With a new single out called “Hangover Tonight” burning up the airwaves, it was exciting to see Gary Allan take the main stage at the Country Summer music festival in Santa Rosa, Calif., on Friday evening.
And while he did play that new Motown-influenced gem, Allan also delivered a slew of hits, entrancing a fiery crowd that stood singing along every word before him.
Backed by an ace band that included Ryan Warner and stalwart sidemen Jaime Hanna, who was conspicuously wearing his trademark kilt, Allan’s “It Ain’t the Whiskey” and “It Would Be You,” which is the title track off his hit 1998 album, continued the dive into his back catalog.
Donning a Gretsch Falcon from the Custom Shop, Allan also pulled out “Right Where I Need to Be” from the 1999 offering, Smoke Rings in the Dark.
And while all the classics caused a frenzy in the capacity crowd, “Hangover Tonight” also was a highlight, as Allan’s unmistakable voice paired well with the funky jam.
“Hell with being sober, I want to hang over tonight,” Allan sang, causing many watching to swoon.
For a guy who has a ton of chart-busting hits already under his belt, it’s exciting to wonder what Allan next has in store for his fans.