On June 13, 2025, Thunder Ridge Nature Arena in Ridgedale, Missouri, was the place to be for an unforgettable night featuring Post Malone and Jelly Roll on the Big Ass Stadium Tour. From the moment fans started lining up for parking outside the arena, the excitement was off the charts — and the night only got better. The atmosphere was electric even before the first note. With the tailgate party open to the public, fans were hyped for what would become the most epic Post Malone experience imaginable.
Posty’s pre-show tailgate was a full-blown cultural event — part county fair, part dive-bar jukebox, part influencer-worthy Instagram zone. Food trucks, the F-1 Trillion monster truck, and Posty’s newest big rig (launching his debut comic book) set the stage, while fans in cutoffs and cowboy boots roamed the grounds sipping beers and sporting huge smiles. The tailgate had everything from exclusive Stanley cups, to temporary tattoos, applied by his personal tattoo artist.
Opening acts are often just a warm-up, but Chandler Walters came out swinging. His Southern-rock-meets-modern-country vibe hit like a shot of whiskey with a honey chaser. One of the night’s early highlights was his stunning cover of Vince Gill’s “One More Last Chance,” proving he wasn’t just opening for the big names — he was earning his own place in the spotlight.
Then came Wyatt Flores, the kind of artist who sang so truthfully it felt like he was bleeding out on stage. His sound stood out from the rest of the lineup — raw, honest, and captivating. He brought down the house with his cover of The Fray’s “How to Save a Life,” and by the time he wrapped his set, the entire arena was buzzing with anticipation for what came next: Jelly Roll.
By the time Jelly Roll hit the stage, the stadium was electric — and he fed off it like a man on a mission. Part preacher, part outlaw, part best friend you met in rehab, his performance was gritty, unfiltered, and deeply human. Tracks like “Need a Favor” and “Son of a Sinner” transformed the crowd from a sea of strangers into a massive therapy session with a backbeat. As the Ozark sun set behind the mountains, Jelly Roll took Ridgedale to church. He didn’t just perform — he testified.
But when Post Malone finally took the stage,the entire place erupted. From the first note, it wasn’t just a concert — it was a full-on sensory explosion. Explosive pyrotechnics and jaw-dropping fireworks blasted in perfect sync with hits like “Wow.,” “Better Now,” and “I Fall Apart.” The massive light show and mile-high flames created an atmosphere so intense, fans were literally shielding their faces from the heat.
Post’s voice was flawless as he effortlessly shifted between rap, rock, and country from his F-1 Trillion album, keeping the crowd hanging on every word. New songs like “M-E-X-I-C-O” brought fresh energy, while beloved classics had everyone screaming the lyrics in perfect unison.
The encore was nothing short of legendary. “Congratulations,” performed on a third stage high above the crowd, gave everyone an intimate, unforgettable finale. Post took a moment to thank the fans for their energy and love before the night closed with a jaw-dropping fireworks show that lit up the sky and left everyone speechless.
And just when you thought it was over? The real chaos began. Posty left the stage only to spend time with fans — signing, hugging, posing for selfies, and connecting in every way he could. He truly was a remarkable human being with the biggest heart. There was — and is — no one like Post Malone.
Now for the elephant in the room: the venue and parking. Planning went a long way at this one-of-a-kind location. We arrived at 11:30 a.m. along with hundreds of others, and getting in was smooth sailing. But leaving? That was a different story. It took us two hours to get out. Sure, the parking and exit lines were a challenge — but honestly, after a night full of music, fireworks, and unforgettable moments, that felt like a small price to pay.
Post Malone proved that the future of music isn’t about sticking to one genre — it’s about what makes you feel alive.
Melissa O’Rourke aka WickedWitchofSTL is a jack of all trades. By day she’s an established tattooist and piercer, by night a mother to her amazing son (who is a hell of a guitarist). Melissa has a musical background and can often be found at a local karaoke joint, or a concert when she’s not driving across the country for an adventure. This social butterfly always welcomes conversation so come say hi! See y’all at the next gig!
