Tucker Wetmore Makes Triumphant Ryman Debut

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Tucker Wetmore. Photo: Chase Foster

Tucker Wetmore. Photo: Chase Foster

A sold-out Ryman Auditorium fell into a roar of cheers Wednesday night (May 21) as the lights dimmed, setting the stage for a career-defining night for country newcomer Tucker Wetmore. In his first-ever Nashville headline show, Wetmore delivered a heartfelt, high-energy performance.

As the opening sequence flashed a old film mock-up titled “The Ryman Presents: Tucker Wetmore,” fans knew they were in for a night that was uniquely his. Launching into “Break First” and “Already Had It,” Wetmore commanded the stage with confidence. “We’re at the freaking Ryman! This is absolutely insane,” he shouted between songs, visibly emotional as the crowd echoed his excitement.

“Silverado Blue” turned into a sea of swaying arms, while the live debut of “Give Her the World” offered a tender moment of vulnerability. When opener Jacob Hackworth joined Wetmore onstage for their co-written hit “Wine Into Whiskey,” the crowd took over the chorus, singing back every word.

Moments of spectacle, like climbing the stage platform for “Bad Habit,” balanced with intimate ones, such as sitting on the steps to deliver “Mister Miss Her.” He ended “Casino” with a powerful a cappella finish that left the room in reverent silence before bursting into applause.

Gavin DeGraw & Tucker Wetmore. Photo: Chase Foster

One of the most memorable stretches came during a stripped-down piano medley. “Piano was my first love,” Wetmore said, taking a seat at the keys. “So far, it’s been my only one. I wanted to play a part of my set where I just sit here and play the piano like I’m 10 years old again sitting in my living room playing for the fly on the wall.” The medley was a tour de force with a Beethoven score, a crowd-led intro to Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody,” a wild spin through Jerry Lee Lewis’ “Great Balls of Fire,” and a soulful take on Lionel Riche’s “Easy (Like Sunday Morning).” That transitioned into Wetmore’s “What Not To,” with the room glowing in cell phone lights.

Tucker Wetmore & his team during his plaque presentation. Photo: Chase Foster

“This is why I do music,” he told the crowd. “I know you guys come to shows to let all your worries out the door and just let loose.” That led into his rising radio single “3,2,1” and the introspective “What Would You Do?”

A surprise mini-cover set brought extra fire when a gritty version of “I Don’t Want to Be” saw Gavin DeGraw himself take the stage, followed by rowdy renditions of Georgia Satellites’ “Keep Your Hands to Yourself” and Hank Williams Jr.’s “All My Rowdy Friends Are Coming Over Tonight,” bringing the house to its feet.

As the night wound down, Wetmore took a moment to speak directly to the crowd. “Music set aside, just me and you right now, thank you for making my dreams come true every single day,” he said through tears, sharing how he moved to Nashville five years ago with a handful of songs and a dream, and a mom who never stopped believing in him. He held up plaques awarded earlier in the evening, honoring his 1 billion global career streams, as well as “Wind Up Missin’ You” achieving RIAA 2x Platinum certification.

He closed with a crowd-pleasing duo including his first No. 1 radio single “Wind Up Missin’ You” and the catchy, fan favorite “Brunette.”

Tucker Wetmore. Photo: Chase Foster

Tucker Wetmore. Photo: Chase Foster

Tucker Wetmore. Photo: Chase Foster

Madison Hahnen
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