Concertgoer #1: Kira Jenkins
Zach Bryan came to Lincoln Financial Field and performed in front of 60,000 fans. The first night, the concert was pushed back until midnight as a thunderstorm went through the city.
The concert was not cancelled; it was just postponed multiple hours. Bryan did not bring anyone out on his first day. On the second day in Philadelphia, the Turnpike Troubadours and Levi Turner opened until around nine.
After both openers were over, Bryan came out with his famous opening song “Overtime.” The stadium erupted with noise as everyone in attendance rose to their feet. Within minutes, his music drowned out any other noise.
There were many rumors about who Bryan was going to bring out as he didn’t bring anyone out the night before. He started to introduce someone as his life-long friend and the crowd erupted in noise chanting “Bruuuce!”
Bruce Springsteen began to run out. Springsteen played two songs with Bryan and his band — one being from Bryan’s new album The Great American Bar Scene called “Sandpaper” and the other was Springsteen song “Atlantic City.”
At the past concerts that he has had, he has only brought out one guest, so everyone assumed that Springsteen was the only guest singer. After Springsteen left the stage, Bryan started introducing another group.
Many people, including myself, were very confused. With flashing lights, the Lumineers took the stage and played their song “Spotless” with Bryan. Their pianist continued to play for the rest of the show.
As all Zach Bryan fans know, he is famous for his seven-minute version of “Revival” as the encore of every concert. This is the moment in the concert that all fans anticipate. During the seven minutes, he gives every single member of his band a shout out and a solo.
The most famous member of his band is banjo player Read Connelly. During his solo, he will imitate passing out just to “be saved” and perform his solo.
Once the concert was over, fans started filling out of Lincoln Financial Field in lines. It took 20 minutes on average to get out and just to wait again to get out of traffic. Other than the long wait to leave, the concert was incredible.
Concertgoer #2: Addison Weaver
Zach Bryan’s second night in Philadelphia was nothing short of electrifying, especially with all the JC Patriots in attendance. Fans packed the venue, eager for a night filled with heartfelt moments.
Bryan is known for his deeply personal lyrics, making fans feel connected.
He captivated the audience with a setlist that was the perfect blend of fan favorites like “Something in the Orange” and “Heading South” with newer tracks, which showcased his music evolution. Each song was met with thundering applause after as Bryan made an emotional connection with the crowd.
Not only did he make a connection with them through his music, but between songs, he shared the stories that offered insight into his life and his experiences that inspired his music.
For instance, before he played “Ain’t It Worth It,” he reminisced about the time he served in the military and how it changed his perspective on love and loss. This allowed fans to see him as a person and not just a musician, deepening their connection to his music.
The Lumineers, a band known for their folk-rock music, added to the evening’s magic. They somehow got more energy, filling the already overflowing stadium, as they played crowd- pleasures like “Ho-Hey” and “Ophelia.”
Their special chemistry was apparent. The blend of instruments and songs complemented Bryan’s set, creating an outstanding and unforgettable night.
Bryan’s fans normally get emotional at his concerts, but it happened at this concert especially. Many fans cried over this collaboration as it was a heartfelt experience, and others cried because they were not there.
The intimate atmosphere was enhanced by the stunning backdrop of the Philadelphia skyline, making for a perfect night under the stars. As the final notes rang out and the crowd roared, it was clear that both Zach Bryan and The Lumineers had left an indelible mark.
Concertgoer #3: Madelyn Aiosa
This past summer country singer Zach Bryan hit the stage at Lincoln Financial Field, singing with his raspy voice through downpours. Cowboy boots stomped through puddles and sundresses, and flannels were covered by ponchos.
On August 6, Bryan brought the Quttin’ Time Tour to Pennsylvania, and many Marylanders attended. The forecast was not looking good early on but the openers, Levi Turner and the Turnpike Troubadours, played at their scheduled 7:00 time.
Bryan was set to take the stage at nine, but by 8:45 pm, a message appeared on the stadium screens telling all audience members to “shelter in place” until further notice. Boos echoed the crowd, and everyone piled inside.
By 9:30, it was pouring, and many people began leaving the stadium. The inside halls were crowded, and the bathroom and food lines began to pile up. People sat on the ground, in the available seating areas, and some even remained outside in their seats waiting for more information.
Minimal pit members sheltered and instead faced the storm and stayed in place. The pit entertained themselves by removing their shirt, belly flopping into puddles, using the floor as a slip and slide, and singing and dancing in the rain. The pit remained crowded and lively for the entirety of the storm.
When this announcement popped up, many who attended left the stadium, assuming the concert was canceled. They were in for a gut-wrenching surprise.
At 10:10 pm, rumors began that Bryan was still set to play. It was made official soon after, and everyone returned to their seats. People who had already left the stadium were furious, spending hundreds of dollars just to end up missing the concert.
At 10:30, the country singer opened with his song “Overtime.” Crowds cheered and screamed as Bryan thanked them for sticking out the weather. It continued to drizzle for the first hour, but Bryan never stopped singing.
He played “American Nights” from his newly released album The Great American Bar Scene. Crowds loudly sang the ironic song’s lyrics “Wet, Hot, American Nights.” Given the humidity and thunderstorms, this song was relatable to all the audience members.
Other songs played by Bryan were “God Speed,” “Nine Ball,” “East Side of Sorrow,” “Dawns,” “Pink Skies,” “Burn Burn Burn,” “Quttin’ Time,” and, of course, “Revival” as the encore.
Overall, it was a special memory to make. The concert was phenomenal, and was enjoyable, even considering how the night panned out. It was worth every penny and every raindrop.