So, the Carr Family rendezvoused (via Cyprus, Manchester and Essex) at the O2 in London on Thursday 24 October 2024 for the penultimate night of Chris Stapleton’s ‘All American Road Show’ (His last gig takes place in Las Vegas in December).
I’ve been a fan of Stapleton for many years, going back to The SteelDrivers and I’ve been advocating this guy since Traveller was released in 2015. Those of you who have viewed my Top Twenty Songs of the Year will know that Stapleton has consistently featured on those lists.
Along the way, I’ve managed to introduce the family to his unique brand of Country, Blues, Soul and Rock – a winning combination! And at the O2, donning his trade mark feathered cowboy hat, Stapleton’s polished songcraft with an unbridled, passionate delivery, was a force of nature to watch as he launched into a raw and electrifying performance in front of some 20,000 adoring fans.
It’s the second time I’ve seen him at the O2 – I saw him at the Country 2 Country Festival in 2019. However, Kentucky native Stapleton certainly isn’t riding any bandwagons: the former trucker’s soul-steeped country has seen billions of streams on his five-album discography. Stapleton’s style is a far cry from the beers, girls and trucks of the genre’s macho side. This is something a little more sophisticated – you could call it ‘thinking-person’s country’ – I guess that’s why the audience was particularly young and why so many couples were present.
Looking through Stapleton’s multi-Grammy awarding winning discography in advance, it was a tough one to whittle down a potential set-list, but I can safely say we saw the ‘best of the best’ on Thursday night. I did guess that he’d kick off with the most iconic and powerful track any concert of his could start with White Horse. This is one of those songs that gives you goosebumps.
You can view the set list here or listen to the set list on Spotify below …
”We’re gonna play some songs for y’all with not much talking” – straight into a powerful array of tracks including Nobody to Blame, Second One To Know and a couple of covers from Kevin Welch Millionaire, and John Fogarty’s Joy Of My Life. Stapleton’s iconic voice makes you almost forget that these are covers.
Mind you, when Stapleton sings Think I’m In Love With You to/with his wife and mother to their five children, Morgane – not once breaking eye contact – it’s obvious he/she/they connected with every single audience member present.
Each song felt more personable than the last and we were treated to Mountains of My Mind, Whiskey and You and Arkansas. Of course, Parachute, Nobody To Blame, Fire Away and Broken Halo’s are iconic songs too – as were so many others. And, for all Stapleton played songs from all five albums, the biggest cheers were given to songs from his debut album Traveller.
Looking around the auditorium, the entire crowd, clad in Rhinestone, Cowboy hats and boots, were on their feet swaying and singing along for most of the two hours and ten minutes he was on stage playing 25 songs. Stapleton had them eating out of his hands, whether it was just him and an acoustic guitar on stage or playing with the full band – this is one of those concerts that will stay with me for the rest of my life.
And of course, what would a Chris Stapleton concert be without more goosebumps with his wholesome rendition of Tennessee Whiskey. Arguably some of the most iconic chords in country music.
Chris Stapleton’s on-stage presence is a powerful combination of authenticity, emotion, and musical talent. There were no bells or whistles about this show – just a few Persian rugs, a healthy dose of onstage chemistry and talent so pure it’s rare to witness.
Stapleton captivates audiences not just with his voice, but with his ability to create a shared experience that lingers long after the concert ends. I’m pleased to say the Carr Family thought so too!
revPACman 