25 February 2025 – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne – words and pictures by Cam Brown
On a fresh summer evening, the air around Rod Laver Arena buzzed with excitement as fans eagerly awaited the arrival of the 10-time Grammy and 15-time CMA award-winning artist, Chris Stapleton. Embarking on his “All American Roadshow Tour,” Chris’s first Australian show was nothing short of spectacular.
The evening began with an impressive performance by The Marcus King Band, whose soulful blues perfectly set the stage for what was to come. Their sound, rich with southern and gospely influences, created a seamless transition to the main act, leaving the audience craving more.
As the lights dimmed, Chris Stapleton took the stage, opening with the Grammy-winning hit ‘White Horse‘ from his latest album, Higher. The crowd was immediately captivated by his powerful vocals and the song’s poignant storytelling. This was followed by the fan-favorite ‘Nobody to Blame‘ produced in a Grand Ole Opry-like setting produced by the curtains, footlights and intimate red lights making you feel you were in a much smaller venue then the 15,000-seat arena.
Chris Stapleton – RLA – photos by Cam Brown
Pumping out hits like ‘What am I Gonna Do‘ and ‘Hard Livin’‘ as well as a cover of Guy Clark’s ‘Worry Be Gone‘, Chris had the audience singing along with unwavering enthusiasm. His 6-piece band, including his wife Morgane on backing vocals, provided a rich and dynamic sound that effortlessly moved between upbeat southern rock and soulful ballads.
One of the highlights of the evening was the acoustic interlude, where Chris performed ‘Mountains On My Mind‘ and ‘Whiskey and You‘. The raw, unhindered sound of his voice left the crowd in awe, proving that even a stripped-back set could hold the same captivating power as a full-band performance.
The tempo picked up again as the band returned to the stage with the rock-infused ‘Arkansas‘. The light show elevated the energy, though it was clear that the music alone was enough to keep the audience enthralled. Hits like ‘Parachute‘ and ‘Starting Over‘ had the crowd singing along, their love for the songs evident in every note.
As the night progressed, ‘Joy Of My Life‘ and ‘You Should Probably Leave‘ continued to showcase Chris’s versatility and impeccable musicianship. The set moved along at a steady pace, with minimal banter between songs, allowing the music to speak for itself.
Chris Stapleton – RLA – photos by Cam Brown
A standout moment was the extended performance of ‘I Was Wrong‘, featuring multiple guitar solos from Chris and exceptional organ solos by Lee Pardini. The stripped-back 4-piece band highlighted the tight rhythm section of Derek Mixon on drums and J.T. Cure on bass, creating a powerful and cohesive sound.
The crescendo of the evening came with a series of hits including ‘The Traveller‘, ‘Fire Away‘ and ‘Broken Halos‘ leading up to Chris’s most iconic song, ‘Tennessee Whisky‘. The crowd erupted, singing along with every word, their voices blending with Chris’s in a chorus of thousands.
After a thunderous standing ovation, the band returned for an encore, closing the night with ‘Might As Well Get Stoned‘ and ‘Outlaw State of Mind‘.
As the final notes echoed through the arena, it was clear why Chris Stapleton had sold out his entire Australian tour with ease. His remarkable voice, heartfelt lyrics, and masterful performance left an indelible mark on everyone in attendance, making this concert a truly unforgettable experience.
