A Homecoming Like No Other. Kentuckians Sturgill Simpson And Tyler Childers Return For A Night That Rupp Arena Will Never Forget!
February 28th, 2020. A date that will be looked back upon as historians continue to tell the tales of both Sturgill Simpson and Tyler Childers. Time will determine which artist becomes more legendary, but make no mistakes, both will be Kentucky royalty for the foreseeable future.
While both artists have paved their own pathes to success, their names are often synonymous with each other. Is that fair? Only slightly. Sturgill Simpson did help produce both ‘Purgatory’ and ‘Country Squire’, but until this ‘Good Lookin’ Tour’, no one could ever say that these two Kentuckians rode one another’s coattails. (more…)
Luke Combs Brought His Hit Parade To Rupp Arena With Ashley McBryde And Drew Parker
I’ve seen well over 1000 artists, probably closer to 2000 to be honest, but few have grown as quickly as Luke Combs. Combs has completely taken over country music with one of the most unique songwriting styles the genre has ever seen.
Combs has a great ability to twist the meanings of his lyrics. He’s blessed with a voice that blends, bends and shapes to whatever he’s singing and in my humble opinion, Luke will be one of the biggest stars that country music has ever seen. Before we get into his set though, let’s discuss Drew Parker and Ashley McBryde’s sets from a chilly Valentine’s night.
Drew Parker was up first to rock Rupp. His style fits the mold of what you hear on terrestrial radio. Stations like 98.1 The Bull love artists like Parker. (more…)
PHOTOS: Professional Bull Riders Occupied Rupp Arena For A Night Of Thrills
The PBR tour made a stop in Lexington at Rupp Arena. Many were delighted to a night of action, while some chose to voice their concerns outside the venue.
Five Finger Death Punch Brought The Pain To Rupp Arena With Three Days Grace, Bad Wolves, And Fire From The Gods
Five Finger Death Punch, Three Day Grace, Bad Wolves and Fire From The Gods descended upon Lexington, Kentucky’s Rupp Arena with one of 2019’s hottest hard rock tours.
The Austin,Texas-based opener Fire from the Gods kicked off the night with a strong set and got the crowd going. Not a stranger to the area, they performed here in 2018 with Sevendust at Manchester Music Hall and they made an appearance at Louisville’s Louder Than Life Festival. (more…)
Trans-Siberian Orchestra Rocks Rupp For The 21st Time!
As you walked into the fog-filled arena with the large hourglasses lighting up the stage, you knew you were in for a very special show. December 5th, 2019 was Trans Siberian Orchestra’s 21st performance in Lexington KY.
Over 10,000 people showed up to enjoy “Christmas Eve and Other Stories.” The show began at an “Old City Bar.” Not what you would expect for a Christmas performance, but audience members were quickly transported through numerous tales of Christmas and Hope. Just like the hope provided to the Kentucky Children’s Hospital with the $7,765.00 donated by TSO. (more…)
Photos: The WWE Invades Rupp Arena!
The WWE made a stop recently at Kentucky’s Rupp Arena. I hope you enjoy the photos!
Trans-Siberian Orchestra Lights Up The Night At Rupp Arena!
Trans Siberian Orchestra visited Lexington, KY on December 6th with their fantastic “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve” at Rupp Arena. This show immersed the audience in an experience not soon to be forgotten. Along with traditional Christmas favorites, TSO performed new pieces for the audience to experience for the first time. Members of the Orchestra played from all over the arena, even soaring above the audience at times, and playing from a platform at the rear of the auditorium. Everyone, regardless of their seating section, were given a fabulous view of the show. The show was way more than just a regular concert, it went beyond a musical experience, as audience members were treated to a superb light show, LED screen projections, pyrotechnics, and even falling “snow”. Each performance by TSO includes regional guest performers, like Anna Marie Blanton from Jericho Woods, (more…)
Kentucky’s Current King Of Country Music, Chris Stapleton, Returns Home To Rupp Arena With Marty Stuart And Brent Cobb
I have written several articles about when artists return home to Kentucky, but in my lifetime, none will likely be bigger than Chris Stapleton playing Rupp Arena. As a fellow Eastern Kentuckian, Rupp Arena to us, is like the Ryman. It’s our Mother Church. It’s an arena named after Coach Adolph Rupp and is the home of our beloved Kentucky Wildcats in downtown Lexington. For a Kentucky artist, that was born in this city, to rise in popularity and be able to sell-out over 17,000 seats at Rupp Arena is unheard of. Unchartered territory, even.
The Kentucky Headhunters, Billy Ray Cyrus, The Backstreet Boys featured a couple Kentuckians, John Michael Montgomery and Montgomery Gentry had some great success. But Chris Stapleton is the only singular artist to have sold-out Rupp Arena as a headliner to be born in Lexington. At least to my knowledge.
On The Road: WWE Road To Wrestlemania in Huntington, WV
We were afforded a really cool opportunity. We were allowed to cover the WWE stop in Huntington, WV. This was a special time, as Wrestlemania is coming up on April 8th. We saw WWE Champion AJ Styles vs. Baron Corbin in a WWE Championship Match! Bobby Roode vs. US Champion Randy Orton vs. Jinder Mahal – US Championship Triple Threat Match. 2018 Royal Rumble Winner Shinsuke Nakamura & Randy Orton vs. Rusev Day. SmackDown Tag Team Championship Match: Tag Team Champions – The Usos – WWE vs. New Day vs. Shelton Benjamin & Rusev Day. Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Dolph Ziggler. Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair & Becky Lynch & Naomi vs. Riott Squad – WWE vs. Natalya & Carmella & Lana. (more…)