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Luke Bryan Hits the Jackpot with Unforgettable Las Vegas Residency
The opening night of Bryan’s Las Vegas residency was 90 minutes of non-stop fun.
Luke Bryan; Photo Courtesy of John Shearer/Getty Images
As the launch of his Las Vegas residency approached, Luke Bryan put on his best poker face, leading fans to believe the show was going to be an extension of his summer tours. The Georgia native played coy about his production elements and promised to deliver a show that was “real authentic to what I have always been.”
So, when he entered the stage on Friday (Feb 11) for the opening night of his Las Vegas residency on a hydraulic lift from below with smoke, fireworks and lasers surrounding him, it was clear that this wasn’t your everyday Luke Bryan concert… And that’s saying something. This wasn’t just beginner’s luck as the five-time Entertainer of the Year is known for his high-energy shows. Yet, he somehow managed to double down on what he does best and deliver a jaw-dropping production that took fans on a journey through his career.
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Bryan wasted no time and immediately kicked things into high gear with a performance of “That’s My Kind of Night.” He made his way around every inch of the Resorts World Theater, which happens to house the largest and tallest stage in Vegas, welcoming the sold-out crowd to the inaugural night of Luke Bryan: Vegas.
Taking his welcome brigade a step further, the superstar hopped off the stage and made his way through the crowd of adoring fans with a throwback performance of his debut single, “All My Friends Say.”
“Y’all don’t be screwing up my damn Yelp review… I don’t need no three-star shit, I’m working my ass off,” Bryan joked in the midst of his set.
Bryan doesn’t have to worry though – the show was worth five stars (and then some).
Each performance of Bryan’s 19-song, career-spanning set list had a unique look and feel that perfectly set the mood.
The one-of-a-kind, shifting stage was unlike anything fans had ever seen as it moved Bryan and his band along with the songs, providing a visually stunning backdrop that at times felt completely immersive.
During “Roller Coaster,” the stage shifted in a way that felt like a 3D wooden coaster was popping out of the giant screens behind Bryan, and “Waves” provided the audience with mind-blowing images as the singer and his six-piece band appeared to bob up and down as if they were floating in the ocean.
The 90-minute show showcases the various stages of Bryan’s career, from his humble beginnings to the Spring Break and Farm Tours, to milestone moments of chart-topping hits.
Bryan included a medley of No.1s – “Drunk On You,” “Crash My Party,” “Down To One,” “Someone Else Calling You Baby,” “Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye”- into his set. With 28 chart-topping singles under his belt, he acknowledged that there wasn’t time to play them all.
“So listen, in all my life, I never would believe that I would’ve been in a situation where I have been so blessed by you guys to have to do a medley of some of my number one songs,” he graciously told fans. “This is my first ever medley that I’ve ever done in my life!”
Bryan only slowed things down for “Strip It Down,” and “Do I,” which he played on a large blue piano.
While Bryan is known for his hip-shaking party anthems, there’s something special about the way he connects with fans through his deeper, more emotional material. That was evident with his poignant performance of “Drink a Beer.” Sometimes the simple moments make the biggest impact and that certainly rang true at this moment.
The American Idol judge went all-in for the final four songs of the night. A show-stopping performance of “Move” included fire shooting in multiple directions on stage and “Play It Again” served as a showcase of the theater’s state-of-the-art video screens.
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No one was prepared for what happened next. The reigning ACM Entertainer of the Year saved the biggest surprise for last as he shocked fans with a catwalk that ran the width of the theater. As he shook his hips to “Country Girl (Shake It For Me),” Bryan gave fans in the mezzanine and balcony levels of the theater a front-row seat on the action as the cat walk hovered 45 feet over the crowd. Fans erupted with applause at the sight of the country hitmaker situated just feet away from them.
Bidding farewell with “I Don’t Want This Night To End,” Bryan waved goodbye to fans as he was lowered beneath the stage.
“What an amazing night and start to our run of headlining shows at Resorts World Las Vegas,” he shared following the explosive opening night performance. “We’ve worked long and hard to put together an incredible, high-energy show for the fans. I am so proud of how it turned out and I hope everyone who comes leaves there having as much fun as me.”
Bryan is one of just a handful of current country artists who has climbed all the ranks of country music. Starting off playing for tips at dive bars and hole-in-wall honky tonks, to playing clubs, fairs and festivals then small theaters, arenas and eventually stadiums, Bryan has paid his dues as an entertainer. Everything he has done so far has led him to this moment. Now, it’s his time to shine in the City of Lights.
Luke Bryan: Vegas Set List
- That’s My Kind Of Night
- All My Friends Say
- One Margarita
- Knockin’ Boots
- Sunrise, Sunburn, Sunset
- Roller Coaster
- Waves
- What Makes You Country
- Huntin’, Fishin’, And Lovin’ Every Day
- Kick The Dust Up
- Rain Is A Good Thing
- Medley (“Drunk On You,” “Crash My Party,” “Down To One,” “Someone Else Calling You Baby,” “Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye”)
- Strip It Down (on Piano)
- Do I
- Drink A Beer
- Move
- Play It Again
- Country Girl (Shake It For Me)
- I Don’t Want This Night To End
In addition to the previously announced February show dates (12, 16, 18, 19 and 20) Bryan is adding nine new dates to Luke Bryan: Vegas due to overwhelming demand. Tickets go on sale to the public beginning Monday, February 21, at 10 a.m. PST.
The new dates are:
• June 2022: 15, 17, 18, 22, 24, 25
• August 2022: 31
• September 2022: 3, 4
Bryan, his American Idol cohort, Katy Perry, and his labelmate, Carrie Underwood, have shows planned at the stunning Resorts World Theater throughout the year.
Resorts World Las Vegas is a world-class property that integrates three of Hilton’s premium brands into its resort campus: Las Vegas Hilton, Conrad Las Vegas and LXR. In addition to the 5,000 seat theater, Resorts World Las Vegas is home to world-class food and beverage options, a next-generation gaming floor, distinct nightlife venues, a curated retail collection of designer and boutique shops and more. More information can be found HERE.
Written by
Lauren Jo Black
Lauren Jo Black, a University of Central Florida graduate, has immersed herself in the world of country music for over 15 years. In 2008, she co-founded CountryMusicIsLove, eventually selling it to a major record label in 2015. Following the rebranding of the website to Sounds Like Nashville, Black served as Editor-in-Chief for two and a half years. Currently, she assumes the role of Editor-in-Chief at Country Now and oversees Country Now’s content and digital footprint. Her extensive experience also encompasses her previous role as a Country Music Expert Writer for Answers.com and her work being featured on Forbes.com. She’s been spotlighted among Country Aircheck’s Women of Influence and received the 2012 Rising Star Award from the University of Central Florida. Black also spent time in front of the camera as host of Country Now Live, which brought live music directly to fans in 2021 when the majority of concerts were halted due to the pandemic. During this time, she hosted 24 weeks of live concerts via Country Now Live on Twitch with special guests such as Lady A, Dierks Bentley, Jordan Davis, Brett Young, and Jon Pardi. Over the course of her career, she has had the privilege of conducting interviews with some of the industry’s most prominent stars, including Reba McEntire, Blake Shelton, Luke Combs, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson, and many others. Lauren Jo Black is a longtime member of the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music.