Brad Paisley is a constant on the summer concert touring circuit. He has come to my area numerous times over the last handful of years, but unfortunately I missed out on catching his show every time. This year would be different. When we were approved to review the show, I heard nothing but positive things about Paisley and the kind of performance he delivers.
The stage setup had a thrust that came into the crowd and Paisley and his band used it quite often. After just a few songs, Brad put a fans black hat on, he smiled and laughed and said this wasn’t him and proceeded to put his tan hat back on. A few songs later, he gave that same fan his acoustic guitar after he got done playing it. I think everybody was in shock including the young fan.
Besides Paisley’s numerous crowd interactions, it should be noted that his playing is crisp and clean. He plays wonderfully on the Fender Stratocaster. He showed his prowess tackling the Van Halen classic “Hot for Teacher.” Even though he and the band enjoyed playing it, the crowd went totally dead at that point. I think they had no idea what song it was or what he was doing. Personally I loved it, but it was a hiccup in the hour and 45-minute set.
Brad moved around so much it was hard to keep up with him. He did take a walk through the audience and stopped and gave a pick to a kid and played a few notes to someone in a wheelchair as he made his way to the back of arena. He played 2 songs out there that included, “Waitin’ On A Woman” and “Online.”
Earlier this year Carrie Underwood did a virtual duet with Brad on her tour and now it’s Brad’s turn to return the favor. A lifelike virtual of the stunning Underwoood accompanied him to sing “Make Me.”
I have to say I was thoroughly impressed by Paisley and his band. I will try my damnest not to miss any future shows when he comes back around that’s for sure!
Set List:
Southern Comfort Zone
Mud On The Tires
The Mona Lisa
American Saturday Night
Outstanding In Our Field (with Chris Young and Lee Brice)
This Is Country Music
Celebrity
Then
She’s Everything
Time Warp
Hot For Teacher (Van Halen cover)
Old Alabama (with virtual Alabama)
Waitin’ On A Woman
Online
I’m Still A Guy
Beat This Summer
I’m Gonna Miss Her
Karate (with virtual Charlie Daniels)
Remind Me (with virtual Carrie Underwood)
The World
Water
Encore:
Ticks (Feel Like Making Love intro –Bad Company cover)
Alcohol
We would like to thank Lynn McDonnell from Livenation for her assistance in helping BackstageAxxess review the show.
