Kenny Chesney Takes Fans On A Euphoric Journey With Surprises And Sing-Alongs On I Go Back Tour
Chesney’s 2023 trek is a must-see.
Kenny Chesney with Kelsea Ballerini; Photo by Allister Ann
Kenny Chesney is a man of his word. When he said he was going to bring some surprises to his I Go Back Tour, he meant it.
The trek officially kicked off on Thursday evening (March 23) at John Paul Jones Arena in Charlottesville, Virginia with a two-hour show that included a nearly 30-song set. With several surprise songs sprinkled throughout, Chesney gave new life to his well-oiled live show, making the I Go Back Tour live up to its namesake in more ways than one.
At 8:55, the lights dimmed and anticipation filled the air as classic rock songs blasted through the speakers. When Chesney greeted the sold-out crowd and opened the show with “Til It’s Gone,” it was clear it was going to be a special night.
Moments into the show, the superstar asked, “Charlottesville, are you ready?”
Chesney hasn’t played at the John Paul Jones Arena since 2006, so they were more than ready.
Without missing a beat, Chesney launched into “Beer In Mexico,” brought the spirit of No Shoes Nation to the stage with “We Do” and “Here And Now,” and evoked a full-on sing-along with “Summertime.”
Covering every inch of the stage with the kind of energy only he can deliver, Chesney continued to crank out hit after hit.
Revisiting his 2002 chart-topper “The Good Stuff” proved to be a good decision. With his guitar in hand, Chesney took the audience on a trip down memory lane with the story song that spent seven weeks at No.1. Cell phones lit up the arena as 13,000+ fans sang in unison.
“That’s so beautiful, thank you,” Chesney graciously shared from the stage as he looked out at the sea of lights.
Turning the energy all the way back up with performances of songs like “Big Star,” “All The Pretty Girls,” “Living In Fast Forward,” and “Young,” Chesney raced around the stage giving high fives and fist bumps to those lucky enough to score tickets next to the stage.
A little more than halfway through the show, he slowed things down a bit with “Wild Child.” The song originally features Grace Potter, but this time, his fringe-wearing tourmate, Kelsea Ballerini, joined him on harmonies.
After reflecting on their friendship and how they came to record their chart-topping, CMA-winning collaboration, “half of my hometown,” the pair walked hand-in-hand to the front of the catwalk and asked fans to sing along as they reminisced on their East Tennesee roots together through song.
This can’t-miss moment will be a highlight of each and every night on The I Go Back Tour.
Simply put, the final portion of the show was euphoric. Chesney held nothing back as he powered through “American Kids,” joined bass player Harmoni Kelley for a rendition of “Setting The World On Fire,” and reminded fans “Everything’s Gonna Be Alright” through a solo version of his hit with David Lee Murphy.
Trading his typical show-closer, “She Thinks My Tractor’s Sexy,” for the beloved ‘Don’t Happen Twice” with a little “Beer Can Chicken” thrown in, Chesney closed out night one of the I Go Back Tour on a high note.
While the setlist surprises had everyone talking, the I Go Back Tour is about more than just the songs Chesney hasn’t played in a while. It highlights the unique connection he has with his fans in an intimate setting.
“I wanted to bring all the power and all of the passion that we have at those stadium shows,” Chesney said after the show. “I want every single person who’s in the room to know how much we love them, to feel as good as they’ve ever felt and to go home hoarse from the cheering and singing. Charlottesville, Virginia sure made the opening night feel like the biggest stadiums.”
Whether he’s playing arenas, amphitheaters, or stadiums, Kenny Chesney has set the bar as an entertainer for years and continues to do so on the I Go Back Tour.
See a full list of upcoming tour dates below.
