Chris Stapleton
AB and I went to see Chris Stapleton recently at Riverbend Music Center. This type of adventure is so much fun, for several reasons. It was just the two of us, it was a last minute surprise, perfect weather (have I mentioned I hate the heat?), and this hometown venue just makes me happy. The day before the concert, AB flung open my home office door and was leaning on the door jam with “that” grin…the one that means he’s up to something—something good.
AB scored VIP tickets which gave us entry to the venue restaurant plus a dedicated bar and restroom. The seats were pretty good, too. Did I wish I was in the pit, uhhh…yes! But we enjoyed the seats and met cool new friends from Detroit.
This is our third time seeing Chris Stapleton and he did not disappoint. Damn, he’s just such a cool cat. Let me tell ya about it…
The stage was sparse—in fact, we commented on how weird it seemed that there was only one microphone on the stage for almost the entire two hours that Stapleton performed. There was no catwalk, no dancing around onstage, no high-energy high-fiving. But, as fans know by now, what Stapleton lacks in flashiness, he makes up for in blistering guitar solos, a ridiculously talented band, and that undeniable raspy voice. That is precisely why I love him so much…he’s shy, humble, and it seems like he hates the spotlight. It’s not about him, it’s about the music. Hell yes! Stapleton crushed a 20-song set featuring tracks from all three of his albums, and a cover or two (yep, Free Bird!).
“I’m not a hustler. I don’t pitch songs. I don’t ask people to write with me. It’s just not what I do.”
Brent Cobb & Marty Stuart
Brent Cobb and Marty Stuart both made surprise appearances on stage with Stapleton during his set, as well as performing as the opening acts. Cobb's gritty voice followed by Stuart and his incredible band's stage presence and swagger complement Stapleton's style. I have to say I really missed Stapleton’s wife, Morgane. So looking forward to her joining the tour again soon.
The experience
The audience seemed to know they were in the presence of a legend in the making, and they were eager to soak up the experience. In concert, his voice is like nothing else. Recordings simply don't do it justice. "Fire Away" was extra haunting, and “Traveller” sounded like we were in a recording studio. Ah-mazing. Riverbend was full-on humming with the audience singing every word. That feeling is just such a beautiful thing.
I told AB what gets me, really gets me, is when his cowboy hat starts shaking. He is totally GETTING DOWN when that happens…check out this clip I captured:
By the way, I should probably tell you now that pretty much every video I post here will be a little shaky. And, it will be shaky ON THE BEAT. That’s because AB always taps his hand on my hip when he stands behind me. I love it, but apologies for the jarring.
I will leave you with my all time favorite Chris Stapleton performance, the 2015 CMA mashup with Justin Timberlake just completely crushing Tennessee Whiskey & Drink You Away. You’re welcome. I think we have watched and/or listened to this at least 500 times hanging out on the deck or on the boat. Too good.