Hunter Hayes Soars at Park West: A Heartfelt Opening Night on the Flying Solo Tour Season 2!

Nestled in the heart of Chicago, the historic Park West theater became a crucible of emotion, storytelling, and unforgettable melodies as Hunter Hayes embarked on the opening night of the second season of his Flying Solo tour. Known for its unique blend of architectural beauty and intimate performance space, Park West proved to be the perfect setting for an evening that transcended a conventional concert, weaving together moments of vulnerability, celebration, and connection that felt deeply personal for every attendee.

Photos By: Nashville Is His Bride

The evening commenced with an exclusive soundcheck party, and Q&A for a fortunate group of fans, transforming them from spectators into an integral part of the show. Hunter Hayes’s decision to incorporate his fans' voices into his performance of Friend not only showcased his innovative spirit but also created a palpable sense of community and belonging. Witnessing emerging talent like Tik-Tok singer Manilyn Mae join Hunter on stage for Dear God added a layer of spontaneity and collaboration that underscored the evening’s theme of shared experiences and musical camaraderie.

Audience Q&A

Q - Instrument that you haven’t used in an album yet?

A – Ukulele

Q - Favorite place to go in Hawaii?

A – Airport, Hunter simulated landing a plane there, and was cool to sit there and watch planes land

Q - What is your dream Lego build?

A – Concorde which is a Supersonic Airliner

Q - What’s the hair routine because it’s so perfect?

A - There is no routine- flattered but nothing special

Q - Do you get tired of playing the same songs?

A - Not really but he feels like many of his songs are equally as important and wishes more songs would be requested as much as some of his bigger songs. (Hunter refuses to tell what songs they are)

As the supporting act, Luke Burr, took the stage, it quickly became clear that the night would be a mosaic of emotional landscapes. Burr, returning to Chicago for his second performance, captivated the audience with his soulful voice and poignant lyrics. From the reflective Dancing In The Moonlight to the heartfelt Better and the hopeful If Heaven Could Talk, Burr’s set was a journey through the highs and lows of the human experience, perfectly setting the stage for the evening's main act.

“I was told my whole life I would make it if I just keep singing so I am going to keep singing going until I make it” – Luke Burr

Click The Image For The Full Luke Burr Gallery

When Hunter Hayes stepped into the spotlight, the atmosphere was electric with anticipation. Armed with his acoustic guitar and a collection of songs that span the spectrum of love, loss, and self-discovery, Hayes was not just a performer but a storyteller, inviting the audience into his world with openness and sincerity. The structure of the show, designed to be fluid and responsive to the audience's energy, allowed for a truly unique experience where fan requests shaped the musical journey, blurring the lines between artist and audience.

Songs like Madness and Missing You resonated with the shared human experiences of longing and reflection, while This Girl and Sober offered deeper dives into Hayes’s personal narratives of growth and resilience. The inclusion of a special request-only medley with fans on stage underscored the communal vibe of the evening, creating memories that will undoubtedly last a lifetime.

“Can I play a song that feels like my identity” – Hunter Hayes talking about his song, This Girl

The revelation of Space Tapes, a vinyl-only release featuring previously unreleased songs, added an element of surprise and exclusivity to the show, allowing fans a glimpse into Hayes's creative process and the roads not taken. Closing the night with hits like Dear God, I Want Crazy, and Wanted, Hayes not only showcased his musical versatility but also his ability to connect on a deeply emotional level with everyone in the room.

As the evening came to a close, in compliance with the neighborhood curfew, there was a shared feeling of gratitude and exhilaration among the crowd. Hunter Hayes’s Flying Solo Tour at Park West was more than a concert; it was a reminder of the power of music to unite, heal, and inspire. It was a demonstration of Hayes’s evolution not just as a musician but as an artist capable of crafting spaces where every note played, and every word sung felt like a direct conversation with the audience’s soul.

In a world where genuine connections are more precious than ever, this opening night was a testament to the enduring spirit of storytelling through music, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of everyone who was lucky enough to be a part of it.

Catch Hunter Hayes On The Flying Solo Tour

Hunter Hayes Set-List

Madness

Missing You

This Girl

Somebody’s Heartbreak

If You Change You’re Mind

Sober

Invisible

Fan Request Medley (Rescue/Wild Blue/Loving You)

Song About You

Friend

Dear God

I Want Crazy

Wanted