I asked. Your answered. And answered. And answered again. You guys have been busy this summer. There have been so many incredible country concerts around here. It’s hard to keep up and even harder to look at credit card bills! But after nearly 2 years without live concerts to go to during the pandemic, we are appreciating all that comes our way. We are paying the ridiculous ticket prices and showing up to sell out venue after venue. What was your favorite of the summer so far? Below you will find the best country concerts in New England this summer, according to YOU!
I asked you on social media what was your favorite show of the summer so far, and you showed up! Thank you for all the answers and pics to go with them. Below, you will see a list of the top concert mentions from your comments, in order of popularity. It was a VERY close call between the top 2 and the rest were somewhat far behind. But you have to consider that the top 2 tours were massive. These shows were in bigger venues and on multiple dates. That gives us all more opportunity to see acts.
There is a trend in touring going on where artists are booking 2 or more dates at the same venue. Morgan Wallen and Luke Combs booked multiple dates here this year. That does help us concert-goers have a better chance of scoring tickets, and it gives the acts a breather from the road. It’s a win win. So, let’s dig in and take a look at the best country concerts in New England this summer, according to you! I do realize summer isn’t over yet, but the kids go back to school next week in many Massachusetts towns, so the opportunity to get out and see a show decreases. And this Fall we will see a lot more country shows coming in, so there are plenty still to come and look forward to.
1. Morgan Wallen- Fenway Park
Morgan brought his One Night At A Time Tour To Fenway Park for a record breaking 3 night sell-out. And it’s one for the books. No country artist has ever played 3 nights in a row at America’s most beloved ballpark! Morgan had varying nights of supporting acts, including Bailey Zimmerman, who was the opener all 3 nights. Bailey sure looked like he was having fun. And because he was done with his set by 5:30 he was able to enjoy Boston. He even made it over to the Garden to catch the Jonas Brothers show! Other openers included Parker McCollum, on the last night only, Ernest and Hardy. There were fireworks and pyrotechnics galore and a big ole sing-a-long for every song!
Wallen’s shows at Fenway had the most mentions, but only by 1 more than our #2 artist on this list.
Photo By Carolyn Kruse
2. Luke Combs - Gillette Stadium
Luke Combs’ World Tour came to Gillette Stadium for 2 nights this summer. One was an infamous washout that had to be called after a couple dozen songs from the “Hurricane” singer because of severe weather, including lightning. He brought Riley Green, Lainey Wilson, Flatland Cavalry and Brent Cobb with him for one of the shows and the other starred the Avett Brothers, Gary Allan and David Lee Murphy. This first show was the fastest sell-out in Gillette Stadium history for a first time performer there.
Photo by Carolyn Kruse
3. Thomas Rhett- TD Garden
Back on July 8 Thomas Rhett played the TD Garden for the first time. The place look electric. His Home Team Tour also featured Cole Swindell and Nate Smith. The crowd couldn’t get enough. Listener Kate Elizabeth commented, “Def had to b seeing TRhett wth Cole Swindell & Nate Smith, the vibes with listeners where he played at Garden was electric& u cld tell he loved Boston
“Country 1025 listener Becky Nichols shared this shot of her good time at the TD Gardner and said her best of summer 2023 concert was, “Oh hands down Thomas Rhett, Cole Swindell, and Nate Smith”
Photo credit: Becky Nichols
4. Chris Stapleton- Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion
Listener Mark Poirer commented on his favorite show of the summer in just a few words: “Stapleton on the Lake…” Nuff said.
Stapleton played the Xfinity Center and The Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion this year for multiple days and did not disappoint. Listener Deb LaValley made it known Chris Stapleton was her fave this year and shared a photo from New Hampshire.
Photo cred: Deb LaValley
5. Kane Brown- Fenway Park
Kane Brown played the old ballpark for the first time as a headliner! He brought his Drunk or Dreaming Tour to Fenway Park back on June 23. The tour included his wife, Katelyn, Darius Rucker, Gabby Barrett and Restless Road. Kane posted about how special this show was. He even recently released a “Fenway Park Live” version of his song with Katelyn, “Thank God.”
Listener Amanda declared this was her favorite show and posted this awesome pic on my Facebook page to share with you!
Photo by Amanda Cummings
6. Shania Twain- Xfinity Center
It was a very busy July for country music in New England. Shania, who hasn’t played around here in a very long time graced us with her Queen of Me Tour on July 9 and brought Breland with her. The queen of sass showed what a true showperson she really is.
Jeff Alden was there and contributed this photo, after commenting this was his favorite show of the summer
Photo by: Jeff Alden
Listener Mark Lesser made a pic collage and posted in the comments, “She was incredible!” Thanks for this pics!
7. Jason Aldean- Xfinity Center
Aldean rocked the Xfinity Center in Mansfield, MA this year and listener Melissa Jean loved it. She shared a video, which didn’t transfer here, but enjoy this screen shot from it.
