Keith Urban Rocks Off His Country Roots
...with Chase Matthew, Alana Springsteen and Karly Scott Collins; PNC Music Pavilion
When did Keith Urban get labeled as a country artist and why? Sure, the 57-year-old singer/guitarist has lived in Nashville since the early ’90s and won countless awards in the country genre, but does he really deserve to be categorized as such?
First off, he’s a ripping guitarist — not afraid to burst into a solo, play with finger (and microphone) tapping to create wild beats and soundscapes, or simply rock out. His flat-ironed, soccer-mom style haircut hasn’t changed in decades, but it’s never covered by a cowboy hat. And his feet are regularly covered by sneakers, not cowboy boots.
Regardless of all that, Urban performed at PNC Music Pavilion in Charlotte on Friday, showing why he’s still one of the country’s — not country’s — best live performers. His shows are simply fun, catchy and interactive.
Only two songs into the 15 he played, Urban took a few moments to shake hands and wish people happy birthday, thanked a teacher who was in the crowded pit, and riff a bit about everyone having a good time. He also found time to perform a quick set toward the back of the amphitheatre that included a cover of Chappell Roan’s “Pink Pony Club.”
These days, do artists really need any kind of label to determine what style of music they are? Maybe not.
However, if you’re wondering about the opening set from Chase Matthew, that one was strictly country. His first song of the night, “Drives My Truck,” was about, you guessed it, driving a pickup and cruising through mud.
Worth noting that Matthew’s second song, “Pull Up,” was also about slinging mud and pickup trucks, but his third song, “No Way Around It,” was … also about pickup trucks. I’ll stop there; you get the point.
In November 2023, Alana Springsteen (no relation) was performing a sold-out concert at The Evening Muse. On Friday, she was opening for Keith Urban. Another reason to keep an eye on the smaller stages around the city — you never know who’s going to be the next headliner.
The night opened with a short set by Karly Scott Collins. Keith Urban has tour dates booked through Oct. 16.
Keith Urban setlist
Straight Line
Where the Blacktop Ends
Long Hot Summer
Messed Up As Me
John Cougar, John Deere, John 3:16
Somewhere In My Car
Cop Car
‘Til Summer Comes Around
Kiss a Girl/Who Wouldn’t Wanna Be Me
One Too Many
Pink Pony Club
You’ll Think of Me
Blue Ain’t Your Color
Wasted Time
Encore
You Look Good In My Shirt
Be sure to check out Queen City Nerve’s Soundwave, Charlotte’s most comprehensive live music listing, so you don’t miss out on any shows or concerts coming up. And hell, if you’re looking for something else to do, you can check out our events page as well, which runs the gamut of things to do in Charlotte. You don’t ever have to be bored again. You can check out more of Jeff’s pics and live reviews here.
