Pictured (L-R): Kristian Bush, Ben Williams, Megan Moroney, David “Messy” Mescon, and Rob Hatch. Photo: Catherine Powell
Megan Moroney hosted friends, family and industry team members at the SESAC headquarters to celebrate her third chart-topper, “6 Months Later.”
Written by Moroney, Ben Williams, David “Messy” Mescon and Rob Hatch and produced by Kristian Bush, “6 Months Later” dropped last June as the first song released from her Billboard 200-topping new album Cloud 9. The track marked Mescon’s first country chart-topper.
Pictured (L-R): Benji Amaefule, Caroline Hodson, Rusty Gaston, Kristian Bush, Ben Williams, MaryAnn Keen, Megan Moroney, Emilia James, David “Messy” Mescon, Penny Gattis, Rob Hatch, Kurt Locher, Shannan Hatch. Photo: Catherine Powell
Emceed by SESAC’s Shannan Hatch, Warner Chappell’s Benji Amaefule, Tape Room’s Caroline Hodson, Sony Music Publishing’s Rusty Gaston, Sony Music Nashville’s Dennis Reese, BMI’s MaryAnn Keen, ASCAP’s Emilia James, Eclipse Music Group’s Penny Gattis and Kurt Locher each took the stage to honor the team behind the track.
Many spoke of the joy of watching Moroney’s career skyrocket, her kindness and the special dynamic she creates among the writers she works with. Industry attendees repeatedly praised the work of her entire team, including her manager Hayley Corbett, in helping cultivate a world that inspires such a deeply dedicated fanbase.
“Megan is one of the smartest artists you are ever going to come across,” shared Gaston. “Everything that’s happening for her is not by accident. It is because of the actions she takes. The vision she has in all of her songs, the vision she has for every image, the vision she has for how the machine moves down the road. What she is doing with Hayley by her side, they are dominating and making history. They are making every one of us proud, and they make country music better.”
The writers and producers took the microphone to share the special writing process for this song, which took place during a retreat on a yacht in the Caribbean.
Moroney with writers, Sony Music Nashville team and manager Hayley Corbett. Photo: Catherine Powell
“I have written with some of the most talented artists in this town and I have never been in a room with anyone who knows what they want to say, how they want to say it and how it will resonate with their fans the way Megan does,” Hatch shared. “Its amazing to watch it happen and I’m glad to be in the room for just part of it.”
“In Hannah Montana’s words, [Megan is] the best of both worlds,” Mescon added. “Its unreal how you just kill it, so thank you for letting us make music with you.”
Williams thanked his wife and each member of his team, noting that many of them had worked with him since he first arrived in town.
“Its amazing what you are doing. Thank you for letting me capture it in a three minute picture. She’s going to be here for a long time, so get used to coming to these,” Bush shared with a laugh.
Moroney took the microphone last, thanking everyone that surrounds her and sharing gratitude for the opportunities she has earned over the past few years.
“I want to give a huge thank you to every single person here. Thank you for believing in me and my music—when I’m in the room and when I’m not in the room, and for cheering for me,” says Moroney. “I feel so lucky to get to do this. I wake up everyday and still can’t believe it’s real.”
Moroney will kick off her “The Cloud 9 Tour” in May.
Maverick Nashville Elevates Three
/by Lauryn SinkTori MacDonald-Nash, Ashley Negrillo & Grace Foster. Photo: Courtesy of Maverick Nashville
Maverick Nashville has elevated three staff members including Tori MacDonald-Nash, Ashley Negrillo and Grace Foster.
After 13 years at Maverick, MacDonald-Nash rises to Director of Artist Projects. In her new role, she continues to lead logistics on projects for Jason Aldean, Darius Rucker, and Hootie & the Blowfish. A Belmont University graduate, she spearheaded the planning and execution of major concert events and philanthropic initiatives, including Rucker’s annual St. Jude benefit concerts and the recent CRS surprise party honoring Aldean’s 31 No. 1 hits.
Negrillo rises to Senior Creative Director. Since joining the company in 2021 as TourDesign Creative, the Pepperdine University graduate has worked with various clients at the company. Most recently, Negrillo played a key role in the visuals behind Aldean’s upcoming Songs About Us album including album packaging and the fireside acoustic performance videos.
