singer encourages them that “Anything can happen in this life/ If you got that heart and the passion and a God lit fire inside.”Over the nearly four decades Urban has spent honing his craft, from playing tiny clubs to sold-out arenas, it’s clear that his own passion for music and performing hasn’t dimmed.
Though Urban’s set was noticeably missing early-career songs — such as The Ranch’s “Desiree” or their rendition of “Some Days You Gotta Dance” , as well as “Where the Blacktop Ends” or “But For the Grace of God” from his 1999 debut solo album — Urban instead used that time to shine a spotlight a couple of the “Wild Hearts” putting those famed 10,000 hours in Nashville right now.
As is customary at an Urban show, he also made the trek through the crowd to a satellite stage at the rear of the arena, giving fans in the nosebleeds a front row seat as he played a brief acoustic set that included “Thank God I’m a Country Boy,” “Better Life” and building into an angsty rendering of “You’ll Think of Me” . As he strained the final notes from his acoustic guitar, he signed it and slowly lowered it into the crowd gathered around the small stage, gifting it to an audience member.
The evening neared its conclusion as Urban offered a challenge to the audience — as the blazing stage lights slowly faded and the entire arena went pitch black, Urban dared the audience to light up the arena themselves. From there, he sailed through the moody “Blue Ain’t Your Color,” followed by “The Fighter,” albeit sans his duet partner Carrie Underwood, who was out of town and gearing up for her Denim & Rhinestones tour.
Hubbard’s opening slot for Urban marks his first as a solo artist, having spent 12 years as half of the duo Florida Georgia Line. His set was a mix of new solo songs, such as “Everybody Needs a Bar” and “Way Home,” as well as FGL hits “Cruise” and “Meant to Be” .
KeithUrban So wish I had been there! Sounds awesome!