Luke Bryan headlined the first concert ever in U.S. Bank Stadium in 2016. On Saturday at Target Field, he achieved another Twin Cities first: the first act to perform in all three of the major stadiums in town.
For some reason, the two-time Country Music Association Entertainer of the Year skipped the Twin Cities last year. Maybe that's why he drew only 950,000 fans on tour. Shoulda played here to reach 1 million.
Bryan ain't cryin'. He earned the second most money in country music last year (behind Garth Brooks) because he moves his pelvis like Elvis and shakes it like Ricky Martin. But this year Bryan, 42, is out to prove that he's more than the butt-wiggling father of bro country. Yes, he still sings about back roads, beer and babes. But there's a newfound maturity on his new album, "What Makes You Country."
The key selection is his recent No. 1 ballad "Most People Are Good," which became a different kind of feel-good moment on Saturday. It's a simple song about tolerance and inclusion. But in a genre known for its conservative values, the usually apolitical Bryan has become the first country superstar to speak up for sexual acceptance in a prominent song. "I believe you love who you love/Ain't nothing you should ever be ashamed of," he croons late in the chorus.
He also reached into his playbook for his frat- and farm-boy anthems "Country Girl (Shake It for Me)" and "That's My Kind of Night." And, as he did at TCF Bank Stadium in 2015, he brought along three bros to get the party started. Morgan Wallen did too many rock covers, Californian Jon Pardi sang with a faux Southern drawl and Sam Hunt connected with passion, spirit and hyper hip-hop energy.
Hey, wonder if Bryan knows that the Twin Cities will have another new sports palace next year — Allianz Stadium.
Look for a full report on Saturday's concert at startribune.com and in Monday's Variety.
Twitter: @JonBream • 612-673-1719
