Eric Church brought his own kind of magic to the Mile High City as The Outsiders World Tour made a stop at the Pepsi Center. Eric took the stage around 9:00pm, no grand entrance, no tricks. He just casually walked stage. Dressed in jeans, boots, t-shirt and his ever-present mirrored aviator sunglasses giving him that sexy rock-star swagger; he delivered one of the best live shows going. His connection with his audience was genuine
but it was clear to the thousands of fans that this wasn't just any concert, this is an act we don’t see often and this was the show we've been dying to see for months.
From the first chord to the last chord, we were captivated.
What can I say. Eric Church was flawless. The setlist started with, “The Outsiders,” and delved directly into his second song ”Creepin',” (a huge fan favorite) and then "Guys Like Me". The crowd already on their feet couldn't sing loud enough! Truth is, no matter what he was performing he has the ability to make the audience feel something.
As the show progressed he starts to talk about his son..."There's something that happens when you become a parent, there's a protective nature that takes over. You will do anything to keep any harm from coming to your kid and you will do anything to anyone who tries to do any harm to your kid..," then the "Dark Side" begins, and just like on "The Outsiders" album, "Dark Side" led immediately into “Princess of Darkness,” delivered via a wild black-and-white video high above the now empty stage.
When that gave way to "Devil, Devil," Church reemerged in his signature "Chief" hat facing off against a towering red-eyed demon that's inflated just in front of the soundboard, behind the floor audience. The crowd went wild. Was it the 50 foot devil or his signature cap? I don't know but it was pretty impressive to say the least.
The stage was set up with microphones in various spots so everyone, no matter what seat you had, he could make you feel as if you were a part of the show.
As he worked his way through his set list with the likes of "Guys Like Me", "How Bout' You" and "Getting Stoned", his songs continued to reasonate with the audience. He turned it up a notch with "Drink In My Hand", "Jack Daniels" and "Smoke a Little Smoke".
Church plays his own brand of country with a much edgier sound as proven with his duet with Lzzy Hale of Halestorm, "That's Damn Rock and Roll". It was simply amazing.
"Give Me Back My Hometown" "Homeboy" and "Pledge Allegieance to the Hag" were among the many crowd favorites.
OH WHAT A SHOW!
It was all there in the setlist:
The Outsiders,
Creepin',
Guys Like Me,
Carolina,
I'm Getting Stone,
Pledge Allegiance to the Hag,
Talladega,
Drink In My Hand,
Livin' Part Of Life,
Lotta Boot Left to Fill,
Cold One,
That's Damn Rock & Roll (With Lzzy Hale of Halestorm),
Give Me Back My Hometown,
Homeboy,
Dark Side,
Devil, Devil,
Country Music Jesus,
Smoke a Little Smoke,
Jack Daniels,
Can't Take It With You,
Sinners Like Me,
Keep On,
Young And Wild,
Love Your Love the Most,
The Ballad of Curtis Loew
(Lynyrd Skynyrd cover),
Like a Wrecking Ball,
These Boots,
Thunder Road,
Springsteen and Those I've Loved!
What a footprint... Church brings creativity and originality to his craft.
He's an outstanding live performer,
clearly on top of his game.
I love the intensity of his face when he clenches his fist or beats his chest then reaches up to the sky! He makes you feel his passion, his emotions. I've been to a lot of concerts in my time and this one is right up there! Church considers himself to be an "Outsider" and creates a universe we can all find a place in. This was my first time seeing Eric Church in concert and I was truly blown away!
God willing, it wont be my last. "OH WHAT A SHOW".
Favorite Moment: The moment Eric walked on to that stage! Favorite Performance: That's Damn Rock and Roll with Lzzy Hale and Give Me Back My Hometown!