Foster now steps into the newly-created role of Manager, Marketing Strategy and Fan Engagement. Since joining Maverick in 2022 after graduating from Belmont University, the Chicago native leads the company’s e-commerce and fan engagement initiatives.
Led by industry veterans Clarence Spalding and Chris Parr, Maverick Nashville represents Brooks & Dunn, Jason Aldean, Darius Rucker, Rascal Flatts, Terri Clark, Hootie & the Blowfish, Lauren Alaina, Shane Profitt, Jenna LaMaster and Howl Owl Howl.
‘Music Night’ Episode 1, Featuring Brett James, Now Streaming Worldwide
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): the late Brett James, Bobby Bones, Kelly Archer and Matt Jenkins
Following its debut as a live broadcast in movie theaters, the songwriter show Music Night is now expanding into streaming, with Episode 1 now available across major platforms including Apple, Amazon and YouTube.
Additional platforms including Tubi, Xumo and others will roll out soon, bringing the one-of-a-kind music experience to audiences across the country and around the world. Originally making history as the first-ever songwriter round broadcast live to more than 400 movie theaters nationwide, Music Night captures the raw, unfiltered magic of Nashville’s most treasured musical tradition and now makes it accessible to a global audience. Episode 1 now holds added significance as the final recorded performance from Brett James, capturing the songwriter doing what he loved most, sharing songs and stories in their purest form, before his untimely passing.
Hosted by award-winning radio and TV personality Bobby Bones, Episode 1 also features Kelly Archer and Matt Jenkins. Collectively, Archer, James and Jenkins have penned more than 40 No. 1s recorded by Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift, Keith Urban, Kelly Clarkson, Kenny Chesney, Faith Hill and more. The episode offers an intimate, stripped-down experience, blending live performances with the personal stories behind some of country’s most iconic songs, including “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” “Setting the World on Fire,” “Cop Car” and “Sleep Without You.”
Created and produced by Executive Producer Dean Sell, Music Night marks the first release from Nashville Music Network, a new platform designed to connect the people and places of Music City with music lovers around the world. Episode 2 is slated to go live this fall.
“This was always meant to be bigger than one night,” says Sell. “Bringing Music Night to streaming allows us to continue giving songwriters the platform they deserve to share their stories and songs with an even wider audience, while building something designed to be an ongoing series.”
Max McNown To Hit The Road On ‘The Summer Vacation Tour’
/by Lauryn SinkPhoto: Daylin Jarvis.
Max McNown will hit the road on “The Summer Vacation Tour,” kicking off in July.
The 24-date run will make stops in Washington, Wyoming, Illinois and many more through August. He will be joined by Briscoe, The Jack Wharff Band, Sam Burchfield, The Band Perry, Waylon Wyatt and Lily Meola on select dates. Tickets go on sale on Friday (April 10).
The announcement comes on the heels of McNown’s two sold-out nights at the Ryman Auditorium last week. He released his stripped-back EP, Both Sides of the Blade in November 2025, and is slated to release new music throughout the year. Between headlining dates, McNown is slated to make appearances at several festivals, including Stagecoach, Boots in the Park, Boots and Hearts Music Festival and many more.
