Browse 76165 Reviews & Comments (Page 30)

Commenter   Comment   Posted On   Date  
 BillSanders We had 6th row center stage. My ear rang for the next weeks after. AC/DC Oct 13, 2026
 SabbathJeff This show has been cancelled. Weedeater / zeke / Royal Thunder / Yes Ma'am Oct 13, 2026
 crabbitabi I think there should be a “where did you park” section lol we parked at the Linden St garage and it was like a 9 minute walk $8 Nevertel / Rivals / Ocean Sleeper Oct 13, 2026
 Samantha Dangubic Grimes was support on this show. Lykke Li Oct 13, 2026
 Connie Daye My first rock concert! Mexican and Black Dog were awesome live! Babe Ruth Oct 13, 2026
 Tim Brock Ratt’s mix was way off. Nothing but treble Poison / Ratt Oct 13, 2026
 Rebel on the Treble At Danzhaus aka Gingerbread House Bass Summit Oct 12, 2026
 Dan Rodgerson Garth Brooks: The Man Knows How to Entertain Salt Lake City | Delta Center | October 2026 Growing up, I was never much of a country music fan. In fact, for much of my childhood, it was a genre I neither particularly liked nor understood. Somewhere along the way, however, a handful of artists helped bridge that gap, introducing country music to audiences who might otherwise have never given it much consideration. Garth Brooks was certainly one of those artists. He brought a level of energy, showmanship, and rock-and-roll attitude to country music that made it difficult to ignore. His songs crossed genres, his concerts became legendary, and his popularity extended well beyond traditional country audiences. After seeing him perform at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, I was reminded of something I've believed for years: Whether you like country music or not, Garth Brooks is one of the greatest live entertainers of our generation. And apparently, Utah agrees. Two Shows Became Four When Garth Brooks announced his return to Salt Lake City, two performances were scheduled. Demand was overwhelming, and another show was added. Then another. What began as a two-night engagement had grown into four performances, with thousands of fans determined to get tickets. And apparently, even four shows weren't enough to satisfy Utah's appetite for Garth Brooks. There are plenty of performers who would have been content with two packed arenas and a substantial payday. Brooks chose to make room for more fans. That decision says something about the relationship he has cultivated with his audience over the years. The Production Was Anything but Ordinary I've attended hundreds of concerts over the years, and I've seen everything from a singer sitting on a stool with an acoustic guitar to elaborate productions involving enormous video walls, pyrotechnics, moving stages, and enough lighting equipment to illuminate a small city. Garth Brooks clearly belongs in the latter category. The stage was designed in the round, allowing him to perform to fans on every side. Above it hung an enormous collection of video screens and lighting structures that moved, raised, lowered, and seemed to circle around the performers. At times, the entire production appeared to transform around him. It was a remarkable technical achievement, and I couldn't help but appreciate the coordination required to make it all happen. But here's what made the show particularly interesting. With all that technology, elaborate staging, and expensive production equipment, the most important element of the evening was still a 64-year-old guy with a cowboy hat, a guitar, and an almost unbelievable amount of energy. Brooks ran, jumped, danced, laughed, and worked every section of the arena. He rarely seemed to stand still, and when he did, it was usually to connect with somebody in the audience. If there is an entertainer who works harder to make the people in the inexpensive seats feel like they're sitting in the front row, I'd like to meet him. He Knows His Audience One of the things I appreciate most about experienced performers is their ability to read an audience. Brooks has clearly mastered that skill. He understands that the people attending his concerts aren't necessarily looking for a preview of his newest musical projects. They're there to hear the songs that have been part of their lives for decades. And he delivers. The evening was filled with familiar hits, enthusiastic singalongs, and moments when Brooks could practically stop singing altogether because thousands of people were more than willing to finish the song for him. But what impressed me even more was his willingness to make the experience personal. At one point, he noticed six empty seats on the floor and arranged for six fans from the inexpensive seats to come down and occupy them. Think about that for a moment. In an arena filled with thousands of people, he noticed a few empty seats and decided to make somebody's evening a little better. He also spent time recognizing Salt Lake City, acknowledging the community, and expressing appreciation for first responders. Now, I'm certainly aware that performers know how to flatter a hometown audience. I've heard more than my share of declarations that a particular city has the greatest fans in the world. But Brooks has a way of making those moments feel personal rather than scripted. Whether it's his enthusiasm, his sense of humor, or his ability to connect with people, he seems to understand that a great concert is about far more than performing a collection of songs. It's about creating an experience. A Little Something for Everyone Another thing I've always appreciated about Brooks is his willingness to venture beyond traditional country music. His set included a few unexpected covers, including Nitty Gritty Dirt Band's "Fishin' in the Dark" and "Shout," the Isley Brothers classic that many of us permanently associate with the movie Animal House. It was a fun reminder