Hank Williams Jr. brought his legendary self to town as part of his North American tour, and Old Crow Medicine Show joined him in Irvine for the rockin’ country show. The artists have been touring all summer and will not stop until the end of August gives them a rest.
Old Crow Medicine Show opened the evening with their incredible energy, proving why they are one of the most captivating acts on tour today. Their almost (at times) comedic performance showcased seamless instrument swapping and cowboy boot kickin’ among this incredibly tight seven-piece band, all while maintaining impeccable timing and musicianship. The infectious spirit of the night was best captured in their party anthem, “Humdinger.”
Among their covers, they paid tribute to Tina Turner, the queen of rock and roll, with a spirited rendition of “Proud Mary,” plus they gave a lively performance of “Great Balls of Fire.” Fearlessly, they closed with Hank Williams’ classic, “I Saw the Light,” setting the stage perfectly for Hank Jr.’s appearance. From beginning to end, their energy never wavered, leaving an indelible impression on both long-time fans and newcomers alike.
It’s no surprise that Old Crow Medicine Show continually gains new admirers with each performance, especially when they serve as the opening act; their talent is simply too compelling to be overlooked.
Throughout the show, Williams consistently boasted about his collaborations, connections, and personal success, almost to a point that could be considered excessive. Throughout the show, Hank Jr. made quite an impression by trading out hats, some with a statement. For instance, the first hat he wore featured the word “ICON” in big, gold letters. Despite some of the clichés, the audience couldn’t deny the allure of his Hank Jr. smile, the guitar strap on the wrong shoulder, and the familiar hits and Hank Sr. covers. The atmosphere was filled with blues-based country-rock, and even when playing his father’s songs, Hank Jr. added his unique touch to the performance.
Kicking off the show, Williams set the tone with Neil Young’s “Are You Ready for the Country?,” delivering mostly authentic country music throughout the night, staying true to the event’s promise. With a well-balanced playlist that intertwined his own hits with his father’s classics, he honored his legendary heritage, surely making his father proud.
Williams displayed his musical versatility, starting with the electric guitar and later transitioning to the fiddle and acoustic guitar for a mesmerizing acoustic set. During this intimate session, he offered a mellow rendition of “All My Rowdy Friends (Have Settled Down),” blending it smoothly with Johnny Cash’s “I Walk the Line,” and delighting the crowd with the beloved tune, “A Country Boy Can Survive.”
The early, rowdy moments of the concert included fiery performances of “Whiskey Bent and Hell Bound” and energetic covers like “Move It on Over” interwoven with “Mind Your Own Business,” paying tribute to his father’s legacy. Hank Williams Jr.’s strong and enthusiastic vocals were skillfully supported by a talented group of musicians. While there were no major surprises in the setlist, the showmanship was in full swing, with the big man performing each song with great enthusiasm.
Despite his rowdy friends perhaps taking things easier nowadays, Hank Williams Jr. has not lost his ability to ignite the concert stage and keep the party going.