“The Summer Vacation Tour” Dates:
Jul 8 – McMenamins Grand Lodge – Forest Grove, OR ~
Jul 9 – Dune Peninsula – Tacoma, WA ~
Jul 11 – Cowboys Music Festival – Calgary, AB *
Jul 12 – Country Thunder Saskatchewan – Craven, SK *
Jul 14 – The Old Saloon – Emigrant, MT – SOLD OUT #
Jul 15 – King Concert Series at Snow King Summit Stage – Jackson, WY #
Jul 16 – Outlaw Field at the Idaho Botanical Garden – Boise, ID #
Jul 20 – The Pub Station Ballroom – Billings, MT with &
Jul 28 – Bottle & Cork – Dewey Beach, DE ^
Jul 29 – Lake Morey Summer Concert Series – Fairlee, VT ^
Jul 31 – Osheaga Festival – Montreal, QC *
Aug 1 – Roadrunner – Boston, MA ^
Aug 2 – The Fillmore – Silver Spring, MD ^
Aug 5 – The Salt Shed – Chicago, IL ^
Aug 6 – The Sylvee – Madison, WI ^
Aug 7 – WE Fest – Detroit Lakes, MN *
Aug 9 – Boots & Hearts Fest – Oro Medonte, ON *
Aug 11 – Hard Rock Casino Ottawa – Ottawa, ON ^
Aug 12 – Casino New Brunswick – Moncton, NB % ^
Aug 13 – Scotiabank Centre – Halifax, NS
Aug 15 – Lasso Country Music Fest – Montreal, QC
Aug 16 – Erie County Fair – Hamburg, NY +
Aug 17 – The Fillmore – Philadelphia, PA #
Aug 19 – The Rooftop at Pier 17 – New York, NY #
Aug 28 – Edmonton, AB – Boots & Hearts Fest *
Sep 3 – Alaska State Fair – Palmer, AK *
Sep 27 – Bourbon & Beyond – Louisville, KY *
With Special Guest
~ Briscoe
# The Jack Wharff Band
^ Sam Burchfield
% The Band Perry
+ Waylon Wyatt
& Lily Meola
* Festival Date
Ashley Anne Announces Upcoming EP ‘Generational Heartbreak,’ Due In May
/by Lorie HollabaughAshley Anne is gearing up for the release of her new EP, Generational Heartbreak, on May 1.
Along with the announcement she’s released a new single from the project, the infectious “Paloma.” Inspired by a girls’ night out celebrating a birthday, Anne uses the cocktail as a metaphor for womanhood, confidence, and stepping into a more self-assured version of yourself.
“’Paloma’ was written after a girls’ night out celebrating one of my best friend’s birthdays,” says Anne. “I had freshly turned 21 and had yet to figure out my more mature taste for certain cocktails. Out of fun, my girl Laci Kaye Booth let me take a sip of her paloma. I remember it tasting so bitter and thinking to myself, ‘it takes a mature woman to enjoy this drink, and that’s hot.’ I wrote the title down in my phone and rambled about how I aspired to be the girl who could handle the sour taste of a paloma, because that’s hot.”
The song has already caught the attention of Booth and earned early support from Carly Pearce and Avery Anna. Anne recently performed at the Song Suffragettes’ 12th Anniversary show honoring Carly Pearce at The Listening Room, further cementing her growing presence among country music’s rising female voices. She recently wrapped a 12-city run opening for Maddox Batson, and is currently on the road supporting Avery Anna and Max McNown on select dates.
Generational Heartbreak EP Track List:
1. “love looks like” (Ryan Kohn, Ashley Anne, Eli Winders)
2. “found you broken” (Ashley Anne, Kevin Monahan, Averie Bielski)
3. “happy birthday” (Averie Bielski, Ashley Anne, Kevin Monahan)
4. “paloma” (Ashley Anne, Jason Earley, Kevin Monahan)
5. “phone a friend” (Ashley Anne, Kevin Monahan, Anna Vaus)
6. “nevermind” (Ashley Anne, Connor Hicks, Ryan Kohn)
MusicRow Weekly (News, Charts, More…)
/by Madison HahnenA major headline comes from The Band Perry, who have officially signed with Borchetta Entertainment Group’s management division. In tandem with the signing, Shelby Marvel has joined the Borchetta Entertainment Group team.
On the publishing and creative side, David Ryan Harris has taken on a role at Spirit Music Group as Vice President of A&R. In addition to his executive duties, Harris will continue his creative work as a songwriter and enter into a joint venture partnership with his company, Peace Pourage, Inc.. Meanwhile, Sam Tinnesz has secured a new publishing deal with Reservoir Media.
Community leaders Hal Cato and Jerry Williams have been named to the Board of Officers and Trustees for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
Label expansion continues to be a key theme this week, particularly at Big Machine Records and Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment, which are actively rebuilding and growing their teams following reacquisition efforts. Several familiar faces are returning, including Jay Cruze as National Director of Promotion & Marketing and Carly Leach as Coordinator in the same department. They are joined by Christina Hunt, who steps in as Manager of Digital Marketing, and newcomer Claudia Deters, who will serve as Label Coordinator and Executive Assistant to President and CEO Jimmy Harnen.
