Luke Bryanhad one request before the first night ofhis Las Vegas residencyon Friday: “If any of you guys are a preacher or a minister, I’d love to talk to you real quick, get some prayers — prayers that I survive Vegas,” he joked to assembled media and VIP package holders ahead of the show.
The country star needn’t have worried. Shortly thereafter, Bryan kicked off opening night at the Resorts World Theatre with a bang, tearing into his massive catalog of hits as soon as the high-energy show began.
Luke Bryan.Getty Images/John Shearer
The musician kept the show moving at a brisk pace, working the length of the stage (Las Vegas' longest and tallest) and finding his way into the audience on multiple occasions, including for his first hit on the country charts, “All My Friends Say.”
Making use of the 5,000 feet of LED screens backing the venue, oceanic visuals and rising and lowering platforms made it appear Bryan and his band were bobbing on roiling seas during “Waves.” The show’s rare missteps, such as a forgotten verse on “What Makes You Country,” were brushed aside with a shrug and a smile as Bryan kept the room’s energy elevated.
Luke Bryan and his band.Getty Images/John Shearer
That’s not to say the singer-songwriter didn’t take a few moments to grouse about his lack of gambling success in Sin City as he rehearsed this past week.
“I’m not really sure how well I’m going to do having a residency in Las Vegas. I already lost my ass this week on blackjack, which made me double my typical NFL bets,” Bryan told the crowd. “Raise your hand if you’re up out there tonight? Raise your hand if you’re down … it’s always more. I don’t get one f—ing double down in seven days!”
Bryan told the audience he hoped his choice in setlist was well-received. “Don’t y’all be screwing up my damn Yelp review,” he joked. “I don’t need no ‘three stars’ s—. I’m working my ass off!”
He recalled how he had requested a piano from his record label back in the day, without realizing the funds provided were only a loan. “Caroline and I — our house was 920 square feet, so obviously I did not get a grand piano. I really don’t play well, but I got it. I had Charles Kelley and Dave Haywood fromLady Aover and we wrote. The first song I wrote on my piano was my first No. 1 — this is called ‘Do I,'” he said, introducing the tune.
The song became a group singalong, though Bryan gently chastised the crowd when they came in early on the final note. “Hold on — y’all screwed that s— up!” he said, laughing.
The night concluded with the show’s highlight — a moving catwalk that elevated Bryan and his band 45 feet in the air, bringing them face-to-face with the audience in the mezzanine and balcony areas at the rear of the venue. Fans were treated to somesignature Bryan butt-shakingas he performed “Country Girl (Shake It for Me)” before capping the show with “I Don’t Want This Night to End.”
Luke Bryan and Michael Carter.Getty Images/John Shearer
“This has been the best night ever, Las Vegas,” Bryan told the crowd. “Thank you so much.”
The country star’s residency continues throughout February,with additional datesin June, August and September. The show is part of a rotating schedule at Resorts World Theatre that includes residencies withCarrie Underwoodand Bryan’s fellowAmerican IdoljudgeKaty Perry.
SETLIST:
That’s My Kind of Night
All My Friends Say
One Margarita
Knockin’ Boots
Sunrise, Sunburn, Sunset
Roller Coaster
Waves
What Makes You Country
Huntin', Fishin', and Lovin' Every Day
Kick the Dust Up
Rain Is a Good Thing
Drunk on You
Crash My Party
Down to One
Strip It Down
Do I
Drink a Beer
Play It Again
Country Girl (Shake It for Me)
I Don’t Want This Night to End
source: people.com
