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Lots of country boys and girls got down last night, and one country star was responsible.
Tim McGraw kicked off his Southern Voice Tour at Qwest Center Omaha on Thursday night in front of a sold-out crowd.
Nearly 15,000 folks screamed, clapped and sang as McGraw performed loads of his hits, a few songs from his latest album and even debuted a new song.
Decked out in a black shirt, black boots and black hat, the bearded McGraw was backed up by his nine-piece band, The Dancehall Doctors.
For the first show on a major tour, McGraw had only a few minor hickups. He stumbled on some lyrics and also had some microphone troubles, but it didn't distract much from his powerful singing or his band's often-wailing guitars.
Songs in McGraw's set ranged from his early days to this year's hit “Southern Voice.”
Other hugely popular songs included “Real Good Man,” “Where the Green Grass Grows,” “Back When,” “Live Like You Were Dying” and “The Cowboy In Me.”
Unlike other big concert tours, McGraw didn't have a lot of tricks or pyrotechnics, but he still stirred up the crowd.
During “I Like It, I Love It,” McGraw changed the lyrics to “I ain't seen the Huskers play a game all year.” He sat at the end of the stage and had some kids sing during “Just To See You Smile.”
He also high-fived nearly everyone in the front row and let fans sing the chorus to “Something Like That.”
At least one new song made the set. Before coming to town, McGraw told The World-Herald he would unveil new tunes on his tour, and he came through on his promise. During Thursday's show, he played “Felt Good On My Lips” for the first time, which will likely be a single on an upcoming album.
The set was bursting at the seams with hit songs, but some hit ballads, including “Grown Men Don't Cry” and “Watch The Wind Blow By” were nowhere to be found.
To be fair, the man has 22 No. 1 hits on the country charts, and it would be very difficult to include every one.
Opener Lady Antebellum nearly stole the show. The Tennessee trio, backed up by a full band, tore through their hit songs, including “Need You Now” and “Lookin' For A Good Time.”
Some fans showed up as much for Lady Antebellum as the headliner, and one woman was overheard saying, “I guess we can leave now,” after the band finished its short set.
Contact the writer:
444-1557, kevin.coffey@owh.com
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