Tampa’s MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheater was buzzing with excitement last Friday night as fans eagerly awaited the arrival of Chris Stapleton. Known for his gritty vocal and raw emotion, the Grammy-winning country sensation has become nothing short of a legend in the music scene.
The evening kicked off with respective, electrifying performances from rock singer-songwriter Grace Potter (back in Tampa Bay for the first time in less than a month) and Nikki Lane, who opened our town’s first-ever dance with Lana del Rey last fall. The two showcased their own unique blend of country and rock, with daylight still in the sky. The crowd was immediately captivated by their high-energy performance, setting the stage for an incredible night ahead.
As the red lights dimmed and the crowd erupted into applause, Stapleton, 46, took center stage dressed in his signature cowboy hat and denim. He exuded a humble yet confident presence, and would let his music do the talking without any flashy theatrics in sight.
He opened his set with hard-hitting hit single “White Horse,” and maintained the pace with upbeat records (“Parachute,” “Second One To Know”). The setlist was a mix of his biggest hits and lesser-known gems, showcasing the depth and versatility of his songwriting, so it’s no wonder that he thrived off the energy of the crowd.
While accompanied by a tight, five-piece band, Stapleton effortlessly transitioned into more relaxed records (“Starting Over,” “Millionaire”) as couples of all ages held each other, slightly swaying side to side.
Shortly after a three-song period of “downtime”, Stapleton immediately reignited the crowd with a powerful 30-second note to open up “Hard Livin’,” bringing everyone back up on their feet. Then, it was, in Stapleton’s words, “time to fire the band” for a handful of jumbotron-and-band-free intimate performances (“What Are You Listening To?,” “Mountains Of My Mind,” “Whiskey and You”).
Soon, it was time to bring back the band and get the party rocking again. With beers in the sky, Stapleton delivered party anthems “Arkansas,” “Midnight Train to Memphis,” and “Think I’m In Love With You” to a dancing, sold-out crowd.
Though there were many, the standout moment of the night was when Stapleton performed his hit song “Cold.” His powerful vocals and guitar solo probably left many with shortness of breath. It was truly indescribable. But it wasn’t just his vocals that impressed. Stapleton showcased his impeccable guitar skills, effortlessly shredding on solos and delivering soulful riffs. His bandmates also had their moments to shine, with each member displaying their remarkable talent.
Throughout the concert, Stapleton indeed let his humility and down-to-earth nature shine through. He took the time to interact with the crowd on songs like “Fire Away” and “The Devil Named Music,” sharing stories behind his songs and expressing his gratitude for the support of his fans on this long journey.
As the concert drew to a close, the crowd immediately erupted into thunderous applause and cheers as it heard the iconic opening lines of “Tennessee Whiskey.” The crowd joined him in unison.
From his powerful vocals to his incredible guitar skills, Stapleton proved why he is one of the most respected and admired artists in country music today. His ability to connect with the audience on a deep and emotional level is truly remarkable.
