It’s no secret that one of the most important aspects of any artist is how captivating their live performance is. No one wants to see an artist put on a boring show, and honestly, such a show could ruin an artist for many people. However, what’s less often discussed is that the artist or band doesn’t quite resonate with a listener – until they saw them live and everything clicked. Usually, this situation is purely on personal preference. Still, there are situations where it’s universal, and the artist’s live performance makes them one of the biggest names in music. Given the different subdivisions, this is common across the country genre. Whether they are the biggest name in the genre or still getting their feet wet in the industry, an artist’s stage presence can change everything. As such, we’re breaking down five country artists you must see live to understand their hype fully.
Morgan Wallen
Morgan Wallen is unquestionably the biggest artist in country music. He’s broken countless records and will continue to break countless more. He’s gearing up to drop his fourth studio album, I’m The Problem, on May 16th, which will only launch him further into superstardom. That being said, he isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Between his genre-blending and “off the field” antics, many people completely write off his music. However, Wallen is the reigning CMA Entertainer of the Year for a reason. He puts on the best show in all of country music, and even if you’re a Wallen hater, you can’t help but be amazed. Not only is he selling out stadiums, but the stadium-shaking energy he brings is impossible not to buy into. Even if you’re a Wallen hater, you might find yourself singing along as he’s running all around the stage, flames shooting up around him. If, after the show, someone still isn’t on the Morgan Wallen train, they will most definitely understand why he is one of the biggest stars on the planet.
Thomas Rhett
Thomas Rhett has had some high highs and low lows. His recent music hasn’t met expectations, but TR has had a successful career overall. One thing remains constant through all the ups and downs: no one walks away from a Thomas Rhett show without a newfound appreciation for him and his music. It’s easy to forget just how good his prime was, and seeing him in concert is a great reminder. You know every word of every song in his set without even realizing it. Any concert basically involves listening to their greatest hits with a couple of new songs mixed in. In Rhett’s case, he is playing #1 after #1, and you eventually realize you’re listening to music that soundtracked the 2010s, like “Make Me Wanna” or “Crash And Burn.” Even if you don’t buy into the bro-country stuff, he will turn around and play “Marry Me” or “Remember You Young,” so he truly has something for everyone. It’s impossible not to have fun and dance the night away at his show because that’s the exact tone he sets. As shaky as his career seems, seeing TR live in concert is a great reminder of all he has accomplished and will leave anyone appreciating what he has done in his career.
Red Clay Strays
The Red Clay Strays completely blew up over the last couple of years. After “Wondering Why” had its viral moment, the group moved a million miles an hour. They’ve grown to become one of the best bands in all of music, thanks to unbelievable songwriting and great chemistry (obviously). However, one of their best aspects is their live performance. Their soulful Alabama sound shines live and mixes well with their high energy, fueling a fire within you and preparing you to run through a brick wall. Even their more mid-tempo songs, like “No One Else Like Me,” are highlighted by great dance moves and crowd interactions. Lead singer Brandon Coleman has some of the best vocals out there, but seeing it live is when it clicks. His bone-chilling voice cuts through the entire venue, and he holds every single person there in the palm of his hand. Their drummer, John Hall, also brings an intensity that is impossible to ignore and takes the show to the next level. The Red Clay Strays have built a strong fan base, but their live shows are converting everyone – even those who were dragged along – into die-hard fans.
Charley Crockett
Charley Crockett has one of the most unique sounds out there. It’s a sound that a listener loves or hates – no real in-between. While few people tell a better story than the Texas native, his low voice doesn’t do it for everyone, which is why he’s not grown to a more prominent name than it seems like he is. He’s an artist that so many people know of, but he only has 1.6 million monthly listeners (per Spotify). However, the people who don’t get it with Charley Crockett haven’t seen him do his thing on stage. Not all of his music seems like it would get people moving around, but once you see him, that all changes. Crockett gets fully into every song and dances around on stage, but he also shows off his impressive guitar skills. His set has a great variety of hits and covers, so there is no doubt that everyone knows at least one song. He came onto the scene playing on the streets, which is evident as his performance feels super raw and connected with the fans. Not to mention the overall vibe Crockett gives off between being one of the best-dressed men in music and his 1950s aesthetic, so his show feels like a trip in a time machine. Charley Crockett’s music may require a particular taste, but after experiencing a full live set, most people can look past his unique style and finally understand what makes him special.
Gavin Adcock
Gavin Adcock is quickly becoming a more and more prominent name in country music. Whether it’s from his rowdy personality, engaging social media presence, or unfiltered music, he seems everywhere. Adcock’s music has a relatively unique audience, similar to the original Koe Wetzel fans but slightly more mainstream. His music has shown massive improvements, specifically in his vocals and range, but there are times when it can feel all over the place in songs like “Deep End.” However, when you see Adcock perform live, his whole act just makes sense. You never know his next move, so you’re always on edge, and it weirdly allows his music to click in your brain if it hasn’t already. It is also one of the wildest shows anyone can go to, with beers flying from every direction and Adcock taking his shirt off and climbing up the side of the stage. Every show’s audience matches his energy like a bunch of mini Adcocks. Even with his improvements, Adcock’s music isn’t for everyone, but after seeing him live, it will make perfect sense how he has developed such a strong cult following.
