Opening Act Overview
Thomas Rhett is bringing his Bring The Bar To You Tour to Peoria Civic Center in Peoria, IL on October 15, 2023. Rhett is one of the biggest names in country music right now, so fans are excited to see the “Die A Happy Man” singer live in concert. But before Thomas Rhett takes the stage in Peoria, there will be an opening act to get the crowd excited and ready for the main event. So who is opening for Thomas Rhett at his Peoria show?
Cole Swindell Announced as Opener
It has been announced that Cole Swindell will be opening for Thomas Rhett during the Peoria stop on the Bring The Bar To You Tour. Swindell is a rising artist in the country music world, known for hits like “You Should Be Here” and “Ain’t Worth The Whiskey.” The Georgia native has opened for Luke Bryan in the past and now gets the opportunity to warm up the crowd for Thomas Rhett’s headlining set.
Swindell is an exciting act for fans to see before Rhett takes the stage. His music has a similar sound and style, combining heartfelt lyrics with fun, upbeat melodies. Songs like “Flatliner” showcase Swindell’s talents both as a vocalist and songwriter. And the high energy of tracks like “Love You Too Late” will definitely get audiences on their feet.
The pairing of Thomas Rhett and Cole Swindell is a strong one-two punch for a great night of contemporary country music. And it’s a smart move from a touring perspective, as Swindell continues to grow his own dedicated fanbase. No doubt some attendees in Peoria will be there excited to see Swindell, with Rhett as an added bonus.
What to Expect from Cole Swindell’s Opening Set
As the opening act, Cole Swindell will likely perform a set that’s around 45 minutes to an hour in length. This gives him a nice block of time to show off his talents and play his hit songs, but also doesn’t take away too much time from the headlining set that fans are anxiously awaiting from Thomas Rhett.
Swindell has two studio albums to pull from for his opening setlist. His self-titled debut album was released in 2014 and produced three No. 1 singles on the country charts. His 2018 sophomore effort All of It has also generated chart-topping hits like “Break Up In The End.” So fans can expect to hear those popular tracks like “Chillin’ It,” “Hope You Get Lonely Tonight,” and more.
Of course Swindell will play his biggest hit and signature song “You Should Be Here” during the Peoria show. The emotional ballad about missing a loved one reached No. 1 on the charts and is sure to have the crowd singing along. Other opening set highlights will likely include “Ain’t Worth The Whiskey,” “Love You Too Late,” and “Flatliner.”
Swindell’s music relies a bit more on heartfelt ballads than some other country openers. But he’ll still bring lots of energy to get the Peoria crowd hyped up. His set will feature bright production, rocking guitars, and his smooth Georgia vocals. The opening slot allows Swindell to show off his versatility as both a singer and entertainer.
Cole Swindell’s History as a Tour Opener
Landing the opening slot on Thomas Rhett’s tour is a nice get for Cole Swindell. He has experience as a tour opener but getting to open an arena headlining run represents a step up. Previously, Swindell opened tours for Luke Bryan, Jake Owen, and Dierks Bentley. Those were combinations that worked well, as all three headliners also record music in the same contemporary country style as Swindell.
In 2018, Swindell got exposure opening Luke Bryan’s What Makes You Country Tour. Bryan is one of the genre’s biggest superstars, so those shows put Swindell in front of big crowds. The two Georgia natives share a musical kinship and Swindell held his own during the approximately 12 shows he opened.
Swindell also opened for pal Jake Owen’s Life’s Whatcha Make It Tour in 2016. At that point, Swindell was still a relatively new artist with just one album under his belt. The Owen tour gave him his first significant experience as a touring opener. And he returned the favor by having Owen open dates on Swindell’s own headlining Down Home Tour in 2022.
Perhaps Swindell’s longest run as an opener came on Dierks Bentley’s 2018 Mountain High Tour. Swindell was one of several openers that rotated throughout the tour, but he ended up opening over 20 shows. This included stops at major venues like Madison Square Garden. The exposure kept building Swindell’s profile as he geared up to release his second album.
Now supporting Thomas Rhett marks Swindell’s biggest opening gig yet. Rhett is a contemporary country superstar who consistently sells out arenas. Swindell will be able to deliver his songs to huge crowds, while also introducing himself to any fans who may not be familiar with his music. Opening for an A-lister like Rhett represents a great opportunity for Swindell.
How Cole Swindell Got Started in Music
Early Life & College Years
Cole Swindell was born in 1983 and raised in Bronwood, Georgia. He became interested in music early on and started performing wherever he could around his hometown. Swindell also played baseball in high school and initially went to Georgia Southern University on a baseball scholarship.