Elsewhere, collaboration is taking center stage with the launch of a new joint venture label between Graffiti Sound and Casual Records. The venture will be led by Graffiti Sound founders Jenna Andrews and Stephen Kirk, alongside Casual Records founder Heather Vassar.
Artist signings also remain a strong focus across the board. Nicholas Jamerson has aligned with Why And How Management and CAA. Rising act Sons of Habit has signed with Lucille Records in partnership with MCA.
On the songwriting front, Austin Bianco has entered a co-publishing agreement with Concord Music Publishing, while Jessie Brackin has signed a publishing deal with RED Creative Group.
In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Luke Combs takes the No. 1 spot with “Sleepless In A Hotel Room.” Explore more chart data here.
The MusicRow Weekly is delivered every Friday, featuring Nashville’s top music industry news, exclusive interviews, song reviews, radio and songwriter charts and more. Sign up for free here.
Johnny Blue Skies & The Dark Clouds Slate ‘Mutiny For The Masses Tour’ For Fall
/by Lorie HollabaughJohnny Blue Skies & the Dark Clouds. Photo: Edwin Keeble
Johnny Blue Skies & the Dark Clouds have announced their new 2026 “Mutiny For The Masses Tour” tour, which will kick off Sept. 4 at Austin’s Moody Center.
The new tour will include 29 dates across North America and will feature stops in Santa Barbara, San Diego, Seattle, Denver, Chicago, Charleston and more, with a Nashville stop at Bridgestone Arena set for Oct. 2. The tour will wrap at Lexington, Kentucky’s Rupp Arena on Halloween weekend, October 30. General on-sale for the tour begins on April 10, with pre-sales starting on April 8.
The band’s latest album, Mutiny After Midnight is out now on vinyl, CD and cassette via High Top Mountain/Atlantic Outpost and is also available as a digital download exclusively on iTunes in a “full album for purchase only” format – with an expanded track list featuring Johnny Blue Skies & the Dark Clouds’ take on Eddie Murphy’s “Party All The Time.” The band’s renditions of Procol Harum’s “A Whiter Shade of Pale” and William Bell’s “You Don’t Miss Your Water” will be released as a 7” picture disc on April 18, exclusively for Record Store Day 2026.
“Mutiny For The Masses Tour” Dates:
Sep 4 – Austin, TX – Moody Center
Sep 6 – Rio Rancho, NM – Rio Rancho Events Center
Sep 8 – Glendale, AZ – Desert Diamond Arena
Sep 9 – Santa Barbara, CA – Santa Barbara Bowl
Sep 11 – Inglewood, CA – Kia Forum
Sep 13 – San Diego, CA – Viejas Arena
Sep 15 – Berkeley, CA – The Greek Theatre
Sep 18 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena
Sep 19 – Vancouver, BC – Pacific Coliseum
Sep 21 – Eugene, OR – Matthew Knight Arena
Sep 23 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena
Sep 26 – Kansas City, MO – T-Mobile Center
Sep 27 – St. Paul, MN – Grand Casino Arena
Sep 29 – Chicago, IL – United Center
Oct 2 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena
Oct 3 – Indianapolis, IN – Gainbridge Fieldhouse
Oct 6 – St. Louis, MO – Enterprise Center
Oct 7 – Columbus, OH – Nationwide Arena
Oct 9 – Pittsburgh, PA – Petersen Events Center
Oct 10 – Detroit, MI – Little Caesars Arena
Oct 13 – Boston, MA – TD Garden
Oct 15 – Philadelphia, PA – Xfinity Mobile Arena
Oct 16 – Brooklyn, NY – Barclays Center
Oct 18 – Washington DC – Capital One Arena
Oct 21 – Raleigh, NC – Lenovo Center
Oct 23 – Charleston, SC – Credit One Stadium
Oct 25 – Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena
Oct 27 – New Orleans, LA – Lakefront Arena
Oct 30 – Lexington, KY – Rupp Arena
Megan Moroney Celebrates Third Chart-Topper With ‘6 Months Later’
/by Lauryn SinkPictured (L-R): Kristian Bush, Ben Williams, Megan Moroney, David “Messy” Mescon, and Rob Hatch. Photo: Catherine Powell
Megan Moroney hosted friends, family and industry team members at the SESAC headquarters to celebrate her third chart-topper, “6 Months Later.”
