27 March 2025 – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne – words and pictures by Cam Brown
Following a successful weekend at CMC Rocks, where he headlined the Sunday lineup, Cody Johnson returned to Rod Laver Arena, now as the main performer rather than a support act for Luke Combs as in 2023. He was supported by his fellow American country artists Ashley Cooke and Cole Swindell, along with the well-known the loveable Aussie Wade Forrester.
Opening the evening, Wade Forrester brought his charisma and welcoming personality to the stage, creating an atmosphere that blurred the lines between a comedy show and a country music concert.
Wade Forrester – RLA – photos by Cam Brown
Like Cody Johnson, Wade is a genuine rodeo cowboy pursuing a career in country music. With songs such as ‘Rodeo Romeo’, ‘Fighting Tears’, and ‘Chemistry’, it is evident that his decision to pick up a guitar was a commendable one. It was an excellent way to commence the night.
Rising star Ashley Cooke was the next to take the stage. Fresh from her headlining “Your Place” tour, Ashley continued where Wade left off, elevating the room’s energy with her infectious enthusiasm, powerful vocals, and hits such as ‘Never Til Now’, ‘All I Forgot’, ‘Over When I’m Sober’ and it’s been a year, the chart-topping ‘Your Place’.
Ashley also threw in an unreleased song ‘the f word’ and received a very warm response from the appreciative crowd.
Ashley Cooke – RLA – photos by Cam Brown
With a medley of well-known hits including ‘Castle on a Hill’, ‘Life is a Highway’, ‘Complicated’ and ‘Signed Sealed Delivered’ thrown in for good measure the crowd stepped up a notch, even throwing in a marriage proposal to Ashley, before the night continued on its steady rise to the main act before Ashley finishing off the set with the chart-topping ‘Your Place’.
Performing in Australia for the first time following CMC Rocks and the tour with Cody Johnson, Cole Swindell presented a comprehensive collection of his hit songs. The set featured an energetic atmosphere, and the audience actively participated, showcasing their swaying skills and singing along.
Cole Swindell – RLA – photos by Cam Brown
The crowd joined in on popular tracks such as ‘Single Saturday Night’, ‘Middle Of A Memory’, ‘Chillin’ It’, Cole concluding his performance with his biggest hit ‘She Had Me At Heads Carolina’, based on Jo Dee Messina’s 90s song ‘Heads Carolina, Tails California’.
The stage was now set and the audience primed for the man himself Cody Johnson.
Hitting the stage like a bucking bronco the energy was up and stay high for the entire set.
Commencing with his tribute to his home state, ‘That’s Texas’, Cody showed his patrotism by proudly flashing his Texas Chest tattoo during the song while strongly supported by his six-piece band who played with enthusiasm and plenty of energy.
Cody Johnson – RLA – photos by Cam Brown
After telling the crowd he woke up with no voice, there was no way you could tell Cojo was even affected at all. No matter what the fans of Cojo Nation would be there to hold him up if needed.
Churning through the hits ‘Dance Her Home’, ‘Dear Rodeo’, ‘Nothin’ on You’, Cody’s powerful voice cut through on top of the band.
Going bluegrass with ‘Georgia Peaches’ the band all came to the front of the stage with their harmonies shining through.
Expressing his gratitude to the audience for attending, Cody took a seat on a stool and performed the song ‘Human’, whose lyrics deeply resonated with the crowd. The performance was followed by ‘People in the Back’, featuring a driving beat and guitars, with Cody’s energy remaining consistent and invigorating the already inspired audience.
Cody Johnson – RLA – photos by Cam Brown
A virtual Carrie Underwood was next to hit the stage with a duet of of ‘I’m Gonna Love You’, the crowd joining in word for word.
The set concluded with ‘Long Haired Country Boy’, followed by band introductions. Joey Pruski played a bass version of ‘Staying Alive’. Jody Bartula was on fiddle, Harrison Yount on pedal steel guitar, Seth Wilson on keys, Jake Mears delivered a rock-inspired solo of ‘Are You Gonna Go My Way’ on lead guitar, and Miles Stone, praised by Cody as the greatest country drummer, was on drums. This talented group of musicians would make any artist proud.
A quiet moment was next with the 2024 release and current ‘Dirt Cheap’ creating a reflective moment .
‘The Painter’ lifted the set again with the voices from the crowd nearly overpowering Cody.
‘Til You Can’t’ easily Cody’s most well known song in Australia closed out the night combining all the power and passion into to the closing number.
Cody Johnson – RLA – photos by Cam Brown
After leaving the stage Cody and the band returned for one more song finishing up with a cover of ‘Travelin’ Soldier’.
The evening concluded with Cody delivering an outstanding performance, as he consistently does. It is anticipated that he will return to Australia in the near future, as his presence is highly awaited.
