Max McNown Makes Ryman Debut With Steady, Self-Assured Performance

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Max McNown. Photo: Daylin Jarvis

Max McNown opened his two-night, sold-out run at the Ryman Auditorium Wednesday night (April 1) as part of his “Cost Of Growing Up Tour” with a set that balanced emotion with boot stomping beats. From the first notes of “Love Me Back,” he captured the attention of the crowd, holding it through the end of the evening.

Early in the set, “Turned Into Missing You” brought out Kimberly Perry as the first surprise guest. McNown followed with “This Side of Heaven,” continuing to lean into the introspective themes that define much of his catalog, before pausing to share a brief reflection with the audience.

“My name is Max and I sing for people sometimes,” he joked from the stage. “What started out on a pier in southern California is now filling out the Ryman Auditorium. It’s an honor that all of you are here tonight.”

Max McNown. Photo: Daylin Jarvis

Songs like “Stand Still” and a creative “Marley” and “Three Little Birds” mashup kept the crowd rollicking and singing along. “St. Helens Alpenglow” stood out as one of the more atmospheric performances, while “World Change Me” featured a guest appearance from Mags Duvall, one of McNown’s go to Nashville writers.

The middle of the set leaned heavily into emotional territory. “The Cost of Growing Up” and “97” were particularly resonant, the latter song about reflecting on his grandpa delivered in a way that felt especially vulnerable. McNown kept the momentum steady through “Night Driving,” “The Way I Wanna,” and “Same Questions,” each performed with confidence.

Later, “Done For” saw Duvall return to the stage. “Hotel Bible” and “Forever Ain’t Long Enough” closed the main set on a high note.

Returning solo, McNown began the encore with a stripped-down cover of “Hurt,” paying homage to Johnny Cash with a restrained, acoustic approach. He then shifted into the Platinum certified “A Lot More Free” and closed with his most recent hit “Better Me for You (Brown Eyes),” ending the night with a giant a cappella sing along on both fan favorite tunes.

The “Cost of Growing Up” tour will continue in Birmingham, Indianapolis, Omaha and more through the end of April. McNown is also slated to make festival appearances at Stagecoach, Country Thunder Florida, CMA Fest and more, and will also join Parker McCollum on select dates in June. McNown will also hit the road this summer on his newly plotted “The Summer Vacation Tour,” stopping in Boise, Billings, Boston and more.

Max McNown. Photo: Daylin Jarvis

Max McNown. Photo: Daylin Jarvis

Max McNown. Photo: Daylin Jarvis

Max McNown. Photo: Daylin Jarvis

Max McNown. Photo: Daylin Jarvis

Max McNown. Photo: Daylin Jarvis

Max McNown. Photo: Daylin Jarvis

Madison Hahnen
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