Sturgill Simpson made a much-anticipated return to Colorado on Tuesday, April 15th, performing at the Mission Ballroom as part of his tour supporting his alter ego, Johnny Blue Skies.
The night marked a significant moment for fans who have waited years for this show, particularly following the cancellation of Sturgill’s last scheduled performance in the state due to COVID-19.
As doors opened at 6:30 p.m., excited fans began lining up early, eager to secure their spots for an evening promising unforgettable music and camaraderie.
The atmosphere outside the venue buzzed with anticipation, reminiscent of a family reunion where everyone was reunited after a long separation.
Inside, the crowd settled into a jubilant mood filled with warm, welcoming energy, reflecting a shared connection among strangers that only a night of live music can foster.
Once the clock struck 8, the band took the stage to a roaring crowd.
Before launching into the first song, Sturgill took a moment to address the audience, quelling any misconceptions about his musical style.
He emphasized, “I am a songwriter with a band that jams,” distancing himself from the jam band scene while playfully acknowledging the expectations of some attendees.
This light-hearted banter set the tone for a night that would be as unpredictable as it was exhilarating.
Kicking off the show was “Brace for Impact (Live a Little)” from his 2016 album, A Sailor’s Guide to Earth.
This was followed by a medley of hits, seamlessly transitioning into tracks like “Jaunita” and “Railroad of Sin,” which showcased the band’s tight knit musicality.
Throughout the evening, the group demonstrated remarkable synergy, flowing easily from one song to another while allowing for spontaneous jams that kept the audience on their toes.
Sturgill’s excitement was palpable, as he frequently engaged with the band, asking, “All right, boys, what do you want to play next?”
This sense of improvisation added a thrilling element to the performance, reflecting their deep understanding of each other’s musical instincts.
One of the highlights of the show was an electrifying rendition of “Ronin,” which led into moments of collaborative joy as fans sang along with fervor.
The energy surged as the set continued with fan favorites like “Long White Line” and “Sitting Here Without You,” driving the atmosphere to a fever pitch.
The band dynamically reinvigorated their classics, incorporating entirely new interpretations into songs like “Sing Along,” which took a different direction than its album version.
This creative reinvention showcased Sturgill’s willingness to explore new territory musically while paying homage to his roots.
Later, the first of three new Johnny Blue Skies tracks, “Mint Tea,” elicited ecstatic cheers from the crowd, signaling their strong connection with Sturgill’s new material.
As the night wore on, the band began to explore covers that engaged the audience even further, transforming classics like William Bell’s “You Don’t Miss Your Water” into a collective experience that resonated within the walls of Mission Ballroom.
Sturgill’s performance featured a rarely played gem, “You Can Have the Crowd,” which saw the crowd erupt with excitement, captured in the unity of voices singing along.
It became evident that the energy in the venue shifted, drawing the audience deeper into a shared moment reminiscent of cherished memories.
As they transitioned into “Just Let Go,” it felt as though a wave of collective release washed over the crowd, leading into the next Johnny Blue Skies track, “If the Sun Never Rises Again.”
This song transformed seamlessly into “Spanish Moon,” which showcased the band’s versatility but also began to reveal the strain on Sturgill’s voice from his previous night’s performance.
However, despite the slight vocal struggles, they pressed on, with Sturgill’s raw authenticity only enhancing the connection with his audience.
The evening progressed with emotional weight as “Welcome to Earth (Pollywog)” took center stage, captivating the crowd and drawing out heartfelt responses.
The band shifted back into high gear with the dynamic “Best Clockmaker on Mars,” incorporating a nod to Rage Against the Machine, with a teasing riff from “Bulls on Parade.”
As the set neared its conclusion, they treated the audience to a soulful rendition of Procul Harum’s “A Whiter Shade of Pale,” leading into the poignant “It Ain’t All Flowers.”
The final Johnny Blue Skies offering, “One for the Road,” served both as a thank you and a bittersweet farewell to the audience.
Typically, one would expect the show to conclude after a performance of that magnitude, but Sturgill and his band had more to offer.
They launched into an electrifying rendition of “Purple Rain,” that gave each member their moment to shine.
The emotional weight of the performance resonated throughout the crowd, connecting everyone in a shared appreciation for the music and memories they were creating together.
Following “Purple Rain,” the band masterminded a transition from the song into “Call to Arms,” a fan-favorite that had the audience elated.
In a twist, the song turned into an instrumental interlude featuring hints of Joe Walsh’s “Rocky Mountain Way,” which brought the crowd further into the joyous chaos of the evening.
After a few moments of playful musical exploration, they returned to “Call to Arms,” closing out a show that felt like an otherworldly experience.
With heartfelt thanks, Sturgill bid the crowd farewell, and the night ended with the audience carrying memories into the Denver night, forever bonded by the magic experienced within the walls of the Mission Ballroom.
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