I was really looking forward to seeing the next man. I saw Gary Allan when he was on tour with Brooks and Dunn several years ago and he was fantastic, then when I saw him this past summer at CMA Music Fest, I wasn't as impressed. But all performers can have an off night, and after this past Wednesday night I'm convinced the CMA Music Fest performance was just an off night for Gary Allan.
He opened with "Tough All Over," then stripped off the leather jacket he was wearing when he started into "Nothing On But the Radio." Gary really takes command of the stage and it's difficult to take your eyes off him as he moves around constantly. Lucky for me, he tended to favor the right side and spent a lot of time close by.
Gary isn't a big talker like some artists are, but his high energy, engaging performance made up for anything else that may have been lacking. There were some softer moments during the ballads. Gary sat down on the edge of the stage to sing "Life Ain't Always Beautiful," a rare moment of rest for him. He dedicated "Tough Little Boys" to all the dads in the audience, and spoke of his wife's death before singing "Best I Ever Had."
But Gary's forte, in my opinion, is the up-tempo rocking songs, heavy on the electric guitar. My favorite performance of his was probably "Drinking Dark Whiskey." During this song one of the roadies brought out a brand new bottle of Jack Daniels which Gary and the band passed around for the rest of the set.
"A Feeling Like That" will be Gary's next single. He told the audience that it is being released to radio on November 6th. Unfortunately I didn't hear him mention anything about a new album, but hopefully that information is coming soon.
Gary Allan fans are certainly loyal. I talked to a couple ladies beside me who gave up the chance to meet Rascal Flatts because they didn't want to miss Gary. Judging by the bright smiles on their faces throughout his performance I don't think they regretted their decision at all.
Gary was the perfect warm up for Rascal Flatts. When he left the stage after singing "Right Where I Need to Be" he left the crowd pumped and ready for more. Thank you for not letting me down Gary. I can't wait 'til we meet again!
Gary Allan Set List
- Tough All Over
- Nothing On But the Radio
- Man to Man
- Life Ain't Always Beautiful
- A Feeling Like That
- Tough Little Boys
- Drinkin' Dark Whiskey
- The Best I Ever Had
- Songs About Rain
- Man of Me
- Right Where I Need to Be