Last Rodeo Tour
GM Place: Vancouver, BC

The evening started off with a short fifteen minute set by Jason Blaine; a set only long enough to give attendees a small taste of what he was all about. His set started off with “Flirtin’ With Me,” and found Blaine reminiscing about his Brooks & Dunn experience seven years ago him and his wife attended, and what a great feeling it was to actually be standing on the stage this time around. Blaine’s album “Sweet Sundown” is currently in the Top 9 on iTunes for Canadian Country Albums.

Up went sheets covering the front of the stage, with a light show soon taking place over the cover. Down dropped the cover to begin Jason Aldean’s set with “Crazy Town.” Aldean then jumped back in time with “Amarillo Sky”; to Aldean’s first album that helped get his career off the ground.

Towards the end of the set, Aldean was noticeably getting a bit frustrated as many people were still in their seats. After sitting down on stage and joking he had all night to wait for people to stand, Aldean said a big thank you: “Last year was a huge year for us. Thank you for your support this last year—these last five years. We learned how much one song can change the course of your career. “Big Green Tractor” followed, and also helped to get attendees on their feet. “She’s Country” was another well done track. Even Aldean’s cover of Kid Rock’s track “Cowboy” was reasonably well done, and helped hype the crowd for what was next: Brooks & Dunn.

While the stage was getting switched over for Brooks & Dunn, a funny comedy skit was played on the screens, of Brooks & Dunn driving around in a truck, which included a pull out bar to serve drinks to hot ladies. The skit ended with “Thanks guys- it’s been a hell of a ride.”

Opening with “Play Something Country,” Brooks & Dunn wasted no time getting their Vancouver farewell party going, while backed by a seven piece band and background singers. It didn’t seem to faze the country boys that only half the stands were full, though the floor appeared to be sold out.

Fans absolutely lit up during the show, singing and dancing to hits such as “Cowgirls Don’t Cry,” “Red Dirt Road,” “Play Something Country,” “Put A Girl In It,” “You’re Gonna Miss Me When I’m Gone,” and “Ain’t Nothing ‘Bout You.”

“Bless you. Man we’ve had some good parties in this town. I’m not kidding. Thanks for paying our rent for the last twenty years too!” Dunn stated before getting into “That’s What She Gets For Loving Me.”

Fans were even asked to choose the next few songs that would be played. One track found Dunn stopping half way into the song, exclaiming that he had no idea what the second verse was, then falling into another fan-chosen track.

The violinist even took center stage for an incredible solo, during “Rock My World,” while t-shirts were shot into the crowd.

Near the end of their set, yellow, white and orange streamers shot out over the crowd, while fans cheered for an encore, which included “Brand New Man,” and the evening-ending track “Boot Scootin’ Boogie.”

Brooks & Dunn are Billboard’s best selling duo of all time (any genre)—and it showed last night. The show was an incredible way to end this chapter of their lives—and leave fans eagerly awaiting their solo debuts.

+Debbie Gebert