Lexington, Kentucky – Sturgill Simpson made a triumphant return to his home state Friday evening, performing a marathon concert at Rupp Arena that spanned three-and-a-half hours. The concert, which kicked off promptly at 8:00 PM, came just hours after a powerful storm, Hurricane Helene, swept through Central Kentucky, causing widespread damage but failing to dampen the spirits of fans eager to see the country music star.
Simpson, who hails from Breathitt County, delivered a dynamic performance that featured a mix of songs from all eight of his albums and a series of impressive covers, accounting for nearly one-third of the setlist. His eclectic style ranged from traditional country to expansive rock ‘n’ roll, showcasing the musical versatility that has garnered him a devoted following.
The show opened with “Railroad of Sin,” setting an upbeat tone that quickly evolved. With the return of guitarist Laur Joamets, familiar songs were transformed into more experimental soundscapes. A cover of When in Rome’s “The Promise” exemplified this shift, taking the audience into Pink Floyd-like territory. Throughout the performance, transitions between original songs and covers kept the audience engaged.
Prominent highlights included the seamless segue from “A Good Look” into The Doors’ “L.A. Woman,” and a stunning rendition of “Purple Rain,” which elicited an enthusiastic sing-along from the crowd. The show underscored Simpson’s ability to craft evocative narratives while experimenting with the conventions of country music.
Despite the extensive set, some may argue that the concert began to drag toward the end, as Simpson, seeming prepared to exceed an 11:30 PM curfew, added several more tunes. Fans, however, appeared undeterred and celebrated the full experience. Interestingly, Simpson opted not to reference his new identity as Johnny Blue Skies during the performance, yet the crowd’s excitement remained undiminished regardless of his label.
In a concert marred by a passing hurricane earlier that day, Simpson proved once again to be a formidable force in live music. The adrenaline-driven evening left fans both exhausted and exhilarated, anticipating his next return to the stage.
