Dan + Shay performs at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville for The Heartbreak On The Map Tour. Photo by Anabelle Coker | THE ALL STATE
Thursday night, March 21 the country-pop duo Dan + Shay lit up Nashville, selling out Bridgestone Arena for The Heartbreak On The Map Tour, leaving me utterly “Speechless” by the end of the night.
The night began with the talented Hailey Whitters and Ben Rector who threw on a cowboy hat and channeled his inner country cowboy to perform a cover of “Fishin’ In The Dark” by Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and ended his set by riling up the crowd with one of his top songs “Brand New.”
Shortly after, a spotlight shone on the stage where Dan + Shay appeared to sing “Save Me The Trouble,” a top track on their new album “Bigger Houses.”
The set list continued consisting of various well-loved songs from their previous successful albums as well as their new album but not without breaks in between songs to engage with the crowd and express their awe and gratitude for the support they receive in living out their dreams—which brought the duo to tears several times throughout the night.
While it has been thought that the artists had delivered the best hits of their career with the songs “Speechless,” Tequila” and “10,000 Hours,” featuring Justin Bieber, after a two-year hiatus they released this new album that explores concepts of love, heartbreak and gratitude— reigniting their flame of success and popularity.
Even in the nosebleeds I could feel the love and the energy they brought to the stage at this concert, and I was constantly kept on my toes wondering which popular and crowd favorite they would play next— surprising me when they popped out with an energetic cover of “Mr. Brightside” mid-show.
The show even featured a special short appearance from one of Shay’s sons who debuted to the crowd with one laugh provoking phrase, “Poo-Poo.”
As the night came to an end, a nostalgic feeling swept over the crowd as people swayed and lit up the arena with their flashlights as the artists closed with “Tequila” and raining confetti.
The humbleness and positive energy brought by both Dan and Shay made for such a great night of singing and dancing. As a concert lover and even as a newer fan of the artists, I can proudly say that their concert was just one that made you feel good.
With this, Dan + Shay, I am so “Glad You Exist.”
