Live Review: Chris Stapleton @ Rod Laver Arena

Since 2017, Chris Stapleton’s world-defying All-American Roadshow has captivated audiences across the U.S., Canada, and Britain. Last night, after a whirlwind of success, the acclaimed country singer finally made his Australian debut at Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena—and boy, was the wait worth it.

First though, some statistics: 10 Grammys, 15 CMAs, and 11 ACM Awards–all picked up within the last decade. Before that, the Kentucky-born singer made his name on Nashville’s Music Row penning hit singles for the likes of Kenny Chesney, Luke Bryan, Josh Turner, and George Strait. But it was his 2015 debut album, Traveller, that earned him widespread recognition and solidified his place in country music.

Four more studio albums, a Super Bowl appearance, and collaborations with the likes of Adele, P!nk, Taylor Swift, and Ed Sheeran have kept him busy and away from our shores until now.  

While Stapleton was the main draw, support act Marcus King gave a performance so electrifying you’d be forgiven for thinking he was co-headlining. Inheriting a love of blues and gospel from his musical family, King is known for his soulful take on psychedelic, Southern rock, and modern blues, making him the ideal entrée for the evening’s main event.

With his gravelly voice and virtuosic guitar skills, he had the audience riveted from the get-go. King’s substantial set was a well-balanced mix, and standout performances included The Well, Beautiful Stranger, Wildflowers & Wine, and Honky Tonk Hell–a ditty about raising hell set to be formally released in May.

Surprisingly, King didn’t play as many tracks from 2024’s Mood Swings as anticipated, and the ones he did include were unexpected choices. However, both worked perfectly. Hero brought a groovy vibe, while the five-piece backing band shimmered through the jazz-infused Save Me.

He also covered Merle Haggard's Workin' Man Blues and Crowded House's Don't Dream It's Over, bringing a country twang to the latter, before closing his set with Ramblin' Man by The Allman Brothers Band. 

Wasting no time, Stapleton stepped onstage to thunderous applause, the crowd palpably excited as he launched into White Horse, the lead single off his fifth studio album Higher. Inspired by the spirit of The Lone Ranger, the song evoked a cinematic Western air, a mood that was subtly mirrored in the stage design.

Upon first glance, what appeared to be draped curtains, a triangular parquetry backdrop, and a glowing disco ball cleverly formed the image of a long desert highway winding through a mountain range, with a full moon overhead and Stapleton cast as the traveller. Yet, in contrast to the grandeur of the visuals, Stapleton exuded a commanding yet down-to-earth presence, effortlessly anchoring the entire experience with his rugged long hair, ZZ Top-esque beard, and feathered cowboy hat. 

Early on, Stapleton admitted that there wouldn’t be much talking in an attempt to pack as much music into his two-hour slot as possible. In fact, the evening was void of any lyrical backstories or behind-the-music moments. Instead, there was a brief call-and-response moment that resulted in a simultaneous declaration of love from the crowd. 

Alongside Stapleton was his astounding six-piece band, including Mike Campbell on guitar, J.T. Cure on bass, Derek Mixon on drums, Lee Pardini on keys and the renowned Paul Franklin on pedal steel guitar, as well as Stapleton’s accomplished wife, Morgane Stapleton.

During ballads including Millionaire, It Takes A Woman, the understated yet utterly sublime You Should Probably Leave, and the poignant Fire Away, the couple rarely took their eyes off one another, frequently sharing a smile or two. Their undeniable chemistry created an intimate atmosphere, making the performance feel profoundly personal. 

Other highlights included Nobody To Blame, Arkansas, the infectious Parachute, and the positively upbeat Starting Over. In the middle of his set, Stapleton performed a solo acoustic segment that truly transfixed the crowd. Stripped down to just his voice and guitar, he delivered Mountains Of My Mind and Whiskey And You. 

Another shining moment came from the performance of Broken Halos, a tender tribute to those who die too young. Stapleton’s sombre voice cut through the silence, leaving the audience completely enthralled. The tenderness in his delivery lingers long after the final note, underscoring the fact that Stapleton is one of those rare artists whose live performance transcends the capabilities of any recording studio, creating an authentic and deeply moving experience. 

Last up before the encore, Stapleton delivered his infamous cover of David Allan Coe’s Tennessee Whiskey. Stapleton’s soulful rendition catapulted him to mainstream success after his unforgettable 2015 CMA performance with Justin Timberlake. Now certified 17x platinum, the song continues to live up to the immense hype.

As the first bluesy notes echoed through Rod Laver, the crowd's excitement was tangible. As sweet as strawberry wine, Stapleton’s evocative voice and those bluesy, slow-burn guitar phrases struck the perfect balance between raw and refined, making the crowd holler with approval. 

Fittingly, the show closed with Outlaw State Of Mind, as Stapleton asserted his defiant nature with his smoky Appalachian voice and gritty guitar, leaving the audience with an undeniable sense of freedom. The performance feels like a final bold declaration of self, solidifying Stapleton as an artist who is unapologetically himself and pretty darn good at it. 

Chris Stapleton’s All-American Roadshow Goes Down Under tour continues tonight with a second date in Melbourne before continuing on to Brisbane and Sydney.