It was certainly Brantley Gilbert’s kinda party at London’s Budweiser Gardens on Friday night (Jan. 24). The American country singer took to the stage for the first time in 2020, literally living up to the tour name and opening song 'Fire't Up' with massive flames illuminating the stage right from the start.
With back-to-back platinum albums and a grassroots following millions strong, Gilbert has found a niche for himself in the broad country music world. It felt like the Start.ca Performance Stage was the scene of a classic Lynyrd Skynyrd show, with pyro, flames, massive lights, and risers. The addition of a few truck wheels gave this new tour a distinctive BG Nation feel.
Dressed in a plain black baseball cap, sleeveless hoodie, cargo pants and leather bracelets, Gilbert looked more like a member of Metallica than a country star, but that’s what the fans love about him.
Loaded with charisma, great songs and a powerhouse voice, 35-year-old Gilbert showed why his last three albums have skyrocketed to number one on the US charts. Gilbert performed a cross-range of material from his catalog, including a couple from his latest album *Fire & Brimstone*, including a touching take on his hit 'What Happens In A Small Town,' accompanied by a recording of Lindsay Ell’s vocals.
Continuing his small-town rocker vibe, Gilbert was joined on stage by support acts Dylan Scott and Brandon Lay for 'Small Town Throwdown' to the delight of the fans. The trio sounded and looked great together.
He’s a dedicated performer to keep an eye on – it won’t be long before he headlines shows like this himself.
Gilbert closed the night with his biggest worldwide hit 'Bottoms Up'.
Dylan Scott warmed up the crowd with a tight nine-song set for his Canadian fans, including a medley of retro covers like 'Fishin' in the Dark,' 'I Like It, I Love It,' 'Dust on the Bottle,' 'Check Yes or No,' and 'When You Say Nothing at All'. The high energy performer brought along the largest drum riser that I’ve ever seen used by an opening act – his drummer, Derrick Cline, must have loved playing that high up.
A little more casual and traditional looking than Gilbert, Scott was armed with a black Yosemite Reservation cap, plaid shirt, jeans and cowboy boots for his audio assault. But the more reserved country look didn’t stop him from rocking out. Live, Scott has a harder edge than his records, making the country-pop songs come across like grand rock tracks.
Scott mostly stayed with material from his latest EP *Nothing To Do Town*, including the beautiful ballad 'Nothing'. He’s a dedicated performer to keep an eye on – it won’t be long before he headlines shows like this himself.
Brandon Lay opened the show.
Brantley Gilbert
Dylan Scott