Kenny Chesney’s I Go Back 2023 Tour Dates
March
25 – University Park, PA – Bryce Jordan Center
30 – Wichita, KS – INTRUST Bank Arena
April
1 – Oklahoma City, OK – Paycom Center
6 – Uncasville, CT – Mohegan Sun Arena
8 – Wilkes-Barre Township, PA – Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza
12 – Birmingham, AL – Legacy Arena at the BJCC
14 – Jacksonville, FL – Daily’s Place Amphitheater
16 – Ft. Lauderdale, FL – Tortuga Music Festival*
22 – North Little Rock, AR – Simmons Bank Arena
25 – Lexington, KY – Rupp Arena
27 – Greenville, SC – Bon Secours Wellness Arena
29 – Greensboro, NC – Greensboro Coliseum
May
4 – Moline, IL – Vibrant Arena at The Mark
6 – Grand Rapids, MI – Van Andel Arena
9 – Grand Forks, ND – Alerus Center
11 – Sioux Falls, SD – Denny Sanford Premier Center
13 – Lincoln, NE – Pinnacle Bank Arena
18 – Fort Wayne, IN – Allen County War Memorial Coliseum
20 – Evansville, IN – Ford Center
25 – Charleston, SC – Credit One Stadium
27 – Orange Beach, AL – The Wharf
23 – Endicott, NY – En-Joie Golf Course*
July
22 – Des Moines, IA – Hy-Vee Indy Race*
*festival/one-off show dates
Lauren Jo Black is a longtime country music journalist, editor, host, and media personality whose work has helped shape the conversation around country music for nearly two decades. As the current Editor-in-Chief of Country Now, she has become one of the genre’s most respected voices, interviewing hundreds of country music’s biggest stars, including Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, Shania Twain, Randy Travis, Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, Blake Shelton, Luke Combs, and countless others. Over the course of her career, Black’s written work and interviews have reached billions of country music fans worldwide. A 2009 graduate of the University of Central Florida, Black began her career by founding Country Music Is Love, one of country music’s earliest independent digital publications, which she later sold to a major record label in 2015 before it was rebranded as Sounds Like Nashville. She then served as the publication’s Editor-in-Chief for more than two years. Her work has also appeared in Forbes, and she previously served as the Country Music Expert for Answers.com. Widely recognized for her expertise, Black has appeared as a featured guest on The Bobby Bones Show, BobbyCast, and Scripps News Morning Rush, providing insight on country music’s biggest moments. She has also hosted Country Now Live, a concert series featuring performances from artists including Lady A, Dierks Bentley, Riley Green, Jordan Davis, Dustin Lynch, Gabby Barrett, Brett Young, Jon Pardi, Kip Moore, Chris Young, and more. The series has welcomed thousands of fans in person while reaching millions more online. In addition, she hosted Connect With Country Now, a weekly interview series featuring conversations with rising country stars. Throughout her career, Black has earned a reputation for discovering and championing artists long before they become household names. She has covered Luke Bryan since the early days of his career, beginning when he was writing songs for other artists, including Billy Currington’s No. 1 hit “Good Directions,” before stepping into the spotlight with his debut single, “All My Friends Say” and eventually becoming one of biggest names in music. She also gave Megan Moroney her first opportunity to walk a major red carpet as Country Now’s official guest correspondent at the 2022 CMA Awards. An interview she conducted in 2018 for Forbes.com with Luke Combs that inspired his multi-week No. 1 hit, “Doin’ This.” She has also hosted stages at CMA Fest, moderated an industry panel at Country Radio Seminar, and helped lead important conversations about the evolving landscape of country music media. Beyond journalism, Black has also used her platform to support charitable causes and highlight organizations making an impact. Through Country Now Live, she has helped raise awareness and support for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, while also advocating for animal rescue through Country Now’s Pupdate series, spotlighting organizations including MuttNation Foundation, Wags & Walks, and Proverbs 12:10 Animal Rescue. Black has been recognized as one of Country Aircheck’s Women of Influence and received the 2012 Rising Star Award from the University of Central Florida. She is a longtime member of both the Country Music Association (CMA) and the Academy of Country Music (ACM). After nearly 20 years covering country music, Lauren Jo Black has spent her career telling the stories behind the artists, songs, and moments that have shaped the genre. Her first-ever book, Country Music Forever: An A-to-Z Celebration of Icons, Songs and Stories, brings that same passion and firsthand knowledge to the page, celebrating not only the legendary artists and timeless songs that have become the soundtrack to generations of fans, but also the places, traditions, and cultural moments that have made country music one of the most beloved genres around the world.
You may also like
Country Next
Playlist
On Repeat
Get the latest country music news delivered straight to your inbox.
