Lee Brice Shows The Power Of A Song & A Guitar At Ryman Show

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Lee Brice. Photo: Chase Lauer

Lee Brice’s acoustic show at the Ryman Auditorium on Tuesday night (Feb. 18) was an intimate journey through his life and career, delivered in a storytelling format that resonated deeply with attendees. As part of his “You, Me & My Guitar Tour,” Brice took the stage surrounded by a collection of guitars, with no elaborate set or distractions, just him and his music. 

Edwin McCain kicked off the night with some of his biggest tunes including “I Could Not Ask For Me,” “Walk With You” and “Take Me.” After letting his charismatic banter shine through, McCain ended his set with “Solitude” and “See Off This Mountain.”

Brice’s set began with a moving video montage, setting the stage for his musical voyage. As the clip came to an end, Brice greeted the audience. “This is special for me. We’re going to talk about guitars, and we’re going to talk about my life.” The crowd was immediately drawn in as he began his story, showcasing his first-ever guitar, signed by Willie Nelson. Brice shared how he learned to play that guitar by playing a few lines of the Eagles’ “Hotel California,” a moment that set the tone for the rest of the night. 

Pictured (L-R, front row): Ciara Shortridge, Curb Records; Enzo DeVincenzo, Red Light Management and Lee Brice; (L-R, back row): Rebekah Liles-Jackson, Curb Records; RJ Mecham, Curb Records; Storme Warren; Anthony DeVincenzo, Red Light Management; Jackie Jones, RIAA; Jeff Tuerff, Curb Records; Benson Curb, Curb Records and John Clore, Curb Records; Photo: Chase Lauer

“Picture of Me” kicked off his own musical journey timeline. He then honored his roots with a heartfelt piano rendition of “Oh How I Love Jesus,” paying tribute to the church music that shaped his early years. The energy in the room soared as the crowd stood for “Soul,” and then Brice played his new single, “Cry.”

The next part of the show featured several meaningful covers, each representing a pivotal moment in Brice’s journey. He kicked off with “Old Violin” by Johnny Paycheck, a song that inspired his move to Nashville. He then paid tribute to Travis Tritt by performing “Be Somebody” on Tritt’s actual guitar, showing his respect for the artist who helped shape his path. Brice continued with “More Than a Memory,” a song he wrote that was recorded by Garth Brooks. Finally, he performed “Crazy Girl” by Eli Young Band, a song he co-wrote, and the performance took on extra significance when a couple in the audience got engaged during the heartfelt rendition. After these emotional moments, the energy in the room was undeniable as the crowd got back on their feet for “Drinking Class.”

Brice then began playfully bragging on his crew member Simon, who played riffs of various iconic rock hits before him and Brice went into “Beverly Hills.” The audience then waved their hands as the bandmates turned the Ryman into a big celebration for “Parking Lot Party.”

The emotional high continued as Brice was presented with multiple plaques, honoring his career achievements. Jackie Jones of the RIAA presented him with plaques for his double-Platinum hit “Boy” and six-times Platinum “Rumor.” Storme Warren also presented Brice with a “Career Highlights” plaque, celebrating his incredible milestones, which included 12 billion global streams, nine No. 1 radio singles, 18 billion airplay impressions, CMA and seven-time ACM Award winner, Grammy, Emmy and Billboard Music Award nominee, SESAC, ASCAP and BMI 2021 Song of the Year for “One of Them Girls,” $1.5 million donated to Folds of Honor and a roster of country music hitmakers who have recorded his songs, including Blake Shelton, Tim McGraw and Garth Brooks, among others. Overcome with emotion, Brice took a moment to thank his fans and his team.

Rebecca Lynn Howard, Edwin McCain & Lee Brice. Photo: Chase Lauer

The powerful singer delivered a tender moment with his cover of “Wonderful Tonight” by Eric Clapton, where his vulnerability truly shone through. He then transitioned to the piano for a heartfelt performance of “I Don’t Dance,” leaving the audience in awe. The energy soared again when Brice performed “Boy,” dedicated to his son. He followed with “This Little Guitar,” a touching song he co-wrote with his daughter Trulee at seven years old, accompanied by a heartwarming video of her singing along and moments of them together.

The night reached new heights when Brice was joined by Rebecca Lynn Howard for an unforgettable version of “I Will Always Love You.” The audience stood in ovation, moved by the beautiful duet. “I’ll Be” with both Howard and McCain followed, evoking chills throughout the room.

As the night continued, Brice’s setlist delivered fan-favorites with “Rumor” and “One Of Them Girls.” Before “I Drive Your Truck,” Brice took time to honor the men and women in the military, first responders, teachers and healthcare workers. During the performance, the audience lit up the room with their cell phone lights, creating a sea of stars.

The crowd stayed standing as “When the Kingdom Comes” featured just Brice and his guitar, no microphone, with a single spotlight shining down. His voice filled the room as the a capella version gave everyone goosebumps.

“This is me and my guitar, but I wouldn’t be anything without you,” Brice shared. With that, the crowd erupted into applause, and Brice ended the night with the tour anthem, “You, Me & My Guitar.”

The “You, Me & My Guitar Tour” will continue tomorrow (Feb. 21) in Savannah, with additional stops in Overland Park, Wallingford, Duluth and more throughout the end of March.

Madison Hahnen
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