary 4-piece band (guitarist, drummer, bassist, pianist) to perform “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.”

The setup had a big band feel to it, complete with the monogramed podium walls in front of the horn sections. Even Eldredge was decked out in a black two-tone tux, donning vibes of Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby along the way, swooning with classical pieces like “O Holy Night” to up-tempo numbers of “Mr. Christmas” and “Cool Yule”.

Eldredge’s soaring tenor really shined on “Silent Night” and “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” and moved the crowd to standing ovations.

Ian Miller performing with Brett Eldredge at The Fabulous Fox Theatre in Saint Louis Thursday. Photo by Sean Derrick/ Thyrd Eye Photography.

Along the way Eldredge mixed in a TED talk about roasting chestnuts (hilarious), had a (really) long pour of bourbon, stories of growing up in nearby Paris, Illinois and considering St. Louis to be a 2nd home. So, this show was a de facto homecoming show for him as he had many friends and family in attendance. The band had a direct connection as his pianist, Ian Miller, is from St. Louis.

These were Eldredge’s only shows of the year as he took the year off from touring to take care of some mental health issues and urged everyone to take care of their mental health and not take it for granted.

He reminisced many times about moments in his life that stood out to him, like listening to Bing Crosby with his dad, or being really shy and having the courage to sing solos in church, to failing at trumpet in band in school. Most centered around what a particular song meant to him, or what memories evoked from performing them. He loves performing the Christmas shows and he really is turning himself into Mr. Christmas, and the fans are perfectly alright with that.

Brett Eldredge’s Glow Christmas Tours are a must see event. And if you are having any problems getting into the spirit, then seeing one of these shows will certainly cure that issue.

Check out the complete gallery after the setlist below.

Brett Eldredge Setlist:

Christmastime is Here/It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Winter Wonderland (Richard Himber an His Orchestra cover)

Mr. Christmas (Doye O’Dell cover)

The Christmas Song

Sleigh Ride (Leroy Anderson & His Pops Orchestra cover)

Do You Hear What I Hear (The Harry Simeone Chorale cover)

I’ll Be Home for Christmas (Bing Crosby cover)

Glow

Merry Christmas Baby (Otis Redding cover)

Silent Night (Joseph Mohr& Franz Gruber cover)