On November 24th, Sturgill Simpson brought the US leg of his Why Not? Tour to a triumphant conclusion at Boston’s MGM Music Hall, delivering a sonic experience that left the audience breathless. The sold-out show was a testament to Simpson’s unwavering dedication to his craft and ability to connect with audiences profoundly. Gifting his fans early with highlights like “Mercury in Retrograde”, “Time After All” and “Long White Line”, Simpson and his band quickly set the tone for a night of musical exploration. The band hit their stride a third of the way through the set during a dual guitar-fueled run of “Railroad of Sin,” “Some Days,” and “Life of Sin” before Sturgill paused to introduce the band.
Mid-set highlights included Sturgill and the band adding to the roller coaster ride an emotionally charged “Turtles on the Way Down” and a glorious tribute to Prince with the band’s take on “Purple Rain”. The band tore the roof off the hall with a fierce rendition of the Doors’ “L.A. Woman”. After “L.A. Woman”, Sturgill and the band took a deep dive into the Johnny Blue Skies repertoire with “Scooter Blues”, “Jupiter’s Faerie”, “If the Sun Never Rises Again” and “Mint Tea”, much to the audience’s delight as it was due time to showcase Simpson’s new music.
Sturgill wrapped up the marathon of a show with a few set staples, “All Around You”, “Fastest Horse in Town” and “Brace for Impact” before delivering a fantastic cover of Procol Harum’s classic, “A Whiter Shade of Pale”. If it weren’t for the 11:30 curfew, Simpson and Company probably would have kept playing well into the wee hours of Monday morning. For over three and a half hours, they treated the crowd to a non-stop musical journey, performing over thirty songs from his entire catalog. The setlist included tracks from Passage Du Desir, Metamodern Sounds in Country Music, A Sailor’s Guide to Earth, and more. In addition, the band delivered a handful of covers, from artists like Prince, Little Feat and Neil Diamond, which they made entirely their own.
Simpson’s performance was nothing short of extraordinary. His powerful and expressive voice soared through the venue, effortlessly transitioning from delicate whispers to thunderous roars. He commanded the stage with a raw intensity and a magnetic presence. The band, a tight-knit group of seasoned musicians, provided the perfect backdrop, their intricate interplay and improvisational flourishes elevating the music to new heights.
Sturgill Simpson’s Why Not? Tour was a masterclass in live performance. It was a celebration of music, a testament to the power of human connection, and a reminder of why Simpson should be recognized as one of the most talented artists of his generation. Beyond the music, the atmosphere at the concert was electric. A dedicated and passionate fanbase united by their love for Simpson’s music created an unforgettable experience. The energy in the venue was infectious, with the crowd singing along to every word, swaying to the music, and losing themselves in the moment. The final show of the US leg was a fitting end to a remarkable tour that will rev its engines once again in 2025.
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Your review, as always, is exemplary and your photography is amazing. So professional!