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.

Lauren Jo Black

| Posted on

February 12, 2022

2:18 pm

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 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.