However, he ended up transferring to Georgia College to pursue a business degree. While in college, Swindell continued to perform at local bars and clubs any chance he could get. After graduating in 2007, he made the decision to focus wholeheartedly on chasing a music career.
Songwriting Success
Swindell started working selling merchandise for Luke Bryan and writing songs in his spare time. He ended up becoming one of Luke Bryan’s longtime friends and frequent songwriting partners. Swindell is credited with co-writing several of Bryan’s biggest hits, including “Roller Coaster,” “I Don’t Want This Night To End,” and “Just A Sip.”
The songwriting success helped give Swindell more credibility and visibility within the country music world. He signed a publishing deal with Sony/ATV Music and continued looking for his break as an artist. Swindell was able to learn lessons about songwriting and the music business from his behind-the-scenes work.
Record Deal & Early Hits
In 2013, Swindell finally got his shot as a signed recording artist. He inked a deal with Warner Bros. Nashville and immediately made a splash with his debut single “Chillin’ It.” The easygoing tune shot up to No. 1 on the country airplay charts. Its popularity helped set the stage for Swindell’s first full album release.
His self-titled debut studio album dropped in February 2014 and spawned three No. 1 hits with “Chillin’ It,” “Hope You Get Lonely Tonight,” and “Ain’t Worth the Whiskey.” The album showcased Swindell’s songwriting talents and ability to seamlessly alternate between energetic, party anthems and vulnerable ballads.
Propelled by the success of his debut, Swindell was able to embark on his first headlining Down Home Tour in 2016. The strong start to his recording career put him in position to continue growing his popularity and fanbase.
Cole Swindell’s Latest Single & Album
While Thomas Rhett is still touring behind his 2020 album Country Again: Side A, Cole Swindell also has new music he’ll be showcasing on this tour. Swindell just released his third studio album Stereotype in April 2022. It’s his first album since 2018 and contains his recent chart-topping single “She Had Me At Heads Carolina.”
“She Had Me At Heads Carolina”
In January 2022, Swindell dropped “She Had Me At Heads Carolina” as the lead single off Stereotype. The song is an uptempo, beachy tune that name drops the nostalgic line “heads Carolina, tails California.” It shot to No. 1 on the country charts, becoming Swindell’s tenth career No. 1 hit.
The music video for “She Had Me At Heads Carolina” features Swindell and his real life friends having fun around a bonfire, driving trucks on the beach, and generally living it up. It fits the laidback vibe of the song perfectly. Fans can expect Swindell to turn this tune into a big singalong moment during his opening set for Thomas Rhett in Peoria.
Stereotype Album Overview
Stereotype represents Swindell’s first chance to share new music with fans since 2018. While he’ll still be playing his past hits, the Peoria show will be a great opportunity for Swindell to introduce some of the new tracks live. Stereotype contains 11 songs with Swindell’s signature mix of tender, romantic songs and upbeat good time tunes.
Songs like “Down to the Bar” and recent single “She Had Me At Heads Carolina” encompass that fun side. But he also brings vulnerability on tracks like “When You Say My Name” and the closure-seeking “An Ex Is An Ex.” Overall the album shows Swindell’s growth while staying true to his musical style.
The Peoria crowd will be among the first to hear cuts from Stereotype played live during Swindell’s opening set. Songs like “Single Saturday Night,” “Cold Beer Calling My Name,” and “When You Say My Name” seem like natural fits alongside his hits. Cole Swindell now has three full albums of music to choose from when crafting his supporting set for Thomas Rhett.
How Thomas Rhett & Cole Swindell’s Styles Compare
Pairing Thomas Rhett and Cole Swindell together on this tour was a smart move, as the two artists share very similar styles and sounds. Rhett and Swindell both fit comfortably in today’s contemporary country landscape. Their music encompasses everything from feel-good, upbeat jams to powerful ballads.
Upbeat Songs & Southern Rock Influence
A common thread between Rhett and Swindell is both incorporate southern rock influences into their more energetic material. Songs like Thomas Rhett’s “Look What God Gave Her” and Cole Swindell’s “Love You Too Late” feature driving guitar work. There are also big, singalong choruses built for partying and having a good time.
Representative Upbeat Songs:
| Thomas Rhett | Cole Swindell |
| “Look What God Gave Her” | “Love You Too Late” |
| “Star of the Show” | “Down to the Bar” |
| “Sixteen” | “Outta My Head” |
Rhett does veer more towards R&B at times, channeling Bruno Mars on tracks like “Die A Happy Man.” But songs like “Vacation” and “Country Clubbin'” align closely with Swindell’s high energy material. Their music is perfect for summertime tailgate playlists.
