Randall King Makes His Debut At The Historical Rave In Milwaukee
Stepping into The Rave's basement in Milwaukee on a crisp evening, there was a palpable sense of anticipation in the air. The opening act, Clayton Mullen, warmed up the audience with his infectious energy. A West Coast native who found his musical calling deep in the heart of Texas, Clayton shared a blend of charm and skill that belied his 23 years.
Photos By: Aaron R. Shriver Photography
His songs, primarily from his latest album Start At The End, resonated well with the crowd. Between his anecdotes of life in a college fraternity house and his journey to Nashville, Clayton's authenticity shone through. His cover of Whiskey On You by Nate Smith was a crowd favorite, setting the perfect tone for the evening.
Click The Image For The Fill Clayton Mullen Gallery
As the notes of Toby Keith's Courtesy Of The Red, White, And Blue filled the venue, the audience joined in a heartfelt sing-along, building excitement for the night's headliner, Randall King. With the lights dimmed and anticipation at its peak, Randall took the stage with a confident presence that filled the historic venue.
The opening track, Tonk Till I Die, set the stage for a night of heartfelt storytelling and energetic performances. Randall, with his seasoned voice and commanding stage presence, delivered a 20-song set that was both captivating and entertaining. Tracks like When My Baby's In Boots and What Doesn't Kill You had a particular resonance, as Randall reminisced about his last visit to Milwaukee as an opener for Tim McGraw.
“One thing I learned the last few years we have been here is that Milwaukee knows how to drink some cold beer”
Randall's performance was more than just music; it was a genuine connection with the audience. As couples turned the back of the room into a dance floor, the warmth of the Texas Honky Tonk filled the venue. With a stellar guitar solo during As Far As We Can Go, Randall showcased his musical prowess, and the crowd responded with enthusiastic cheers. The sing-along during Mirror, Mirror highlighted the communal spirit that music can evoke.
A memorable moment came when Randall shared the basics of two-stepping during One Night Dance, inviting the audience to join in the fun. Tracks like Hard To Be Humble and Good Feelin' kept the energy high, but Tuggin' On My Heartstrings took it up a notch, creating a lively atmosphere that had everyone moving.
As the night progressed, Randall took a more reflective turn. He invited the audience into a personal moment by sharing the story behind his 2020 EP, Leanna, named after his sister who passed away that same year. With raw honesty, he spoke about the fleeting nature of blessings and life. The stripped-down version of Hey Moon was both haunting and beautiful, with the band gradually joining in for an emotional rendition of Amarillo By Morning.
The evening took a deeper emotional dive with Around Forever, a song Randall never imagined would become a tribute to his sister. His performance was powerful, and the impact was visible on the faces in the crowd—tears, smiles, and an overwhelming sense of togetherness over shared music.
“I don’t say these things to really make you sad, I say these things to make you aware, that life is really short, it’s really short. I can’t even tell you where the hell 2024 went, it was short. Life goes quick, you got to sit back and grab the reins, take advantage of the moments that you get in life. Moments like these nights right here, where you come out on a Saturday night, drink a cold beverage, and listen to country music.”
Randall closed the night with a trio of songs: Another Bullet, Hey Cowgirl, and Right Things Right. Each track was a reminder of Randall's ability to weave personal stories with universal themes, touching the hearts of everyone present.
Click The Image For The Full Randall King Gallery
Randall King's debut at The Rave was not just a concert; it was an unforgettable experience. His genuine connection with the audience, combined with his heartfelt performances, made the night one to remember. As the crowd dispersed into the Milwaukee night, the echoes of Randall's music lingered, leaving an indelible impression on all who were fortunate enough to be part of it. This was a debut that many won't soon forget, and it marked Randall King as a force to be reckoned with in the world of country music.
Check out our interview with Randall this past summer at Country Thunder
Randall King Set-List:
Tonk Till I Die
When My Baby’s In Boots
What Doesn’t Kill You
She’s Gonna Kill Me
Damn You Look Good
As Far As We Go
Mirror, Mirror
One Night Dance
Hard To Be Humble
Good Feelin’
Tuggin’ On My Heartstrings
You In A Honkytonk
Burns Like Her
I Could Be That Rain
Hey Moon (Acoustic)
Amarillo By Morning (George Strait Cover)
Around Forever
Another Bullet
Hey Cowgirl
Right Things Right
