Live Reviews

Tyler Childers Captivates Vancouver with Soul-Stirring Performance on “Mule Pull Tour ’24”- Live Review

Published

4 months ago

August 10, 2024

Tyler Childers brought his Mule Pull Tour‘24 to Vancouver’s sold-out Rogers Arena on August 8th, delivering a performance that left the crowd in awe. The Kentucky native, fresh off the success of his critically acclaimed album Rustin’ in the Rain, treated fans to an unforgettable evening of music, storytelling, and raw emotion.

The night kicked off with a powerful set by Allison Russell, a familiar face for those who caught her at the Commodore Ballroom earlier this year. Accompanied by her all-female band, Rainbow Coalition, Russell’s energy captivated the audience from the start. Her performance was nothing short of a musical journey, setting a high bar for the evening.

Around 9 p.m., the stage revealed a scene straight out of a vintage living room, complete with old furniture, plants, mason jars, knick knacks and a giant screen that would enhance the theme of each song throughout the night. As an animated mule pull-turned-countdown played on the side screens, the crowd’s excitement reached a fever pitch. The stage came to life with an old TV set in the center, showcasing clips of past Childers performances, building anticipation for what was to come.

Tyler Childers took the stage with a commanding presence, kicking off his set with an energy that had the crowd going from the very first note of “Going Home”. By the time he reached “All Your’n” on his setlist, the atmosphere felt like one big sing-along, with fans belting out lyrics as if they were an extension of the band. Childers explained that it’s been so long since he played in Vancouver, that he couldn’t remember if it was 6, 7 or 8 years ago.

Between songs, Childers shared personal stories, adding a layer of vulnerability that resonated deeply with the crowd. This connection was most evident during the acoustic portion of the night, where he spoke about the fellowship shared among the audience, despite their differences. With his band taking a brief break, Childers performed intimate renditions of tracks like “Lady May,” and “Nose On The Grindstone,” clear fan favourites.

Childers not only showcased his incredible voice and songwriting but also gave ample credit to his talented band, The Food Stamps. Each song featured a different musician stepping into the spotlight, allowing them to display their impressive skills. Childers himself even picked up the violin for several songs, adding another layer of richness to the performance. This focus on the band’s talents elevated the show, making it a true collaborative effort that highlighted the exceptional musicianship behind the music, giving us wonderful moments like a piano rendition of Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On.” That’s certainly one way to get Canadians cheering!

As the show neared its conclusion, the final song, “House on Fire,” brought the night to a spectacular close. The imagery of a country porch engulfed in flames behind the stage during was both haunting and mesmerizing, leaving the audience in awe.

Last night, Tyler Childers proved why he’s one of the most compelling voices in country music today. His blend of lyrical mastery, vocal power, and genuine connection with his audience made for an evening that won’t soon be forgotten. Childers will be on tour in North America until early October before starting 2025 in Australia. Get all the dates and tickets info on his website.

Check out some of our favourite photos of the night below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!