WORDS MATTY BEZ / IMAGES DESH KAPUR
On the evening of October 17, 2023, Manchester’s AO Arena hosted a Luke Combs concert like no other. With a complete sell-out, the venue was packed to the brim, accommodating a staggering 27,000 adoring fans. Such is the popularity of Luke’s music black-market ticket prices were reaching jaw-dropping levels, some as high as £600.
As you approached the arena, street vendors lined the sidewalks, selling cowboy hats and stetsons of various shapes and sizes. The scene was a unique blend of Nashville’s warmth and Manchester’s urban energy.
Due to traffic and car parking issues, the main AO Arena carpark was full, another sign of how many people had bought tickets for the show. this all so met we missed the support, our apologies to 49 Winchester
Inside the arena, you couldn’t help but notice the diverse crowd, ranging from the young to the old, united by their love for country music. Many attendees sported cowboy boots and stetsons, ready to embrace the twang and rhythms of the night.
The lights went out and the the timeless Neil Diamond classic “Sweet Caroline” was blaring from the PA system, setting the mood for an evening filled with camaraderie and music.
Then there he was Luke Combs, a down-to-earth country sensation with an incredible journey. What sets Luke apart, beyond his undeniable musical talent, is his genuine and approachable nature. Luke is the kind of artist who makes every fan feel like a friend. Like hes is signing just for you.
During his performance, he shared anecdotes about the songs, providing insight into his journey from a 24-year-old songwriter to a 33-year-old country sensation. He doesn’t hide the fact that he wrote his first hit at the age of 24. This humility and transparency is refreshing.
Luke’s voice, authentic and raw, resonated through the arena. Backed by a talented band of six musicians, the songs came alive with the addition of banjos and violins. The chemistry on stage were palpable, reflecting the genuine joy they found in performing together. They are a bunch that you just want to go and have a beer with maybe shoot some pool and chew the fat. In fact in a twist to proceedings Luke shared shotted beer with a fan at the front of the stage.
Luke and the bands energy was infectious, and the crowd fed off it, with fans singing along to every word of his biggest hits, including “Beautiful Crazy” and “When It Rains It Pours.” It’s this connection that Luke fosters, a genuine appreciation for his fans, that makes him more than just a musician.
Memorable moments included a heartfelt wedding proposal during “Must’ve Never Met You” and Luke’s captivating cover of Tracy Chapman‘s “Fast Car.”
As the night concluded, the encore featuring “Better Together” and “The Kind of Love We Make” left the audience in high spirits.
This Luke Combs’ concert was a country rock experience… warm, fussy, cuddly country rock !, not only due to the music but also because of the artist himself. No frills, just authentic music that resonated with fans of all ages, creating a memorable night for Manchester’s country music enthusiasts and showcasing Luke’s remarkable journey from a talented songwriter to a global sensation, all while remaining as down-to-earth as ever, and i loved every minute of it
LUKE COMBS SET LIST
1/ LOVIN ON YOU
2/ HANNAH FORD ROAD
3/ COLD AS YOU
4/ ONE NUMBER AWAY
5/ HOUSTON, WE GOT A PROBLEM
6/ LOVE YOU ANYWAY
7/ GOING GOING GONE
8/ DOIN THIS
9/ MUST’VE NEVER MET YOU
10/ BEAUTUFUL CRAZY
11/ DUST ON THE BOTTLE-MEET IN THE MIDDLE-WHEN I WAS YOUR MAN
12/ FOREVER AFTER ALL
13/ FAST CAR
14/ SHE GOT THE BEST OF ME
15/ HURRICANE
16/ 1,2 MANY
17/ WHEN IT RAINS IT POURS
18/ BEER NEVER BROKE MY HEART
ENCORE
19/ BETTER TOGETHER
20/ THE KIND OF LOVE WE MAKE
My life is a soundtrack, i track my life through music, photography is my passion, my escape, my expression. Without both i have pieces missing, thankfully i’m blessed and get to combine both.
Born in Manchester, lived in Australia for 22 years where i was heavily involved in the Australian Music Industry, firstly in bands (Singer) and then managing bands (all original), I moved back to the UK, Wales specifically 10 years ago
