Eric Church's Electrifying Night of Revival in St. Louis
On a perfect summer night at The Hollywood Casino Amphitheater in St. Louis, Eric Church took the stage in front of a sold-out crowd of 20,000 fans. The rain threatened to dampen the spirits earlier in the evening, but the weather gods smiled upon us, and the stage was set for an unforgettable night. The Outsiders Revival tour had arrived in St. Louis, and with it came some outsiders of its own.
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The night kicked off with the rising stars of country music, Muscadine Bloodline. Hailing from Mobile, Alabama, this duo has made waves with their independent success and dedication to their craft. With their captivating blend of contemporary vocals and masterful guitar licks, Muscadine Bloodline commanded the audience's attention from the first note. Their hit song, "Porch Swing Angel," showcased their ability to tell compelling stories through their music. Muscadine Bloodline's captivating performance, fueled by Gary Stanton's masterful guitar licks and Charlie Muncaster's contemporary vocals, left the audience in awe. As the sun began to set, the duo's harmonies echoed through the amphitheater, captivating every listener. It was no surprise that Eric Church himself praised their performance, watching from the side stage. Muscadine Bloodline set the bar high, leaving the crowd eagerly anticipating what was to come.
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Following Muscadine Bloodline's captivating performance, Travis Tritt took the stage, ready to transport the audience back through three decades of hits. The country music icon proved that his talent has only grown stronger with time. Engaging the crowd with his unmistakable stage presence, Tritt delivered one unforgettable performance after another. It is worth noting that Tritt's playful comment about Eric Church canceling a show to attend a basketball game caused a buzz among fans. However, it was clear that no grudges were held as Tritt's exceptional talent and his ability to connect with the audience were on full display. Tritt's engaging stage presence and powerful performances quickly won the audience over. He effortlessly transported them back in time with hits like "It's a Great Day to Be Alive" and "Here's a Quarter (Call Someone Who Cares)." The energy in the amphitheater skyrocketed as Tritt's timeless music resonated with the crowd, leaving everyone wanting more.
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Finally, the moment everyone had been waiting for arrived, as the anticipation reached its peak, Eric Church emerged on stage, ready to take the audience on a journey they would never forget. The setlist, carefully crafted to take the audience on a journey through Church's remarkable career, included a mix of crowd favorites and rare gems. Church brought his A-game, infusing each song with an unrivaled energy that reverberated throughout the amphitheater.
Church wasted no time in delivering a night of pure musical bliss as he surprised the St. Louis crowd a few times with rare songs, including his cover of the Grateful Dead's "Tennessee Jed." It was a thrilling moment, as the audience sang along to every word, engulfed in the magic of the night. Church had performed this song back in 2017 during his tour but hadn't included it in his setlist since then. And then came "Never Break Heart," a song that had only been performed a handful of times before. This exclusivity made it all the more special for the St. Louis crowd. This is also the first time the song has featured a trumpet as Church's three-member horn section added a unique and soulful twist to the performance, further igniting the crowd's energy. It was a moment that showcased Church's versatility as an artist and highlighted the unique sound of this tour.
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The setlist for the night was a testament to Church's dedication to delivering a unique experience for his fans. From the lively opening series of songs, including crowd favorites like "Knives Of New Orleans" and "Heart on Fire," to the poignant moments with a cover of Little Feat's "Sailin' Shoes" and a dedication to Merle Haggard with "Pledge Allegiance to the Hag," every song showcased Church's undeniable talent and passion for his craft. Amidst the exhilaration of the concert, I found myself venturing to the back of the lawn to take it all in. It was there that Church surprised the crowd with a nostalgic throwback to his early days. The soul-stirring "Living Part Of Life" from his 2006 album Sinners Like Me filled the amphitheater, transporting everyone to a different time and place. It was a reminder of the journey Church has taken as an artist and the growth he has experienced throughout his career.
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One of the highlights of the evening was the stripped-down rendition of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah." With just Church and his guitar, he captivated the audience, leaving them in awe of his raw talent and emotional depth. It was the perfect way to end a night of revival, as 20,000 voices joined in harmony, creating an atmosphere that was nothing short of magical, but the night wasn't just about Eric Church; it was also a celebration of Muscadine Bloodline's success. This duo from Mobile, Alabama, has been grinding as an independent act for years, and their hard work finally paid off. With their contemporary vocals, harmonies, and masterful guitar skills, Muscadine Bloodline brought a refreshing mix of talent and authenticity to the stage.
We got to interview Muscadine Bloodline last year in Chicago.
Eric Church | St. Louis, MO | Set-List
Chattanooga Lucy
Bad Mother Trucker
Heart on Fire
Hangin' Around
Drink in My Hand
Hell of a View
Country Music Jesus
Mr. Misunderstood
Mistress Named Music
Tennessee Jed (Grateful Dead cover)
Creepin'
Never Break Heart
Knives of New Orleans
Livin' Part of Life
Round Here Buzz
Desperate Man
Homeboy
Smoke a Little Smoke
Give Me Back My Hometown
Sailin' Shoes (Little Feat cover)
Cold One
Pledge Allegiance to the Hag
Encore:
Springsteen
Hallelujah (Leonard Cohen cover)
