Chris Stapleton brought his All-American Road Show to a sold-out Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre in Maryland Heights, St. Louis, delivering a night of raw, soulful country that left the crowd buzzing. With special guest Brittney Spencer warming up the stage, the evening was a masterclass in authentic musicianship, though not without a few minor hiccups.
Brittney Spencer kicked off the night with a vibrant set, her powerful vocals and charismatic stage presence setting a high bar. Her blend of country, soul, and pop resonated with the audience, who stomped along to her originals and covers. Spencer’s performance was a perfect appetizer, priming the crowd for Stapleton’s headlining act.
From the moment Stapleton took the stage, introduced by The Band’s “Up on Cripple Creek,” his vocal prowess was undeniable. Opening with “Bad As I Used To Be,” a track from the F1 soundtrack, he set the tone for a 25-song, two-hour journey through his catalog. His howling vibrato on “Midnight Train to Memphis” and effortless delivery on “Parachute” showcased a voice that feels both timeless and modern, blending outlaw country with soulful grit. The emotional peak came during “Either Way,” a solo rendition that turned the massive amphitheater into an intimate listening room, his voice carrying a poetic weight that hushed the crowd.
Stapleton’s seven-piece band, including his wife Morgane on background vocals, was a highlight. The ensemble, featuring legends like Paul Franklin on steel guitar and Mickey Raphael on harmonica, grooved with a chemistry that felt second nature. A standout moment was the duet with Marty Stuart on “Honky Tonkin’ is What I Do Best,” where the two traded licks and grins, clearly reveling in their shared love of country’s roots. The band’s sound was brighter and more layered than in previous St. Louis stops, thanks in part to second guitarist Mike Eli LoPinto, whom Stapleton called the “best guitar player in the band.”
The setlist spanned Stapleton’s career, from early hits like “Nobody to Blame” to newer tracks like “Crosswind” from his forthcoming album Higher. The night closed with a 17-time platinum rendition of “Tennessee Whiskey,” the crowd singing along so loudly it rivaled Stapleton’s own vocals, creating a wave of nostalgia under the Missouri moonlight.
Despite the show’s brilliance, it wasn’t flawless. Transitions between songs felt choppy at times, with awkward pauses as the band tuned instruments or swapped guitars. Stapleton’s promise to “do very little talking” was kept, but the lack of crowd engagement left some moments feeling disjointed. Additionally, a brief sound issue during “Think I’m in Love With You” saw the bass drum overpowering the vocals, though it was quickly corrected.
The Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre was packed, with cowboy boots stomping across the lawn and a sea of folding chairs claiming every inch of grass. The venue’s energy was electric, though some fans noted post-show parking lot woes, with delays stretching over an hour. Despite this, the crowd’s enthusiasm never waned, fueled by Stapleton’s raw delivery and the warm summer night.
Chris Stapleton’s St. Louis performance was a testament to his status as one of country music’s most authentic voices. His ability to blend raw power, soulful emotion, and minimalist stagecraft made for a night that felt both epic and deeply personal. While minor technical and pacing issues surfaced, they did little to dim the shine of a show that left fans swaying, singing, and already eager for his next visit. If you missed this one, check chrisstapleton.com for future tour dates—you won’t want to miss the All-American Road Show when it rolls through again.
