Cleveland fans had been waiting two years for another chance to see Keith Urban live. Since his last visit here lots had changed. He has a new wife, actress Nicole Kidman, whom he married in June of 2006, a new album, Love, Pain and the Whole Crazy Thing, released in November of 2006, and a new 56 X 28-foot high, high definition video screen that gave everyone including those at the very top of the arena an up-close crystal clear view of the show. I'll get back to that video screen later in the review.
Gary Allan was announced to be the opening act for this second leg of the tour, and I found that choice being a tad strange considering Keith's very publicly talked about 3 month stay in rehab for alcoholism last year. Former opening acts have included, Little Big Town, Miranda Lambert, Pat Green and a host of others not so well known for partying on stage acts. With a huge whiskey bottle being passed around the stage during his set and at one point being thrown high into the air spewing whiskey all over the set making quite a display in the lights, I found it to be plain and simple just not the best choice for an opening act.
Gary gave a stellar performance that would have complimented many other artists, though I just think it was a mixed up match. I've enjoyed Gary's shows more than once and would jump at the chance to see him again. I am in no way criticizing anything about Gary's show or his performance, it was fabulous!
Gary was dressed in custom designed blue jeans, black t-shirt and grey sports jacket. Appearing sharply at 8:00 o'clock on top of a huge box-like platform at the rear of the stage with the music from "I Fought The Law" playing. A star burst of color was displayed on a video screen behind Gary as he began his first song, "A Feelin Like That." The audience gave Gary a very loud welcoming applause.
Knocking hit after hit out, Gary warmed the crowd up with "Tough All Over," "Nothing On But The Radio," and then slowed things down a little with, "Life Ain't Always Beautiful." Performing the latter on a chair that had been placed on catwalk positioned dead center of the floor seats. He also sang my favorite, "Best I Ever Had."
Two new songs were performed from his new album, Living Hard, his favorite "Learning How To Bend," and his current single, "Watching Airplanes." Gary finished his twelve song set with, "Drinking Dark Whiskey."
Set List
- A Feelin' Like That
- Tough All Over
- Nothin' On But The Radio
- Alright Guy
- Smoke Rings In The Dark
- Life Ain't Always Beautiful
- Best I Ever Had
- Learning How To Bend
- Watching Airplanes
- Songs About Rain
- Right Where I Need To Be
- Drinking Dark Whiskey