Hey, Rockers, A Cowboy Just Showed Michigan How It’s Really Done

You may have heard: Garth Brooks played in Grand Rapids this weekend. Not only did he play, he absolutely rocked the full house at Van Andel Arena, not once, not twice, but five times this weekend with one show Thursday, and back to back shows Friday night and tonight. I was lucky enough to be in attendance for Saturday's 7:00pm show. And, I came away just as amazed as I was when I saw him in 1993 at The Palace of Auburn Hills.

Brooks brought high energy from note one tonight. You would never had known that it was his fourth performance 48 hours. He and his crew brought an amazing show, complete with an awe-inspiring light show, effects, and energy that isn't topped by many...even the most extravagant of rock bands. Brooks' performance and personability was a breath of fresh air for somebody like me who has grown weary of the same ol' same ol' approach many classic rock bands bring to the stage these days.

He performed a full slate of classics, brought his wife Trisha Yearwood out for a mini set to spell him for a few minutes, and came back with more of his own hits, along with a couple of rock covers. He performed a short acoustic cover of Bob Seger's "Night Moves" to pay homage to Michigan rock and roll. And, his electrifying encore set kicked off with a high energy cover of Aerosmith's "Fever". Those in attendance for the 10:30pm show Saturday were also treated to covers of Seger's "Against The Wind", Billy Joel's "Piano Man" and Don McLean's "American Pie" to round out his Grand Rapids mini-residency.

Garth Brooks has long talked about his affinity for rock and roll, as well as country music. And, you could definitely see the influence of Queen, Kiss, and Aerosmith that Brooks has long talked very admirably about. He had the stage presence to draw each and every fan in attendance to him on personable level, for all five sold out shows. He and his band sounded flawless for the two and a half hours I was lucky enough to witness. And, all of this while performing sick. Sure, there were times he had to pause to catch his breath, cough, or what have you. But, it didn't take away from his stellar performance one bit. There aren't many acts that I would pay to see time and time again in any genre of music. But, Garth Brooks is definitely one of them. If you get the rare opportunity to see him live, don't hesitate...just do it!!! Good Ride, Cowboy, Good Ride!