Tyler Childers Continues Ascension with Largest Charlotte Show Yet

Eight years ago, Tyler Childers was an opening act at the mid-sized Neighborhood Theatre. Two years ago, he sold out two nights at the 5,000-person-capacity Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre. On Thursday, he sold out Charlotte’s largest outdoor music venue, PNC Music Pavilion, with a capacity of 19,500.

Perhaps more people are just discovering the country singer, but it’s also possible that Childers is simply getting better with age.

Those in attendance at the NoDa gig back in 2017 witnessed a long-haired, bearded Childers capture the crowd with a stunning solo performance — just him and an acoustic guitar. His gravelly yet smooth vocals showcasing his storytelling style.

During his back-to-back stops at the Music Factory’s outdoor venue in 2023, Childers performed with a full band, which took some getting used to. At times, they overshadowed his singing and seemed to overwhelm the songs.

At Thursday night’s Mule Pull tour stop, Childers and the full band were back in the Queen City, but this time the sound was much more balanced, placing Childers’ vocals back in the spotlight where they belong. His seven-piece band provided the right accents and textures to support the music. Childers also shined in a three-song acoustic interlude on a small stage near the lawn about halfway through the show.

Roughly five years ago, I started noticing Childers music just about everywhere I went. Bar bands were playing covers. It was on the radio inside restaurants. It was in the back of my mind on a random weekend afternoon. If you haven’t heard him yet, it’s a wonder how you missed him.

Also worth noting on Thursday night was the opening set from alt-country outfit Deer Tick. It had been far too long since the Rhode Island quartet was in Charlotte and they didn’t disappoint. For 45 minutes, Deer Tick appeased fans and won over new ones with a set that included a bit of everything — from rock to slow, soulful tunes.

Can someone get these boys back in town for a full set of their own in the near future?

Tyler Childers setlist
Her and the Banks
Tulsa Turnaround
Percheron Mules
Angel Band
Country Squire
I Swear (To God)
Rustin’ in the Rain
All Your’n
In Your Love
Jersey Giant
Purgatory
Lady May
Nose on the Grindstone
Follow You to Virgie
Old Country Church
Can I Take My Hounds to Heaven
Whitehouse Road
Two Coats
Honky Tonk Flame
Way of the Triune God
House Fire
Universal Sound
Heart You’ve Been Tendin’

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.