Austin Snell Stops in Chicago on “Still Bleeding” Tour
The "Still Bleeding" tour, featuring Wesko and Austin Snell, made a memorable stop in Chicago, marking the end of my concert experiences for 2024. Austin Snell, a rising star in the country music scene, is celebrated for his distinctive fusion of country and rock. He gained significant attention on SiriusXM with his rendition of "Wasting All These Tears," originally recorded by Cassadee Pope. I particularly appreciate artists like Snell, Nate Smith, and Hardy, who are innovatively blending rock and country, offering a refreshing alternative to the prevalent Morgan Wallen soundalikes.
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The evening began with a performance by Wesko, also known as Wesley Keith Holmes. He delivered original songs such as "Lost Boys" and "Dreamer," which embody a classic country boy vibe. His impressive cover of Zach Bryan’s "Revival" energized the crowd, and his bassist's dance moves were reminiscent of Larry Fleet’s bassist. Wesko concluded his set with the unreleased track "Already on Fire," which is notable for its dynamic tempo changes.
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Austin Snell captivated the audience with his powerful vocals and dynamic stage presence. His entrance was nothing short of spectacular, setting the tone for an evening filled with high-energy performances and heartfelt ballads. He opened with "Excuse the Mess," a personal favorite of mine, which had the crowd headbanging.
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Throughout the night, Snell's genuine and engaging interaction with the audience stood out. He shared personal stories behind his songs, fostering an intimate connection with his fans. A highlight of the show was Snell's creative mashup of songs he used to listen to on his iPod, including "Chattahoochee," "When I’m Gone," and "Let Me Love You," mimicking the experience of shuffling through tracks.
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In a special moment, Snell stepped aside to allow his bassist, Kenny Whitmore, to perform an original song, "Blue Call’er." Whitmore's performance showcased his songwriting and musical talents, and his band, dressed in matching mechanic jumpsuits complete with name tags, added a unique visual element to the show.
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Snell's vocal prowess was further demonstrated in "Wildfire." He closed the concert with hits "Pray All the Way Home" and "Muddy Water Rockstar." As a fan of Johnny Cash and AC/DC, I particularly resonate with the line "From the man in black to Back in Black, I can tell you every word from front to back" from "Muddy Water Rockstar." For the encore, Snell performed Jason Aldean’s "The Truth," the first song he learned to play, a nod to his previous tour with Aldean over the summer. Fans can look forward to seeing Austin Snell on tour with Brantley Gilbert in 2025.
For more information on Austin Snell – www.austinsnell.com
For more information on Wesko - www.weskomusic.com/
