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Concert Reviews

Dierks Bentley Electrifies in NYC

The day after his record release, Dierks Bentley celebrated in New York with three back-to-back performances Wednesday night. It’s not every day your favorite country artist comes to New York so some diehard country fans were lucky enough to catch all three sets.

Shortly after 8 p.m., Bentley took the stage with his band and performed “Tip It On Back,” a song off his latest release Home. Throughout his nearly hour set, he played a slew of his high energy hits and got the party started early. While his new material impressed, it was the older fan favorites that had everyone screaming along. “Feel That Fire” struck a chord with Bentley’s deep and familiar vocals with captivating instrumental interludes while “Am I’m the Only One” kicked up the festivities.

“Am I the only one that thinks this is pretty cool getting a chance to play Ed Sullivan Theater with you guys in New York City?” he asked the audience before he began his hit song. “We’re definitely gonna be raising a little bit of hell tonight so I’m glad you’re all here with us. I thought I’d write a special third verse just for all you crazy New York country fans.”

Before he began “5-1-5-0,” Bentley introduced the track as “a song about being crazy about a girl.” The popular “Lot of Leavin’ Left to Do” followed suit with standout banjo and heart pounding drums while Bentley asserted, “This is so much fun!”

Beautiful ballad “When You Gonna Come Around” showcased his more sensitive side with acoustic guitar and dobro. A song he recorded with Karen Fairchild of Little Big Town, he said they’re one of his favorite bands.

What’s a country show without fiddle, dobro and mandolin? Clearly not a Dierks Bentley concert. “Heart of a Lonely Girl” kicked things off with appropriate fiddle accompaniment while next track, “Up On the Ridge” is a “banjo song that talks about moonshine.”  Bentley closed his set with the poignant “Home” and upbeat “What Was I Thinkin'” while shaking hands and throwing guitar picks into the crowd.

“Thank you for making this a night we will never forget.”

After a fun, high energy set, there is no doubt that New York country fans felt the same way. Watch the full performance below.