Busch Country: One Night Only Presents Matt Stell
August 10th, 2023 at Old Crow Smokehouse in Chicago, Illinois
Matt Stell put on a free show sponsored by Busch at Old Crow Smokehouse in Wrigleyville on Thursday night. As a born and raised White Sox fan, a free show is the only way to get me anywhere near Wrigley Field. The private event held 350 lucky winners of a Busch Country sweepstakes. Old Crow was decked out in Busch Light decorations from neon guitars, and Busch Light posters, and each attendee got Busch swag including chips for free Busch Light beers. Can’t beat free beer and good music.
Taken with iPhone
Standing at 6’7” Matt Stell could easily be seen throughout the venue. Stell played an hour-long, 13-song, full band set featuring a good mix of songs off his latest EP and hits from his previous records. He opened with “One of Us” which is the title track of his latest EP. He played “This One’s Gonna Hurt,” “Shut The Truck Up,” and “Roots in this Ground” also from the same EP.
Taken with iPhone
Stell brought head-banging rock and roll flare to songs about country living. He and the audience were feeding off each other’s energy like I’d never seen before. Stell’s facial expressions are just as big as he is. All eyes were on the stage and all bodies were moving in the crowd. Stell brought along with him a neon instrument-playing guitarist, a drummer with a luxurious mullet, and a resident Illinoian on bass.
Taken with iPhone
Matt played some crowd favorites such as “If I Were I Bar,” “Prayed for You,” and “That Ain’t Me No More.” He also played my hands-down favorite song “Everywhere But On.” I will never change the channel, skip, or lower the volume when it’s on. If I ever get over my stage fright, that would be one of my go-to karaoke songs. It belongs on every heartbreak playlist.
Taken with iPhone
For the people standing near my group of friends, you actually received 2 shows for the cost of none because we were a sight to see during “Sadie.” You would’ve thought we were lip-syncing for our lives. I say lip-sync because I lost my voice after 4 songs which is a sign of a great concert. During the meet and greet, Matt admitted he questioned keeping Sadie in the setlist, but after seeing us go crazy, he was happy he left it in.
Taken with iPhone
Stell was personable as he met fans, signed merchandise, and took photos. I was a giddy schoolgirl in line as Matt is one of my many country crushes. Stell showed kindness as stood by the merchandise table until every last person in line got to meet him no matter how long it took. Everyone walked away with an experience they will never forget. It was a pleasure finally getting to meet Matt and I cannot wait to see him again the next time he comes back to town!
For more information on Matt Stell https://www.mattstell.com/