that Brooks has never been particularly concerned about staying within the musical boundaries of a single genre. And then, of course, there's "Shameless." I realize there's been a spirited debate for decades about who performs that song better, especially when you consider that Billy Joel wrote and originally recorded it. I'm sure Billy Joel fans have strong opinions on the subject, and I have considerable respect for the Piano Man. But for me, there really isn't much of a debate. Garth Brooks. Hands down. There's something about the intensity, passion, and delivery of his version that makes the song feel as though it was written specifically for him. My apologies to Billy Joel. A Band That Deserves Its Own Applause One of the more remarkable aspects of the evening was the relationship Brooks has maintained with his musicians. In an industry where backing bands and touring personnel frequently change, Brooks has kept much of his musical family together for decades. That kind of loyalty is increasingly unusual. And rather than treating his musicians as background players, he makes a point of recognizing their contributions. One of the evening's more memorable moments came when longtime backing vocalist Robert "Bob" Bailey was given an opportunity to step into the spotlight and perform a number of his own. It was a generous gesture and another reminder that Brooks understands the importance of sharing the stage. I have always believed that you can learn a great deal about a leader by watching how they treat the people who help make them successful. The same principle applies to entertainers. Brooks may be the name on the marquee, but he clearly recognizes the musicians, technicians, and countless others who help bring his concerts to life. The Concert After the Concert One of the traditions that makes a Garth Brooks performance different is what happens after the scheduled portion of the concert. Rather than simply returning to the stage for a predictable encore, Brooks takes time to read signs, acknowledge fans, and occasionally perform requests. It's a wonderfully unpredictable part of the evening. For a production involving so much technology, choreography, and coordination, these moments introduce something that can be difficult to manufacture in a large arena: spontaneity. Suddenly, the concert feels a little less like a carefully rehearsed production and a little more like a conversation between an entertainer and his audience. And while thousands of people are watching, an individual holding a homemade sign can become part of the show. Those moments matter. People may forget the precise order of the songs, the lighting sequences, or even some of the elaborate production effects. But the person whose sign was acknowledged or whose favorite song was played will probably remember that experience for the rest of their life. The Art of Entertaining I've spent a good portion of my professional life producing concerts, festivals, and community events. Over the years, I've developed an appreciation not only for the performers onstage but also for the planning, technical coordination, and tremendous amount of work that happens behind the scenes. And I've learned that there is a difference between being a talented musician and being a great entertainer. Some artists have incredible voices but struggle to connect with an audience. Others have impressive production budgets but somehow fail to create a memorable experience. A select few manage to bring everything together. Garth Brooks is firmly in that category. He has the songs, the musicians, the technology, the production, and decades of experience. But perhaps his greatest strength is his ability to make an arena filled with thousands of people feel like they're all part of the same celebration. There's something wonderfully refreshing about watching somebody who has achieved almost everything imaginable in the music business still appear to be having the time of his life. And perhaps that's the secret. After all these years, Garth Brooks doesn't simply perform his music. He entertains. I may not have grown up loving country music, and I still wouldn't describe myself as a traditional country music fan. But I know a great concert when I see one. And Garth Brooks remains one of the best entertainers I've ever had the pleasure of watching. Garth Brooks Oct 12, 2026
 Jeff Brooks Great White opened up at this show! Judas Priest / Fastway Oct 12, 2026
 KathyLovesMusic With Greg Jones Rush Oct 12, 2026
 Eel Pie completist Pre-1947 concerts: 30 March 1918 - Percy Hollyman's Salon Orchestra Eel Pie Island Oct 12, 2026
 Alyson S Fun night with Meghan, Gina and Barbara (Gina’s French friend) Jack Johnson / Hermanos Gutiérrez Oct 12, 2026
 David Pessah https://dailycollegian.com/2005/10/montreals-stars-set-fire-to-iron-horse-with-sex-and-politics/ Stars Oct 12, 2026
 [email protected] I thought Alice In Chains was there I remember getting a cassette anyway Danzig / Soundgarden Oct 12, 2026
 Gaynor Cook Bumped into Clem Burke wandering down Argyle Street a few hours before the gig. We chatted. Lovely gentleman x Lust For Life / Suzi Ronson / Fifteen Lions Oct 12, 2026
 Bryn:P bring me back 💔 Yung Lean / Xaviersobased Oct 12, 2026
 elle_1234 Freedom Fields 20 Years celebration Seth Lakeman Oct 12, 2026
 Doctorcd https://www.aragonmusical.com/2012/10/cronica-ivan-ferreiro-sala-lopez-zaragoza-121012-por-stabilito-d/ Iván Ferreiro Oct 12, 2026
 Super Unknownone Knocked on the bus window, was welcomed in and met Glen and Steve, the brothers where in the back while my friend and I heard stories of Glen's musical journey up through the opening act. Glen came out wearing some of his armor that night. Deicide Oct 12, 2026
 Super Unknownone I was there, i think Clutch was the opening band. Fear Factory Oct 12, 2026