This is a carousel. Use the Next and Previous buttons to navigate
Jason Aldean sings about dirt roads and green tractors – country music hallmarks, to be sure. But arena rock is what lies in his heart.
#FINDTHEPONCHO: Bun B is offering $1,000 for his missing Houston Rodeo UGK poncho
His performance Monday night at RodeoHouston was full of big guitar riffs and choruses that drew from a host of ’80s hair metal bands, including Motley Crue and Whitesnake. It was his second show of 2023 and first RodeoHouston appearance in five years. The audience of 62,913 was the lowest so far.
Aldean has said that he was heavily influenced by Guns N’ Roses. It was evident throughout the set. Opener “Lights Come On” was pure 80s nostalgia. “Trouble with a Heartbreak” could have been recorded by Def Leppard. My Kinda Party” was cranked up to 11 and sounded much fiercer than on record.
The power ballad “If I Didn’t Love You” was a virtual duet with Carrie Underwood — and likely the only time she’ll be on a Rodeo stage. Underwood is a vegetarian and animal rights activist.
Mid-tempo tunes “Amarillo Sky” and “Big Green Tractor” were charming by comparison.
He recently introduced single “That’s What Tequila Does” by talking about how much he loves tequila. He later downed a shot of whiskey and promised to “kick this bitch into overdrive”.
“Are you ready for this shit?” he asked.
Closer’s “She’s Country” and “Hicktown” perfectly encapsulated Aldean’s dynamism. The titles may sound country. But there is a rocker in his soul.
