Concert Photos: Urban And All-Star Friends Honor Their Roots

Vince Gill onstage at We're All For The Hall. Photo: Isabel Ross www.izzynashville.com

Keith Urban. Photo: Donn Jones

Keith Urban led a stellar We’re All For The Hall benefit last night (10/5) in Nashville. Joined for most of the show by Vince Gill in his signature Predators jersey, the pair and their A-list band backed a slew of performers ranging from Alison Krauss to John Mayer. The concert was Urban’s second annual fundraiser for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, and in accordance with the Hall’s devotion to the heritage of country music, each artist offered one of their own songs as well as a song that inspired them.

Dolly Parton. Photo: Donn Jones

The enthusiastic crowd at the Bridgestone Arena gave multiple standing ovations. Hall of Fame inductees on the bill included Gill, Charley Pride, and Dolly Parton, who was aglow in a sparkly white number while singing “Jolene,” and George Jones’ “He Stopped Loving Her Today.”

Rocker Mayer was a highlight of the evening. Swapping licks with guitar heroes Urban and Gill, he gave a bluesy performance of “I’m Gonna Find Another You” and Dwight Yoakam’s “Ain’t That Lonely Yet.” Mayer, straight off a plane from Milan, said, “I want to thank Mr. Keith Urban for introducing me to the real Nashville. I’ll be anywhere you want me to be.”

John Mayer. Photo: Isabel Ross

The audience seemed to love the tribute performances of classics that aren’t often on today’s radio station playlists. Billy Currington’s vocals were spot-on for “Must Be Doin’ Something Right,” and Kenny Rogers’ “Sweet Music Man.” Miranda Lambert shined on “The House That Built Me” and Merle Haggard’s “The Bottle Let Me Down.” Martina McBride showed off her rafter shaking pipes on “A Broken Wing” and Reba’s “Is There Life Out There.” The arena went nuts for timeless Alan Jackson, and was awed by Alison Krauss’ lilting soprano which filled the room.

Urban opened the show with his own hits, including “Stupid Boy,” and “Somebody Like You.” He chose to play Don Williams’ “I Wouldn’t Want To Live If You Didn’t Love Me,” and brought producer/musician Garth Fundis onstage because he helmed Williams’ original sessions. Among the others in the band were John Hobbs and Paul Franklin.

Alison Krauss and Vince Gill. Photo: Isabel Ross

Check back for more coverage of We’re All For The Hall, as well as Lady Antebellum’s No. 1 party and other events from MusicRow’s own Bobby Karl.