Thousands of outsiders gather for country singer
Thousands of excited Eric Church fans, who refer to themselves as “the outsiders” filled Thompson-Boling Arena Thursday night. The show was part of the first leg of Church’s Outsiders World Tour.
Thousands of excited Eric Church fans, who refer to themselves as “the outsiders” filled Thompson-Boling Arena Thursday night. The show was part of the first leg of Church’s Outsiders World Tour.
Eric Church is a critically acclaimed country artist and a CMA winner; however, Church does not quite fit the mold of a typical country artist. With songs like “I’m Gettin’ Stoned” and “The Outsiders,” its obvious that his sound has rock n’ roll at its core.
“Eric Church is more a classic rock country type deal” said concert goer Dustin Hatcher. “I’m here because I like more classic rock than I do country.”
With his band in clothing that resembles the band Poison and a giant purple devil blowup, it was obvious the audience was in for a rock n’ roll experience.
Church’s opening acts are a little bit of outsiders themselves. Brandy Clark, who writes songs for country talent such as Miranda Lambert and the Band Perry, opened the show. Following her was country music artist from the 1980’s,Dwight Yoakam. Yoakam is known for ignoring the mainstream trends of country music back in the 1980’s, much in the way Church does now.
Church wants every concert in every city to be unique, just like his music. That responsibility fell into the hands of one man who follows Church on his tours.
“I gave him a list of songs before the show that weren’t on our set list that we’ve not played I think since the Valarium,” Church told his audience. “I said man, I don’t want to know, I don’t want to know what you’re going to pick until I put the mic in front of you and we’re going to see how bad we screw it up.”
Church did not disappoint. His outsiders sang the words to his songs, like “Springsteen” word for word.
From an eccentric and elaborate stage set up to Church’s undeniable stage presence, Eric Church’s concert was a night his outsiders will remember.
Concert goer and Eric Church fan Scotty Little had no doubt as to why the so many fans showed up to see Church.
“He is an amazing artist and he has really really good music,” said Little.
For more information on Eric Church, visit his website.
Edited by Jessica Carr
