Stephen Wilson Jr. Rocks Headline Ryman Debut

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Stephen Wilson Jr. Photo: Jace Kartye

Stephen Wilson Jr. took the Ryman Auditorium stage for his first of two sold-out shows on Sunday night (Nov. 23) for his Ryman headline debut. In a personal tribute to his late father and his own childhood, the stage was transformed into a makeshift boxing ring with ropes, corner stool, entrance bell and all, which set the tone for a night rooted in memory, grit, and heart.

He opened with “Calico Creek,” easing the crowd into his world of guitar riff and powerhouse vocals.

“This hillbilly’s been dreaming about this day for 20 years,” Wilson said from stage. “My dream’s have officially out dreamt me.”

HARDY & Stephen Wilson Jr. Photo: Jace Kartye

“Billy” followed, before launching into “Cuckoo,” which had the fans clapping along without hesitation. Wilson then previewed new material with “Preacher’s Kid,” a track from his forthcoming album. After introducing the band, he slid into “Patches” and “Grief Is Only Love,” both magnified by his vocal echoes.

One of the night’s most defining moments came during “The Devil,” performed entirely a cappella. The crowd fell into a hush before joining him for a singalong. “Not Letting Go” closed the first portion of the show, after which the band slipped quietly offstage.

The audience erupted when HARDY emerged as a surprise guest. With just two voices and a pair of guitars, they performed “Father’s Søn.” Wilson then remained alone for a solo acoustic rendition of “I’m a Song,” his father’s favorite, serving as an intimate, tender moment.

The band returned for a high-energy run through of his latest release “Gary,” followed by the nostalgic “Year to Be Young 1994,” as well as an atmospheric cover of Nirvana’s “Something in the Way.” The crowd’s energy swelled through “Holler from the Holler,” sending Wilson offstage to roaring applause.

He returned for a final encore solo, closing the night with a soulful take on Ben E. King’s “Stand by Me.” As the lights came up, Wilson took in every moment feeling the gratitude by the crowd’s standing ovation, and ended the night by throwing some guitar picks into the crowd.

Photo: Jace Kartye

Stephen Wilson Jr. & HARDY. Photo: Jace Kartye

Madison Hahnen
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