Playing to a sold-out crowd, Chris Stapleton brought his country rock show to Darien Lake Amphitheater on July 11. With support from Marcus King and Nikki Lane, the crowd of nearly 21,000 was treated to a night of amazing music and perfect weather to compliment.
Not really new to music, Marcus King is taking country music scene by storm in recent years. With heavy mix of southern rock and classic country licks, King delivers a stellar performance as he precedes the headliner on stage.
King’s touring band includes, Jack Ryan on drums, Stephen Campbell on bass, Drew Smithers on guitar, Mike Runyon on keys, and Chris Spies on sax.
Heavily influenced by acts like the Allman Brothers and Waylon Jennings, King produces the perfect sounds for a hot summer day.
Chatting up conversation with fans lined up at the photo pit barricade, I came across young and old fans like. There was a young lady dressed as Stapleton, who was attending her first concert. There were best friends who splurged to get up close, and there were families front and center ready to tap their boots to some “Tennessee Whiskey.” Parenting done right, it will always bring a smile to my face to see children at the front the shows. Music is awesome, but live music like that is on a whole other level.
Running about 15 minutes late, Stapleton hit the stage to a loud and boisterous round of cheers and applause as he immediately rolled into “White Horse”, “Nobody to Blame”, and “Second One to Know.” For some it was the first time seeing the country star, for others it was another notch in the belt. Either way, Stapleton had the fans on their toes for the next 90 minutes.
Not one for much chatter during the set, Stapleton rolled through the 23-song set with his wife, Morgane, within arm’s reach. Providing background vocals as well as duets with her husband on most songs, she makes them quite a dynamic duo.
21,000 fans packed into lawn and shell seats for a night of amazing music and 21,000 fans were treated to an unbelievable show by a country mega star and a mega star in the making. This was a night to remember for so many, especially for that young lady in front who got see Chris Stapleton from the very front row.
Leaving the show a little early avoid the notoriously horrific Darien Lake parking lot traffic, you could still hear Stapleton belting out “Fire Away”, “Tennessee Whiskey”, and “Broken Halos”. As I made my way to my car, the crowd was perfectly in sync, just as they were from the first note of the night.
Stapleton continues his tour with Lane and King this summer, as well as stops to perform with George Strait along the way.
Chris Stapleton setlist: White Horse, Nobody to Blame, Second One to Know, Millionaire (K. Welch cover), Crosswind, Trying to Untangle My Mind, South Dakota, Might as Well Get Stoned, What Am I Gonna Do, Think I’m In Love With You, Whiskey and You, Arkansas, Starting Over, Joy of My Life (J. Fogerty cover), Parachute, Mountains of My Mind, You Should Probably Leave, Cold, Free Bird/The Devil Named Music, Traveller, Fire Away, Tennessee Whiskey, Broken Halos
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