Written by Moroney, Ben Williams, David “Messy” Mescon and Rob Hatch and produced by Kristian Bush, “6 Months Later” dropped last June as the first song released from her Billboard 200-topping new album Cloud 9. The track marked Mescon’s first country chart-topper.
Pictured (L-R): Benji Amaefule, Caroline Hodson, Rusty Gaston, Kristian Bush, Ben Williams, MaryAnn Keen, Megan Moroney, Emilia James, David “Messy” Mescon, Penny Gattis, Rob Hatch, Kurt Locher, Shannan Hatch. Photo: Catherine Powell
Emceed by SESAC’s Shannan Hatch, Warner Chappell’s Benji Amaefule, Tape Room’s Caroline Hodson, Sony Music Publishing’s Rusty Gaston, Sony Music Nashville’s Dennis Reese, BMI’s MaryAnn Keen, ASCAP’s Emilia James, Eclipse Music Group’s Penny Gattis and Kurt Locher each took the stage to honor the team behind the track.
Many spoke of the joy of watching Moroney’s career skyrocket, her kindness and the special dynamic she creates among the writers she works with. Industry attendees repeatedly praised the work of her entire team, including her manager Hayley Corbett, in helping cultivate a world that inspires such a deeply dedicated fanbase.
“Megan is one of the smartest artists you are ever going to come across,” shared Gaston. “Everything that’s happening for her is not by accident. It is because of the actions she takes. The vision she has in all of her songs, the vision she has for every image, the vision she has for how the machine moves down the road. What she is doing with Hayley by her side, they are dominating and making history. They are making every one of us proud, and they make country music better.”
The writers and producers took the microphone to share the special writing process for this song, which took place during a retreat on a yacht in the Caribbean.
Moroney with writers, Sony Music Nashville team and manager Hayley Corbett. Photo: Catherine Powell
“I have written with some of the most talented artists in this town and I have never been in a room with anyone who knows what they want to say, how they want to say it and how it will resonate with their fans the way Megan does,” Hatch shared. “Its amazing to watch it happen and I’m glad to be in the room for just part of it.”
“In Hannah Montana’s words, [Megan is] the best of both worlds,” Mescon added. “Its unreal how you just kill it, so thank you for letting us make music with you.”
Williams thanked his wife and each member of his team, noting that many of them had worked with him since he first arrived in town.
“Its amazing what you are doing. Thank you for letting me capture it in a three minute picture. She’s going to be here for a long time, so get used to coming to these,” Bush shared with a laugh.
Moroney took the microphone last, thanking everyone that surrounds her and sharing gratitude for the opportunities she has earned over the past few years.
“I want to give a huge thank you to every single person here. Thank you for believing in me and my music—when I’m in the room and when I’m not in the room, and for cheering for me,” says Moroney. “I feel so lucky to get to do this. I wake up everyday and still can’t believe it’s real.”
Moroney will kick off her “The Cloud 9 Tour” in May.
The Droptines Drop Big Loud Texas Debut ‘Drought Flower’
/by Lorie HollabaughThe 11-track project marks the band’s full-length debut, and is a snapshot in time for a group of friends figuring out life and music as they go along. Produced by Jon Randall, Jacob Sciba and Taylor Tatsch, nine of the album’s tracks were written solely by frontman Conner Arthur.
Themes across the album include detachment from a relationship, mourning the loss of a family member, love, growth and more. The album honors the significant others, sisters, mothers, grandmothers and every other female figure in The Droptines’ lives.
“Maturity is reflected [on Drought Flower], for sure, and intentionality,” shares Arthur. “I think the overarching theme of it is an appreciation for the women in our lives and the matriarchy that raised most of us. There are some songs about lost friends and loved ones — there still is the element of laughing to keep from crying and that dark humor — but I think a lot of it is just kind of a love letter.”
