Jason Aldean, Kane Brown and Carly Pearce at DTE Energy Music Theatre

It was almost a year to the date that I last reviewed a Jason Aldean show. Same venue, same time of year and another summer run of a tour ending in the Metro Detroit area. It’s a tradition that I could definitely get used to. It was not only the only city on the tour with two dates, it also became very clear that Southeast Michigan really does love Jason Aldean.

As I sat down to start writing this review, the tone was quite different this time. At least it was in my mind. 2019 was a rough year for me for many reasons but what topped it off on this day as I sat down to put this all together was the news of the death of a friend that had been spreading out amongst Facebook and among friends and others in the local music scene. Eric Kozlowski was such a great guy, gentle soul and loved music more than most. He was one of my country music buddies and we shared many concerts and events together, especially those artists on the underground scene like Hank 3, Wayne Hancock, Unknown Hinson and several others. Eric wasn’t a big fan of most popular radio country artist’s, but Jason Aldean was one of the very few that had a couple songs that he actually liked. For that reason, I wanted to give him a mention. RIP always my friend.

This was the second night in a row at DTE for Jason and the tour and it was quite a bit different than the first day. Not only because it was a Sunday versus being a Saturday where most people didn’t have to work the next day, but because it rained all afternoon and most of the evening. That didn’t put a damper on the show though. Other than some folks arriving a little later than usual, the parking lot still filled up by around 7pm and the place was packed. I’m guessing it was not only show number two but also SOLD OUT show number two. First up for the night was Carly Pearce. We didn’t get to catch all of her set, but we were able to hear two songs as we were walking in and we got to watch her perform two songs from the cemented area separating the pavilion from the lawn. There wasn’t enough time to get down to our seats right away, but we wanted to try and at least catch her in action for as many songs as possible. I was impressed not only by her stage presence, but how great she sounded live and how she was even more attractive in person. I think many guys, and probably some girls, must have thought the same too because I lost track of how many people we heard talking about her and those very same things as the night went on. Sorry guys, Carly is engaged and will be getting married to her fiancé, country singer Michael Ray, in just a few days. I was definitely impressed by what I saw and heard from Carly Pearce that night. 

Fall not only brings the chillier weather, but as everyone knows, the darkness of the night also begins a little earlier. Just as the sun disappeared, Kane Brown took the stage. It was obvious right from the start that many in attendance where there to see Kane too as the crowd erupted with a roar that was higher pitched than normal. It was the fact that the ladies at the show that day were excited and ready to see Kane do his thing that night. While I will admit that I didn’t know much about him prior to the show I couldn’t help but notice how many people were singing along, going crazy with excitement and had their eyes glued to the show for most of his set. I was also surprised that I recognized a few tunes that he played. I personally loved seeing the lawn during one of his songs where there must have been seven or eight thousand phones lit up facing the stage. I of course have seen this happen before but never have I seen that many lit up at the same time. It looked incredible and was truly a sight to see. I must give extra props to Kane not only for wearing a Detroit Lions jersey on stage but for spending the last half of his last song signing autographs to those in the first few rows of the pavilion. I could tell that the fans really loved and appreciated that. I can see why Kane is so popular, especially among the younger crowd and the ladies.

A quick run to meet up with a few friends and grab a drink and it was time for Jason Aldean. During the band sets they had a DJ, Dee Jay Silver, spinning tunes and keeping the crowd fired up and having fun. It was something I had never seen before at a country concert, but it was clear the that crowd was loving every minute of it. Jason took the stage and the venue simply exploded with excitement. Women screaming, guys with fists in the air. It was time for another sure to be epic Jason Aldean show. This was my fifth or sixth time seeing Jason perform live and it still blows me away just how great he is live and how fun it is to watch him and the guys do what they do. The band’s chemistry seemed tighter than ever, Jason’s voice, despite being another third show of three in row, was still fresh and powerful, and this was definitely the best stage show I had ever seen from him. It was something that drew you in to really watching and paying attention to the concert. As Jason and the boys made their way through the set list, it starts to hit you just how many great songs and hit songs he has. From ‘Tattoo’s On This Town’ and ‘Fly Over States’ to ‘Any Ol’ Barstool’, ‘Dirt Road Anthem’ and ‘Hicktown’. The set just flowed through with everyone having a great time, singing along loud, many times louder than Jason, and taking it all in despite the chilly, gloomy night. I’m really loving the new track too, I think ‘We Back’ is going to be yet another big hit for him. When Jason stated about three quarters of the way through the show that he didn’t believe in that whole encore thing of walking away, letting the crowd cheer and clap for the band to come back and play their last few songs it really gave me a laugh. He made it clear that there would be no encore and that “we’re just gonna play until the last song is played and that will be the end of the show”. 

It was another incredible Jason Aldean show and tour for me and there were a whole lot of happy people walking back to their cars after the concert ranting and raving about the night and about what a great time they had. I look forward to doing this whole thing again next year. It’s something I’d like to keep doing for years to come. Thanks as always to Ansley and the gang over at The Green Room for reaching out to have us cover the event. Always a pleasure and a great experience working with you. Until the next one!