Lainey Wilson Proves That ‘Country’s Cool Again’ On New Tour’s Opening Night [Recap]
Lainey Wilson performs at Ascend Amphitheater. Photo: Erick Frost
Country music is alive and well and if you don’t believe it, you missed the opening extravaganza of Lainey Wilson’s “Country’s Cool Again Tour” at Ascend Amphitheater Friday night (May 31).
The weather was perfect as a legion of bell bottom-clad fans made their way to Nashville’s outdoor venue. There were music lovers of all ages ready to hear from the reigning CMA and ACM Entertainer of the Year.
Wilson chose a bevy of talented, unique artists to support her tour. Ian Munsick and Zach Top had the honor of opening for her on Friday night. Jackson Dean will also serve as support on future dates.
Top, who has been turning heads with a sound that harkens back to the ’90s, kicked the music off with his rising country single, “Sounds Like The Radio.” He grooved through tunes “I Never Lie” and “Bad Luck,” and had no trouble charming the early birds at Ascend Amphitheater. A grin never left his face as he finished up with the romantic “There’s The Sun” and the anthemic “Cold Beer & Country Music.”
Lainey Wilson performs at Ascend Amphitheater. Photo: Erick Frost
Soon after, the sound of lush fiddle lured Munsick out on stage for his set. The singer lit Ascend aflame with his tongue-in-cheek “Barn Burner” before promising it was, “about to get country up in here!”
Munsick’s infectious energy was palpable as he treated the fans to “I See Country” and “Cowboy Killer.” He took on an intimate posture for “Long Haul,” a song that equates a gorgeous picture of the Wyoming native’s home and the winding commitment of a longtime love.
“Country music needs more songs about cowboys, cowgirls, horses, mountains and sagebrush,” he said, sharing that he was dedicated to bringing “the west to the rest.” He continued to rouse the fans with “More Than Me,” “Long Live Cowgirls,” “Heartbreak King” and “Cowshit In The Morning.”
After an extremely impressive medley of Ricky Skaggs‘ “Country Boy,” the Eagles‘ “One of These Nights” and Alabama‘s “If You’re Gonna Play in Texas”—which Munsick used to highlight the talents of his backing band—the singer closed his set with the title track of his last album “White Buffalo” and then the song that took him to town, “Horses Are Faster.”
When it was time for the country queen to come out, Ascend Amphitheater was more than ready.
Wilson’s set started with the crank of an apricot-colored pickup truck that sat center stage, surrounded by cactus and wheatgrass. On the radio dial of the truck came Barbara Mandrell‘s “I Was Country When Country Wasn’t Cool.” After a verse, her band joined in for a hair-raising start to an exciting show. The crowd roared when Wilson appeared standing on the hood of the truck.
Terri Clark, Lainey Wilson and Wynonna Judd backstage at Ascend Amphitheater. Photo: Erick Frost
The soon-to-be Opry member got her set started with her electrifying new single “Hang Tight Honey.” She transitioned into “Straight Up Sideways” and “Smell Like Smoke” before playing fan-favorite tune “Dirty Looks.”
Wilson returned to the truck hood to address the crowd. She spoke about her wild ride before singing an unreleased song, “Good Horses.” The truck turned and Wilson moved down to sit on the tailgate. It was the perfect place to sing her very first hit, “Things A Man Oughta Know.” “Y’all know this one!” she hollered. “Help a sister out.”
Wilson returned to center stage to bring out her first surprise guest of the night, Wynonna Judd, who she called her “country music mama.” The two sang their version of Tom Petty‘s “Refugee,” which is included on the anticipated Petty Country album due out in a few weeks.
In one of the night’s highlights, Wilson got in the cab of the truck to sing her explosive “Heart Like A Truck.” Cameras inside the cab captured the singer, showing that all-too-familiar feeling of belting the emotional song to your dashboard. She came out to center stage for the beloved high note, and the big screens showed young girls in the crowd grasping each other’s hands and singing along with her.
“Tonight let’s be proud of where we’re from and get fired up about where we’re going,” Wilson shared before singing “Live Off.” After playing another new song, “Bell Bottoms Up,” in honor of the opening of hew new bar with the same name, she paused for an important moment in the show.
Lainey Wilson performs at Ascend Amphitheater. Photo: Erick Frost
The 32-year-old sought out a woman she could crown “Cowgirl of the Night.” Upon finding one, she brought the young lady to the front where she had her repeat a mantra of self-love. The words resonated through the crowd, and women could be seen wiping tears from their eyes and hugging their friends as Wilson shared life-giving words. She sustained the moment by singing “Atta Girl.”
After getting the crowd dancing with another No. 1 hit, “Watermelon Moonshine,” Wilson welcomed out another special guest. ’90s country great Terri Clark appeared and the two performed Clark’s “Poor Poor Pitiful Me,” which appears on her new duets project.
Wilson further proved her country credentials with a fun medley of Hank Williams‘ “Hey, Good Lookin’,” Loretta Lynn‘s “You Ain’t Woman Enough,” Johnny Paycheck‘s “Take This Job and Shove It,” Randy Travis‘ “Forever and Ever, Amen,” Reba McEntire‘s “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia,” Miranda Lambert‘s “Kerosene” and Alan Jackson‘s “Gone Country.” She transitioned that into her own “Country’s Cool Again.”
During another highlight, Wilson showed her gratitude to the hit collaborations she’s been apart of, singing a few acoustic verses of her and Cole Swindell‘s “Never Say Never,” Hardy‘s “Wait In The Truck” and Jelly Roll‘s “Save Me.” She sounded incredible on each, showing just how much she brings when she’s given a seat at the table.
As she was wrapping up her set, Wilson sang a new song “Four By Four By You,” and then closed with a thunderous “Kaw-Liga” instrumental that birthed her “Wildflowers and Wild Horses.”
The exciting show even got a cinematic finish, with credits that named Wilson’s management, band and crew. Barbara Mandrell came back on the radio dial to sing us home.
Wilson’s “Country’s Cool Again Tour” will head to New Jersey after CMA Fest. Click here to see tour dates.