The band of five originated in Texas Hill Country, building a solid fan following since they formed in 2019. They made their Opry debut last week, performing “Snowed In” and “Tombstone”. Tonight, The Droptines will take the stage in Austin for their album release show. Starting next week, the band will hit the road for their headlining “Drought Flower Tour,” which stops in Lexington, Washington, D.C., New York City, and more.
Drought Flower Tracklist:
1. “A Town Near You” (feat. Zandi Holup) (Kenneth C Arthur)
2. “Tombstone” (Kenneth C Arthur)
3. “Old Tricks” (Kenneth C Arthur)
4. “Drought Flower” (Kenneth C Arthur)
5. “Mamaw” (feat. Sarah Jarosz) (Kenneth C Arthur)
6. “Snowed In” (Kenneth C Arthur)
7. “What Ate My Friend” (Kenneth C Arthur)
8. “Whatever It Is” (Kenneth C Arthur)
9. “Take Too Much” (Kenneth C Arthur)
10. “Calling All Cars” (Mike McClure, Adam Odor)
11. “Grand Canyon” (Stephin Merritt)
Max McNown Makes Ryman Debut With Steady, Self-Assured Performance
/by Madison HahnenMax 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
Morgan Wallen Returns To The Stage For SiriusXM Channel Launch
/by John Nix ArledgePictured: Morgan Wallen; Photo: Kevin Mazur Getty Images for SiriusXM
Morgan Wallen notched his first live performance of 2026 with an intimate, 16-song set at The Pinnacle, celebrating the launch of his year-round SiriusXM channel, Morgan Wallen Radio.
The RIAA’s highest-certified country artist returned to the stage after a six month hiatus for nearly 4,000 SiriusXM subscribers on Thursday (April 2), performing a mix of tracks from his latest project I’m The Problem alongside a few fan-favorites. The night was both a warm up for his upcoming 23-date “Still The Problem Tour” and a celebration of his channel set to launch on April 7.
After a several-minute instrumental buildup from his band, Wallen took the stage to a sea of phones and cheers, opening with his current radio single “Don’t We” and the album’s title track “I’m The Problem.” Before moving to his next song, he paused to reflect on his time away from the stage.
Pictured: Morgan Wallen; Photo: Kevin Mazur Getty Images for SiriusXM
“I haven’t played a show in a few months,” Wallen shared. “I’ve been hanging out with my family, hanging out in the woods a little bit, making some new music. Every time I get on stage after a few months off, I think to myself, ‘Man, why did I take so much time off?’ Because I always enjoy being up here.”
He also took a moment to thank SiriusXM for bringing the night together and helping kickstart his career over a decade ago.
“Big shout out to SiriusXM,” he said. “The first time I ever heard my song on the radio was on SiriusXM. I didn’t even know that artists had their own radio stations at that point when I was listening to it. So, to fast forward 10 years from that to be able to say that they’re letting me have a radio station that’s going to be on 24 hours, 7 days a week—it’s an honor and a privilege for me, for my team. It wouldn’t be possible without every single one of you here tonight.”
The evening’s setlist leaned heavily into I’m The Problem tracks, including “I Got Better,” “20 Cigarettes,” “Dark Til Daylight,” “Love Somebody,” “I’m A Little Crazy,” “TN” and “Just In Case.” Wallen also revisited earlier fan favorites such as “More Than My Hometown” and “Chasin’ You.”
“I haven’t played this one in a couple of years,” he said of the latter. “We gotta bring it back – this is one of the first songs I wrote.”
Pictured: Morgan Wallen & Ella Langley. Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for SiriusXM
The most memorable moment of the night came when Wallen brought a piano onto the stage for a surprise duet of “Sand In My Boots” alongside breakout star Ella Langley.
The evening closed with two of his biggest hits, the 12x Platinum “Last Night” and 13x Platinum “Whiskey Glasses.” Once again expressing his gratitude, Wallen remained on stage signing autographs and tossing guitar picks into the crowd.
Fans can relive the performance when it airs on April 7, at 4 p.m. CT on Morgan Wallen Radio.