Well the unofficial kick off for CRS started Tuesday night Feb 21st at Dan + Shay‘s concert at the infamous Ryman Auditorium. The Mother Church of country music, this venue holds so many special moments and memories throughout the years of talent, across multiple genres, that have graced it’s stage. That night was no different, which was the duo’s debut in this venue, and they sure didn’t hold back in delivering a hell of a show.
As soon as the intro ran of Rihanna singing the lyrics “Turn up the lights” you knew the party was about to begin. The band walked out and the duo entered singing “All Nighter” bringing the crowd to it’s feet and singing along to the playful lyrics:
“Cause this is an all nighter
A get lost with you running through every red lighter
Falling and feeling like a star right out of a midnight skyer
Let the time fly by
Cause it’s a finding her hand, taking a chance, starting a fire
This is an all nighter”
Singing both of their Number 1 Singles “Nothin’ Like You” and “From The Ground Up” the duo showed their range of success with both their upbeat tune and a romantic ballad, but their range of vocals didn’t stop there. The duo’s talent was equally displayed through their choice in multiple genre cover songs throughout the night. From Bon Jovi‘s “You Give Love A Bad Name“, to The Killers “Mr.Brightside” and finishing up their string of covers before the night was out with Ceelo Green‘s “Forget You“.
While clearly we were in a room of devoted Dan + Shay fans, mostly girls of teenage years to young adults, none missed a beat singing along to Rascal Flatts‘ “I Like The Sound of That” penned by Shay Mooney for the trio. Among all the young girls swooning for the duo through every song that sang, one older couple stood out in the crowd. Not to far from the stage, this couple nearer to the ages of the parents that accompanied some of the younger fans, turned and sang adoringly to each other the lyrics of love the duo portray through a greater part of their songs.
One of the highlights of the night was most definitely Dan + Shay bringing up two barstools and slowing it down for a moment. Asking everyone to take a seat, the duo began to sing the title track of their latest album “Obsessed“. What came out of their mouths in this moment was nothing but raw talent. The harmonies these boys possess are undeniably talented. Just singing the song slowed down acoustically was enough to excite everyone, yet Shay took it a step further and freestyled for a couple minutes. Making fun of himself and the words he was tearing up, Shay delivered a lighthearted and hair raising showcase of his vocals. They could’ve ended the night right there and you would’ve been leaving on an incredible high.
The duo included current single “How Not To” and The Shack soundtrack release “When I Pray for You” to round out the night’s set list. While singing the latter (a song Mooney attributes to penning about his son before he was even born) it was evident being in that hallowed space, with all their fans singing along and both of the duo’s fiancés and families in attendance that it was an emotional moment and all around emotional night. The pair describing multiple times how blessed and thankful they were to be there with all of their fans. The night ended on a sweet note, everyone joining in on “19 You + Me“.
Dan + Shay truly delivered a fully talent performance worthy of the legends that have graced the stage before them. I even picked up a hatch print to commemorate the duo’s debut night at the Ryman to remind me of the unforgettable night.
If Dan + Shay are coming to a city near you make sure to catch them- were “Obsessed” with this tour and it’s a show you don’t want to miss. Remaining dates for the duo include:
OBSESSED TOUR DATES
March 23- Portland, OR
March 24- Seattle, WA
March 25- Vancouver, Canada
March 26- Spokane, WA
March 28- Cedar City, UT
March 29- Scottsdale, AR
April 6- Grand Rapids, MI
April 7- Royal Oak, MI
April 9- Indianapolis, IN
April 13- Silver Spring, MD
April 14- Syreville, NJ
April 15- Pittsburgh, PA
April 20- Omaha, NE
April 21- Kansas City, MO
April 22- Chesterfield, MO
