There are three rules at an Orville Peck concert…

1. You have to sing along (even if you don’t know the words) 

2. If you’re able to and would like to, [safely] dance along (they’d like that… sexy *wink*) 

3. If you feel the need to cry, you have to cry (this one is important) 

At the top of the show in Washington DC on June 30th, famously gay country singer, Orville Peck, outlined these rules for the thousands of fans at The Anthem. By setting these guidelines, Peck was able to create an instant, intimate connection with his fans, making the space feel safe and comforting for his largely queer audience. In an age where it is not uncommon for fans to make themselves ill or even pass out for the chance to see their favorite artist up close, Orville’s sentiments acted as an offering, a way of saying “I see you, I’m so glad you’re here, and I want to make sure you’re comfortable physically and emotionally tonight.” All said, of course, with a hint of comedy and a deep sultry voice that you can’t help but fall into. And then, without skipping a beat, the singing and dancing commenced, as requested. 

Upon entering the venue that evening, you could immediately sense that Peck’s fans come from all walks of life. Unlike at many concerts, these fans ranged in age, gender expression, and especially fashion sense. It was a blast getting to see what everyone chose to wear to the show, but underneath it all you could tell it was what made each person feel comfortable. Many leaned into the Western theme with cowboy boots, hats, and bolo ties (often paired with some more contemporary garments which wound up being very fashionable) and of course there was a heavy representation of fringe, an Orville Peck classic. One notable fan got straight to the point with a bedazzled cowboy hat that simply said “Fuck me Orville.” Well, there’s no misconstruing that. The venue was open and inviting with a high ceiling and lots or warm light coming from several chandeliers across the room. 

Orville’s set opened with hit “Big Sky” and was followed by an evening full of fan favorites. The night’s set list was comprised primarily of songs off of his 2022 album, “Bronco” but also featured two covers - “Unchained Melody” and, of course, “Cowboys are Frequently, Secretly Fond of Each Other,” which he released a version of with Willie Nelson earlier this year. Peck even teased the audience (kindly), leading them to believe that Willie was there to join him for the song, only to reveal that Nelson is on his own tour and was currently across the country… no hard feelings, right? The crowd all swayed in unison when he sang, however, so I think it’s safe to say that everyone forgave him. Orville also sang a handful of songs off of his upcoming album for which the tour is named, “Stampede”, which is set to release on August 2nd, 2024. 

In the middle of his performance, the singer took a moment to acknowledge that he was supposed to go on tour this time last year but took a break for reasons concerning his mental health and wellbeing. Now, one year later, Peck expressed how he is so much happier now and thanked his fans for their patience - a sentiment I hope we all can amplify as we recognize that our favorite artists are people too. A superstar performer, you could tell that Orville Peck was happy to be back onstage. Taking the audience on a musical journey, Peck is one of the most personable performers I’ve ever had the pleasure of seeing live, weaving humor and sentimentality throughout the evening. 

Of course, it can’t be denied that Peck is an incredible musician and vocalist. From his songwriting to his musical style, his songs offer easy listening and have universal appeal so fans and non-fans alike can enjoy them, even within the controversy of the country genre. With each note, Peck demonstrates extreme vocal prowess and control offering a sound that is deep, powerful and comforting. There was a clarity to his voice that really allowed audience members to hear each lyric (which is something I’ve rarely experienced at live shows) and when he broke into a raspy sound I watched people just melt. Between the depth of his sound and his charming smile, this entire performance felt like getting a big hug. 

On this tour, Orville Peck is accompanied by two powerhouse openers - Goldie Boutilier and The War and Treaty. 

Boutilier, the blonde singer-songwriter originally hailing from Canada, has gone by many aliases but recently returned to her hometown roots and re-established herself as an alt-country star, with a nod to 1950s and 1960s Americana. Raised on the music of Tammy Wynette and Dolly Parton, Goldie’s music is noted for its cinematic quality and exploration of tragic romance, glamour, and melancholia. Aligning with her music, Goldie’s live performance was ethereal yet powerful exuding a strong feminine energy. A slight rock-influence powered her through the set and kept the audience engaged the entire time. 

Husband and wife duo (and DC natives!), The War and Treaty, followed Goldie and blew the roof off of The Anthem before Orville even had the chance. With a sound that beautifully blends rock and country, The War and Treaty put on such a fun set - truly one of the best live sets I’ve seen in a while. As vocalists, they showed such immense control of their craft and sang with a power and soul that was unmatched. Their energy was warm and infectious, leading with positivity and gratitude, and the crowd showed them that love right back with their undivided attention and applause that went on for over a minute. Artist Chelsea Green was brought out for the final few songs of their set and when the fiddle started playing, the energy in the room was electric. With a rich, groovy sound, it’s hard for anyone to dislike what The War and Treaty was offering so I encourage anyone to go see them live the next time they’re playing near you. 

Overall, two these artists were a perfect compliment to Orville’s blend of contemporary and classic country sound, each providing their own unique spin on the genre while coming together to create a musically cohesive evening. While it can’t be confirmed that the choice was intentional, Peck’s decision to have two openers on the Stampede tour and to give those opportunities to female and black musicians, specifically, did not fall on deaf ears. In a space that is so frequently male-dominated, to have openly queer, female, and black artists sharing the stage was a breath of fresh air and a beacon of hope for the future, so for that I say thank you!

Truly, this evening was one of my favorite concerts I’ve been to in a while. The Stampede Tour is charging forward until the end of October so I implore everyone to catch it while you can!