Thomas Rhett Reveals His Authentic Character, Leaving Fans Inspired

I have had the privilege to see many of today’s country stars in concert. There was a big one missing from my list though.  Earlier this year, I got to check that name off of my list when I went to Thomas Rhett Akins’ Home Team Tour in Knoxville.  Akins built a great show that opened with newcomer Nate Smith, followed by the talented Cole Swindell.  The show was so great that I decided to get tickets for the Nashville show which took place last night (9/30/23). 

The Home Team Tour kicked off in Iowa on May 4, 2023, and had 23 dates. It concluded with two sold out shows at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, TN. Last night was the final show.  Nate Smith got the night started with a few songs which included his number one hit, “Whiskey On You.” 

He is clearly grateful for the experience & a career as a musician that is off to an amazing start.  Smith is an incredibly talented songwriter & performer. 

Cole Swindell was up next, and entertained the crowd with hit after hit after hit.  It’s one of those where you really forget how many big songs he’s had until he sings them all.  Swindell’s set was high energy! He really had everyone going with hits like “Flatliner,” “She Had Me at Heads Carolina,” and “Drinkaby.” I was really impressed that Swindell somehow kept back tears during his heartfelt ballad “You Should Be Here.” The song references the moments his late dad is missing out on.  

His emotion was obvious & the significance of playing a sold out Bridgestone really added to the meaning of the lyrics.  Swindell thanked the crowd for help in getting him through the song. He really took in each moment of his time on stage. Towards the end of his set, he asked security to hand him a fans phone. He noticed they were in the aisle dancing the whole time & he wanted to take a selfie with them.  He spent a few extra moments signing for fans & taking more selfies before leaving the stage.  I love seeing artists that are so appreciative of big moments and really take the time to soak it all in.

The time finally came for Thomas Rhett to take the stage. His entrance was one of the best that I’ve seen. The spotlights lit up the the smoke covered catwalk as he emerged with his back to the crowd while playing the drums. Akins got up from the drum set, turned to the crowd, and immediately launched into his hit “Vacation.”  Believe me when I say the man knows how to start a show!!

Akins recently released his “20 Number Ones” album, so he has quite the catalog to choose from for a set list.  Favorites included his massive hit, “Die a Happy Man,” “Marry Me,” “Life Changes” (which started off with a sweet video montage of his wife & daughters), and “Sixteen.” He mixed in some tracks that weren’t singles, but well known songs nonetheless.  Akins also did a “decades” portion where he sang a snippet of a hit from each decade starting with the 50s and Elvis’ “Hound Dog” and ended with Matchbox 20 in the 2000s. 

 

Nate Smith came back out to join Rhett on “Beer Can’t Fix,” his hit with Jon Pardi.  As is customary for the final show of a country music tour, the “end of tour prank” was carried out by Smith & his band who were dressed up as beer cans & more.  Akins got a good laugh out of this and it was a really fun part of the show. 

The energy kicked up a notch with his number one song, “Craving You.” 

During this performance I noticed several members of the security team running into one of the aisles on the floor.  I didn’t see a fight, so I assumed it was a medical emergency.  I’ve seen people pass out at shows, and I could tell this was more serious.  Towards the end of the song, Akins realized something was happening, and could be seen asking what was going on. As the song ended, security began to frantically wave their flashlights to signal he needed to stop the show.  He immediately did so & told the crowd there was an emergency. After quickly talking with security, he asked if there was a doctor in the crowd.  A couple of men ran down to help, and did what they could until the paramedics arrived. 

The concern was clearly visible on Rhett’s face as he kneeled on the catwalk to show respect for the situation. He appeared to be bowing his head to pray while we all nervously waited. His wife, Lauren, came from backstage to go stand near him & I couldn’t love that more.  He was clearly shaken up, and it says a lot that she went out there to make sure he was doing okay.  The fan was taken away on a stretcher, and Akins told the crowd he wanted to pray for him & his family.  He led the crowd in a heartfelt prayer, and then said he was going to do one more song in honor of the fan, Terry. 

Chants of “Terry” broke out just before Akins finished the night with “What’s Your Country Song.”  Akins thanked the fans for coming out, and then rushed off the stage to undoubtedly check on the fan.  We sincerely hope & are praying that he is okay.  (Please note that while the video above is of Akins performing “Craving You,” the emergency is not visible. If it were, I would not have shared the video out of respect.)

I already admired a lot about Thomas Rhett, but my respect grew even more last night.  The fact that it was a huge show for him, the last stop of this tour, etc. didn’t matter to him one bit. As soon as he saw the seriousness of the emergency, that was the only thing of importance & it fully had his attention. He puts every ounce of energy & dedication into his shows, and I highly recommend catching a show on his next tour. I’m thankful not only for artists like Thomas Rhett, but that people like Thomas Rhett exist in this world.

UPDATE:

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