Larry Fleet Makes A Statement During The Hard Work and Holy Water Tour In Rosemont
If you’ve been following my articles for the past year and a half, you would know I see Larry Fleet a lot, and this year is no different. I will never get tired of Larry, and I will continue to see him as long as he’s touring, for as long as I am alive. Everette has been the consistent opener for Larry on the Hard Work and Holy Water tour. Everette has opened for Larry in the past, but this time Everette looked a little different. Losing partner Anthony Olympia, lead vocalist Brett Rupard kept the band going. He played my personal favorite, “Blame the Whiskey,” which is a true story about Brett getting arrested in Bowling Green. Everette got the crowd engaged with an easy sing-along “Whoo who who.” Closing with “High and Lonesome,” Everette definitely got the attention of audience members before their set was over.
Photo By: Aaron R. Shriver PhotographyLarry opened with his usual “In Love with My Problems,” which was recorded on Hardy’s Hixtape with Jon Pardi. He kept in crowd favorites from each record, adding in a few from his unreleased album “Hard Work and Holy Water, in which the tour is named for. He played “Beer Needs a Beer” early in his set to keep the crowd energy high. He brought it back down for Lifetime Guarantee” and “Earned It,” which accurately sum up Larry and his values.
Taken with iphone
However, a notable core member was missing from this performance, Producer Steve who also played piano in the group, split earlier this year to pursue other endeavors. His core band is made up of dancin’ bassist Eric “Crazy Legs” Harley-Brown, guitarist Zander Wyatt, better known as “Catfish”, steel guitar player Benjo, and drummer Cameron “Cam” McClaren. My boyfriend and I talk about this band as if we know them on a personal level even though we don’t. They are household names in our house.
Taken with iphoneThe crowd got silent for “Working Man” which despite being on his first EP is one of Larry’s most popular songs. The venue echoed and not a single phone was out. I think it resonated with a lot of blue collar folks who showed up to the show. Every Larry show I go to (this is my 6th) the crowd gets louder and louder for “Where I Find God.” If you’re depressed just go to a Larry Fleet show. His music is so uplifting that it’s hard to be sad at a Larry Fleet show. I love Larry crowds because they are so respectful and align with the values portrayed in Larry’s songs.
Taken with iphoneThe band played several covers, including “Nutshell” by Alice in Chains. “Stack of records” transitioned to a cover of “Drift Away” perfectly. He also covered “Man Made a Bar,” which Larry wrote for long-time tour mate Morgan Wallen. Larry got to show off his vocal range with a new one “A Lotta Women.” I love this one because it’s very different from anything he has released so far. Larry could play all night because he did a 4 song encore before ending with “Highway Feet.” I look forward to my Larry Fleet shows every year, and this year did not disappoint. Keep an eye out for his new album dropping any day now.
P.S. bring back the Highway Feet Podcast