Vulnerable Ballads
Thomas Rhett and Cole Swindell also excel at delivering sentimental songs and vulnerable ballads. Rhett has become known for love songs like “Die A Happy Man” and “Marry Me.” Swindell also hooks listeners in with heartfelt, relatable material like “You Should Be Here.”
Representative Ballads:
| Thomas Rhett | Cole Swindell |
| “Remember You Young” | “You Should Be Here” |
| “Life Changes” | “Ain’t Worth the Whiskey” |
| “Slow Down Summer” | “When You Say My Name” |
Their emotional songs resonate through strong, character-driven storytelling and vivid lyrics. Rhett and Swindell can both go toe-to-toe when it comes to delivering sentimental love songs as well as nostalgic ballads. Fans get the best of both worlds with their touring combo.
Southern, Country-Pop Sounds
While they both incorporate other influences, at their core Thomas Rhett and Cole Swindell create feel-good country-pop. Their music never strays too far into other genres or abandons its country roots. Smooth vocal deliveries and southern swag tie their individual styles together.
Rhett and Swindell also favor many of the same production techniques. This includes integrating electronic elements like drum loops. Their albums are crafted to be country by heritage but polished and accessible enough for crossover radio airplay. Overall, the pairing makes perfect sense for a cohesive live show.
Setlist Expectations for Thomas Rhett
As the headliner, Thomas Rhett will of course perform a full-length set packed with hits and fan favorites. His huge catalog of beloved songs gives him plenty of options to choose from. Since he’s still currently supporting his most recent Country Again project, expect a setlist featuring:
Tracks from Country Again: Side A
Rhett’s shows on the Bring The Bar To You Tour have included multiple tracks from his Country Again: Side A album. Some fan favorites from the 2021 project that he’s been performing live include:
– “Country Again” – The upbeat title track always gets a great reaction as it calls out cities from across the country.
– “What’s Your Country Song” – This Top 10 single asks fans what songs define their own lives.
– “Half Of Me” – A collaboration with Riley Green, this introspective rumination goes down smooth.
– “Want It Again” – One of Rhett’s signature danceable love songs perfect for couples’ skates.
Signature Hits
Thomas Rhett has amassed over 20 hit singles since his debut, ranging across his first five studio albums. His headlining set at the Peoria Civic Center will be packed with smash hits like:
– “Die A Happy Man” – Rhett’s most massive crossover smash to date, this swooning love song always inspires couples to sway and sing along.
– “Crash And Burn” – One of his breakout early No. 1’s driven by rollicking energy.
– “Star Of The Show” – This smooth ode to his wife is a lead single from his 2018 album.
– “Look What God Gave Her” – Rhett brings the Southern swagger on this upbeat favorite.
– “T-Shirt” – Fans will want to hear Rhett’s flirty Top 5 single from his 2017 album.
Tributes & Collaborations
Rhett stays relevant by teaming up with pop stars like Katy Perry as well as the hottest up-and-comers in country music. His set will likely feature duet versions and tributes to tracks like:
– “Beer Can’t Fix” w/ Jon Pardi – Rhett collaborates with “dirt road” traditionalist Pardi on this wistful 2019 ballad.
– “Make You Miss Me” – A touching tribute to the late Sam Hunt’s musical influence and friendship.
– “Where We Started” w/ Katy Perry – A 2022 pop-country crossover from Rhett’s newest double album.
Covers & Surprises
Rhett always throws in a few wild cards and surprises during his headline sets. Previous tours have seen him covering songs like “Party In The USA,” “Sangria,” and “Meant To Be.” He may pay tribute to his touring pal Cole Swindell by playing one of Swindell’s hits.
It’s also possible Rhett will perform new material from his upcoming Country Again: Side B album. The Bring The Bar To You Tour will give fans a first listen to fresh tracks from his forthcoming release. Thomas Rhett consistently delivers a high energy show packed with hits and good vibes.
Conclusion
Thomas Rhett’s October 15, 2023 tour stop at Peoria Civic Center is gearing up to be an amazing show. The country superstar will bring his A-game performing smash hits, fan favorites, and lively covers with his signature charm and energy. Opening act Cole Swindell is also poised to get the party started with his upbeat catalog of ten No. 1 hits and windswept ballads.
It’s a strong matchup for a night of feel-good contemporary country. Swindell’s opening set will showcase his smooth vocals, evocative songwriting, and high wattage stage presence. Then Rhett will take the Peoria crowd on a journey through his expansive catalog of romance-soaked anthems, tender ballads, and good time singalongs. From start to finish, the Bring The Bar To You Tour stop at Peoria Civic Center is sure to be an unforgettable concert experience for country fans.
