During the Colorado Springs performance, Bentley mentioned that while Tennessee is a wonderful place to live, there is something special about Colorado. He wrote the widely popular song Living during a hike in Telluride. The lyrics and melody reverberated inside the theater. I think everyone in the audience was livin’ in the moment and carried these lyrics home.
Sometimes your heart’s poundin’ out of your chest,
Sometimes it’s just beatin’ Some days you just forget What all you’ve been given, Some days you just get by And some days you’re just alive Some days you’re livin’“Sun Sets in Colorado” felt like a love letter to Colorado. The Ford Amphitheater offered an unparalleled view of the sun setting over Pikes Peak during the show. The essence of the song is rooted in Bentley’s search across the U.S. for a place he felt truly at home. An avid skier and fan of the outdoors, he said has a special place in his heart for Colorado.
“So won’t you come out here with me
And chase this rocky mountain freedom Let that mile high air you breathe in Wind you where the river rolls Yeah, we’re born where we’re born But I feel it deep down in my bones My heart beats in Tennessee But my sun sets in Colorado…”The stage connection between frontman Bentley and his bandmates and supporting talent was clearly apparent and sincere. Gratitude from one another flowed from every direction on the stage.
Supporting Bentley on the 2024 Gold & Gravel Tour is Chase Rice. Early in his set he shared the backstory of the acoustic guitar he played on stage. It was a gift from his father when he started expressing an interest in music. Sadly, his father died two years after he was gifted the guitar. Rice honored his father’s memory playing one of the first songs he performed for his dad, the John Denver classic “Take Me Home, Country Roads.”
Rice earned an instant standing ovation when he brought his adorable and well-mannered black Labrador Jack onstage performing the emotive ballad “Bench Seat.” The lyrics are written from the perspective of a dog who loses his best friend to addiction.
Rice later pulled beverages from a small backpack the dog was wearing, tossing cold Coors cans to fans in the audience.
Country singer-songwriter Zach Top opened the show. He drew cheers from the crowd during his solo set and when he re-visited the stage joining Bentley for a couple songs.
Ford Amphitheater visitors’ experience is amplified with options like luxe fire pit seating with panoramic stage views. The venue is located just southeast of Interstate 25 and North Gate Boulevard. An array of food and drink options are available including Brohan’s rooftop bar boasting over 150 bourbon selections.
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