Gary Allan Showcases A Near Flawless Set In Milwaukee!

The Riverside Theater in Milwaukee, WI, was a haven for country music enthusiasts as it hosted the electrifying Ruthless Tour: 25 Years The Hard Way, featuring none other than the incomparable Gary Allan. The almost sold-out crowd was treated to an evening that celebrated not just music but also the rich, emotional tapestry of life experiences that Gary Allan has sung about over the past quarter-century.

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Opening the night was the talented singer/songwriter Mark Mackay, who hails from just south of San Francisco. From a young age, Mark's parents nurtured his musical abilities with classical piano lessons starting at the age of nine. As he matured, his passion for country music led him to pick up the guitar, and it's clear this transition was a perfect fit for him. Mark's performance was soulful and spirited, captivating the audience with his heartfelt lyrics and skillful guitar play. A highlight of his set was when he sat down at the keyboards for, I Can't Stop You, a song penned by Jeffery Steele. The theater was enveloped in an air of melancholy beauty as his fingers danced across the keys. Mark's versatility and passion set the perfect tone for the evening, and by the end of his set, the crowd was eagerly on their feet, primed for what was to come.

All Photos By: Nashville Is His Bride

As the unmistakable voice of Johnny Cash resonated over the PA system, anticipation surged through the audience. The moment had arrived. Gary Allan took the stage atop a riser with stairs leading down, bathed in lights as the opening strains of Tough All Over reverberated through the theater. The crowd erupted in applause and cheers, the kind of welcome befitting a country music legend.

Gary's voice, though initially strained during Nothing On But The Radio, bore the marks of a summer filled with numerous performances. His dedication was evident, and after a few sprays for his throat and powering through Man To Man, Gary was back in top form by the time he reached Waste Of A Whiskey Drink. The resilience he displayed was nothing short of inspiring.

One of the night’s most nostalgic moments came with Her Man, Gary's first release back in 1996. Originally a Waylon Jennings cover, the song was almost left unrecorded by Gary, but it was clear he made the right choice. The Milwaukee crowd was completely enthralled, singing along and swaying to every note.

The setlist wove a seamless journey through Gary's expansive career, featuring crowd favorites like The One, Guys Like Me, and Hard Way. The emotional peak of the night was undoubtedly Tough Little Boys, a song that brought tears to many eyes as Gary’s poignant lyrics touched hearts across the theater. The sincerity in his performance created a profound connection with the audience, reminding everyone of the raw beauty that country music can offer.

Gary brought a playful yet intimate vibe as he sat on a stool for Sex, a candid song that had the crowd chuckling and possibly planning their post-concert escapades. This lighter moment was soon followed by the energetic Songs About Rain, which saw the crowd back on their feet, singing along with unabashed enthusiasm.

As the night progressed, Gary continued to deliver a flawless set, with each song met with rapturous applause. The theater remained alive with energy as fans danced, sang, and shared in the collective joy of live music. The set was rounded out with stellar performances of Half Of My Mistakes, Right Where I Need To Be, Tough Goodbye, and Smoke Rings In The Dark, each one showcasing Gary’s remarkable vocal prowess and emotional depth.

Every Storm kicked off the latter part of the set with a bang, and it was during this section that Gary dedicated Life Ain’t Always Beautiful to the late Toby Keith. The heartfelt tribute was a poignant reminder of the impact both artists had on 90s country music. The loss of Toby Keith was keenly felt, and Gary's emotional performance was a fitting homage to his old friend.

The night neared its conclusion with Best I Ever Had and Man Of Me, but the Milwaukee crowd was far from ready to say goodbye. Their chants of Gary, Gary, Gary reverberated through the theater, and Gary graciously returned for an encore that included It Ain’t The Whiskey. He ended the night with the Jonathan Singleton cut Watching Airplanes, a perfect, contemplative closer that left the audience in a state of reflective satisfaction.

Click The Image For The Full Gary Allan Photo Gallery

Gary Allan has indeed been a true troubadour over the past 25 years, embodying resilience and passion. The Riverside Theater was a testament to his unwavering dedication to music and his fans. As we left the theater, it was clear that Gary Allan shows no signs of slowing down, and his dedicated fan base will undoubtedly be right there with him for the next 20 years and beyond. In a world where music can often feel commercialized and distant, Gary Allan's concert was a reminder of the power of authentic, heartfelt performance.

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Gary Allan Set List:

Tough All Over

Nothing On But The Radio

Man To Man

Waste Of A Whiskey Drink

Her Man

The One

Guys Like Me

The Hard Way

Tough Little Boys

Sex

Songs About Rain

Half Of My Mistakes

Right Where I Need To Be

Tough Goodbye

Smoke Rings In The Dark

Every Storm (Runs Out Of Rain)

Life Aint Always Beautiful

Best I Ever Had

Man Of Me

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It Aint The Whiskey

Watching Airplanes