RECAP: LAINEY WILSON BRINGS 'COUNTRY'S COOL AGAIN' TOUR TO VANCOUVER

There’s a certain magic in the air when country music superstar Lainey Wilson takes the stage, and Vancouver got a front-row seat to her signature blend of grit and charm on her Country’s Cool Again tour. With over 35 stops across North America, Lainey made her 25th stop at Rogers Arena feel like it was the most important one yet. From the moment fans entered the venue, decked out in cowboy hats, boots, and denim jackets, it was clear they were ready for a night of unfiltered country fun.

Photos by Tage Stenner / Backspin Canada

The evening kicked off with Jackson Dean and Zach Top, both adding their own flair as openers, warming up the crowd with back-to-back performances filled with honky-tonk rhythms and authentic country soul. By the time Lainey was set to perform, the excitement inside Rogers Arena was electric.

Just after 9 PM, without a word of warning, the lights cut out and the rumble of a pickup truck’s engine echoed across the arena. A curtain dropped, revealing a life-sized truck amidst swirling smoke, its headlights blazing into the audience like a scene straight out of a country movie.

Lainey Wilson burst onto the stage standing tall atop the old-school truck, her silhouette framed by vibrant pink and purple lights, her signature bell-bottoms and hat letting everyone know that this was a no-holds-barred country show. She kicked things off with "Hang Tight Honey," a high-energy anthem that set the tone for the night. The crowd, already at fever pitch, roared as Lainey took command of the arena, the rotating truck settling in a parked position to watch the magic unfold.

"Canada!!!" she shouted after her third song, drawing deafening cheers from the audience. Vancouver was clearly happy to see her, and Lainey was equally happy to be here. In one particularly heartwarming moment, she invited two young girls from the crowd onto the stage. With more confidence than most adults, they sang alongside her—nailing every note and lyric. Lainey couldn’t hide her delight, bursting out, “Oh my goodness!” as the arena erupted in applause.

Another intimate moment came when she took a seat on the tailgate of the truck, her acoustic guitar in hand, as she serenaded the audience with “Watermelon Moonshine.” The stage setup, with the truck’s tailgate facing the crowd, felt as if we were all gathered around a campfire, the glow of stage lights casting a nostalgic warmth over the performance.

Her setlist was a perfect balance of fan favourites and new hits. Songs like "Things a Man Oughta Know" and "Heart Like a Truck" showcased her heartfelt lyrics and distinct storytelling style, while "Smell Like Smoke" and "Dirty Looks" reminded us of her unapologetic, fiery side. By the time she belted out “Country’s Cool Again,” the entire arena was dancing in their boots, fully immersed in the country celebration.

Lainey’s encore was nothing short of electric. She effortlessly wove together “Never Say Never,” “Wait in the Truck,” and “Save Me” before closing the night with "Wildflowers and Wild Horses." The energy never dipped, leaving the crowd on a high, buzzing long after the final notes faded.

As the night came to a close, it was impossible not to reflect on the power of Lainey Wilson’s presence. She’s the real deal—authentic, commanding, and undeniably cool. There’s a reason she’s leading the charge in the new wave of country music, and after seeing her live, it’s clear why. Vancouver got a taste of something special, and as fans filed out of Rogers Arena, they couldn’t help but wonder: what's next for country’s coolest star?

UPCOMING TOUR DATES:

September 27, 2024 – Auburn, WA @ White River Amphitheatre

September 28, 2024 – Ridgefield, WA @ RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater

October 10, 2024 – Lubbock, TX @ United Supermarkets Arena

October 18, 2024 – Raleigh, NC @ Red Hat Amphitheater

October 19, 2024 – Alpharetta, GA @ Ameris Bank Amphitheatre

October 20, 2024 – Wilmington, NC @ Live Oak Bank Pavilion

October 24, 2024 – London, ON @ Budweiser Gardens

October 25, 2024 – Oshawa, ON @ Tribute Communities Centre

October 26, 2024 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Petersen Events Center

November 1, 2024 – Little Rock, AR @ Simmons Bank Arena

November 2, 2024 – Evansville, IN @ Ford Center