Thursday night brought Old Dominion’s “No Bad Vibes” tour to Wells Fargo Arena. The multi-CMA and ACM Vocal Group of the Year recipients promised a night of country goodness, and they delivered over and over. Not bad considering Des Moines was the 75th show of the tour that has lasted nearly all of 2023.
The evening was kicked off with openers, Kylie Morgan and Chase Rice. Rice, known for his high-energy performances, warmed up the crowd with a mix of his chart-topping hits and infectious charisma. Thursday marked Rice’s first time back at Wells Fargo Arena since he opened for Kenny Chesney on his “The Big Revival” tour in 2015. The highlight of Rice’s set had to be when he brought his dog, Jack, on stage who laid down next to his dad while he sang “Bench Seat.”
PHOTOS: OLD DOMINION WITH CHASE RICE AT WELLS FARGO ARENA
Morgan, a rising star in the country scene, showcased her power-pop country vocals and bragged about her new husband, fellow country artist Jay Allen, who hails from right here in Des Moines.
Old Dominion hit the stage at about 20 after 9:00 with big smiles and big notes from the catchy “Make It Sweet.” The crowd smiled right back, singing along to every word and embracing the “no bad vibes” spirit.
One of the night’s standout moments came when Old Dominion pulled out a cover of their friend Chesney’s “Save It for a Rainy Day.” The crowd erupted in cheers as the band flawlessly delivered Chesney’s hit, showcasing their versatility and paying homage to a country music icon. The band and Chesney are good friends, and the band has previously opened for Chesney on his tours, including their own run during The Big Revival shows.
The “No Bad Vibes” tour, which has been cris-crossing the country all year, shows no signs of slowing down. With the promise of continuing well into 2024, Old Dominion is spreading its infectious energy across the nation, leaving a trail of satisfied fans in their wake.
What sets Old Dominion apart is their commitment to keeping each show fresh and unique. True to this promise, the band incorporated fan requests into the middle of their setlist, adding an interactive experience that delighted concertgoers. This personalized touch showcased their dedication to their fan base, making each show a special and memorable event. The band kicked off their stretch of requests for a fan who had just finished chemotherapy and wanted to hear the uplifting, “How Good Is That?”
The setlist featured a perfect blend of Old Dominion’s biggest hits, spanning their impressive discography. Favorites like 2017’s “Written in the Sand,” the soulful “One Man Band,” and the infectious “Snapback” from their 2015 debut album, “Meat and Candy” will likely be permanent fixtures in their setlists. It’s easy to forget that this band is essentially an all-star team of country music songwriters and performers.
Old Dominion’s “No Bad Vibes” tour put a nice bow on the 2023 concert year at Wells Fargo Arena. More than 6,500 country fans chose to spend their night in Downtown Des Moines listening to good live music. 2024 already looks promising with great rock, country, and a surprising number of comedians set to visit Des Moines. One great year down, another to come.
OLD DOMINION SETLIST
Make It Sweet
No Hard Feelings
Never Be Sorry
Break Up With Him
Midnight Mess Around
No Such Thing as a Broken Heart
I Should Have Married You
Written in the Sand
How Good Is That (Fan Request)
Paint the Grass Green (Fan Request)
Snapback
Hotel Key
Memory Lane
One Man Band
Song for Another Time
Can’t Break Up Now
Easier Said with Rum (Fan Request)
Save It for a Rainy Day
My Heart Is a Bar
Encore:
Hawaii
I Was on a Boat That Day
