We kicked the day off with a group of fans meeting at our usual spot at Wal-Mart so that we could caravan into the parking to tailgate. Once we set up our tent, beer pong, grill, table, and chairs, everyone sat back listening to music while enjoying a few drinks, grilled hot dogs, and the company of other country music fans. The tailgaters next to us provided us with additional entertainment as they did the old “put your head down on the handle of a baseball bat and spin around several times” trick. As soon as they stopped spinning around they had to pop up and hit a ball that was tossed at them. Just about every drunk guy that participated ended up face-planting into the ground!
The parking lot police kicked everyone out a bit earlier than usual, so we were able to get to our seats in time to see The Band Perry take the stage. This was their second show at the Cruzan Amphitheater in West Palm Beach (WIRK Rib Roundup 2010), and what a thrill it must’ve been for these young siblings to be opening such a huge show.
Kimberly Perry – photo by Mike Carroll
SFCM Contributor Fawn Roberts describes Kimberly Perry as having “an amazing and edgy voice that only seemed to get stronger throughout their set.”
photo by Mike Carroll
Neil Perry swiftly changed instruments from the guitar, to the mandolin to the accordion.
photo by Mike Carroll
Reid Perry stayed out front playing his bass guitar to the crowd. They performed songs off of their self titled LP The Band Perry such as Independence, If I Die Young, Hip to the Heart, and You Lie along with a few others. Fawn commented that “This is one band to keep an eye on. The Band Perry is proving to a be a fresh addition to country music.”
Luke Bryan – photo by Mike Carroll
Next up on stage was a true country music entertainer, Luke Bryan. He started off his set performing all of his hits: Rain is a Good Thing, Do I, Someone Else Calling You Baby, We Rode In Trucks, Drinkin’ Beer and Wastin’ Bullets, Country Girl (Shake It for Me), and All My Friends Say.
Luke Bryan – photo by Mike Carroll
One of the highlights of the night was when he broke into his own rendition of the Metallica song Sandman. At the beginning of his set he told the crowd he got blown all over Lake Okeechobee while he was fishing the day before.
Luke Bryan – photo by Mike Carroll
This shows just how down to earth he really is. Luke Bryan knows how to rock country music and keep the crowd on its feet dancing to his music!
Tim McGraw – photo by Mike Carroll
The headliner, Tim McGraw, surprised fans by starting his show off at the back of the seats where he sang a few songs for the fans partying it up in the lawn seats.
Tim McGraw – photo by Mike Carroll
Once on the main stage the temperature rose as his did his performance. He performed many of his number one hits: When the Stars Go Blue, Last Dollar (Fly Away), Indian Outlaw, Southern Voice, Please Remember Me and many more.
Kimberly Perry and Tim McGraw – photo by Mike Carroll
At one point, Tim brought out The Band Perry for a duet, then later brought out Luke Bryan for another one.
Tim McGraw by Mike Carroll
Tim really knows how to engage the fans as he walked up and down the catwalk giving fans high fives and stopping to hold fans hands. This was one of the best concerts to come to South Florida in a while.
Tim McGraw – photo by Mike Carroll
If there was one critique to be made after talking to fans after the show, two songs were missing from the set list that have been staples over the years: My Little Girl and Don’t Take the Girl.
Tim McGraw – photo by Mike Carroll
Overall, this show rocked and anyone that has a chance to see this tour would be in for a great time!
Tim McGraw – photo by Mike Carroll