By Jack McGonigal, MavRadio.FM Sports Director
OMAHA, Neb. – Morgan Wallen, Hardy and Larry Fleet brought out the country music lovers and put on one remarkable show. Morgan Wallen is one of country music’s biggest stars after releasing his 2021 album, Dangerous. Tickets were going for well over $100, so fans were expecting a night to remember. The trio did not disappoint the Omaha crowd Friday night.
As he played “Cover Me Up,” the crowd grabbed their phones and put their flashlights on to create a sea of waving lights that swayed to the rhythm of the beat.
The show began at 7 p.m. The night began with Larry Fleet sipping on a red solo and warming up the Omaha crowd. Fleet opened up with a few songs from his latest album, Stacking Records. Larry Fleet had a feelgood, slowed down country music vibe that the crowd seemed to enjoy. Larry Fleet had the classic country attire with his jeans, a button up shirt and was rocking the cowboy hat.
The pace grew once Hardy hit the stage. He has more of a country rock method to his music. His style was a little different compared to Fleet’s but very enjoyable and knew how to put on a show. Hardy was on for a little longer compared to Fleet and sang some of his top hits. He began with a couple songs featuring Wallen, although he was not on stage at the time.
Hardy began with “Goin Nowhere.” He dedicated his next song “GIVE HEAVEN SOME HELL” to all the loved ones that have been lost and it touched the hearts’ of the CHI Health Center crowd. Hardy had flashy lights along with a flashy outfit. He came out with Nike sneakers on, sweatpants, a sort of zig-zag styled gray and black sweatshirt, along with an orange ball cap.
His final two songs were the heaviest fan-interactive songs. “REDNECKER” and “ONE BEER” the crowd joyfully sang along to and to top it off Hardy threw his drink into the crowd. After that, the crowd broke into a “U-S-A” chant as Hardy thanked the ones who have served in the military.
Next, everybody made their last restroom and concession stops. It was time for the main event. The lights dimmed pink and his band members broke out in an instrumental. Moments later, Wallen appeared from the ground up with a chair and a piano. He began with “Sand in my Boots.” The crowd cheered loudly and someone grabbed someone they loved. This song is the first song on the Dangerous album.
Wallen rattled off some of his other songs on his album. I loved the way the lighting and the moods were set for every song. It made a big connection with the song that Wallen was playing. After, that Wallen dove into his older song “Chasin’ You.” One thing I noticed about Wallen is he discusses a backstory about each and every one of the songs he played. It connected his fans with Wallen’s life and pictured yourself right there with him. One of my favorite parts of the concert was “More than my Hometown.” Wallen had a slideshow of childhood pictures on the big screen while singing. It made you feel like you were a part of Wallen’s childhood as he had pictures as an infant to the present day. Everybody seemed like they were more focused on the pictures rather than the song.
Wallen was energetic and lively all night long and slowed things down, too.
A sold out crowd at the CHI Health Center shows artists live music is back.
The Sneedville singer ended his show with his mega-hit classic, “Whiskey Glasses.” The lyrics roused the folks un the crowd to raise their drinks up and belt out the lyrics with the 28-year-old. Wallen used state-of-the art pyrotechnics, as fireworks and flames were engulfed throughout the show. Wallen thanked Omaha and said he loved the people here as we hopped off the stage.
These three are performers and are in the perfect career path for them. They are not only artists but storytellers. This was the best concert I have ever attended and it will be very difficult to match. Wallen is a star and his career is only in the beginning.
