RECAP: ORVILLE PECK BRINGS THE "STAMPEDE" TOUR TO VANCOUVER

July 8, 2024, marked an unforgettable night at the UBC Doug Mitchell Sports Centre for country music fans as Orville Peck brought his "Stampede" tour to Vancouver. The atmosphere was charged with excitement as the crowd gathered, ready to be swept away by the enigmatic charm of country music's masked maverick.

Photos by Tage Stenner / Backspin Canada

Goldie Boutilier and her band took stage around 8pm and delivered a performance that captivated early attendees with their infectious energy. Goldie, flanked by her talented band members, delivered a set that blended rock and country elements seamlessly. The band, dressed in coordinated striped outfits, exuded a confident and dynamic stage presence.

Right after 9:00pm, the excitement in the air was turned into reality when Orville Peck emerged, his appearance as spellbinding as his music. Clad in a black cowboy hat with white stitching, his iconic fringed mask, and a sleeveless embroidered shirt, Peck was the embodiment of the modern cowboy—an outlaw in spirit, yet a storyteller at heart. His ensemble, complete with embroidered jeans and a glittering silver guitar, mirrored the complexity of his style.

Orville Peck's entrance was met with a resounding cheer from the audience. With a casual stroll across the stage, he adjusted the microphone stand, his presence alone commanding attention. His greeting, "Hello," delivered in a soft yet resonant tone, instantly drew a wave of applause from the crowd. He then set the tone for the evening, sharing with fans the albums that would shape the night's setlist, building excitement for what was to come.

The setlist was a journey through Peck's discography, opening with "Big Sky" and seamlessly moving into fan favourites like "Turn to Hate" and "The Hurtin’ Kind." Each song was a chapter of its own, with "C’mon Baby, Cry" and "No Glory in the West" highlighting Peck's ability to blend traditional country with a modern twist. As the night progressed, the audience was treated to a masterful blend of new and old, with "Cowboys Are Frequently, Secretly Fond of Each Other" standing out not only for its poignant lyrics but as a showcase of Peck's first new release since his acclaimed album Bronco.

Peck's tour, which kicked off in Asheville, NC, and is set to conclude in Brooklyn, NY, represents more than just a series of concerts. It is a revival of heartfelt storytelling through music, with each venue becoming a sanctuary where tales of love, loss, and discovery are shared. Upcoming dates in cities like Denver, San Francisco, and Los Angeles promise more nights of musical enchantment, drawing in audiences eager to experience the magic of Orville Peck live.

Reflecting on the night, one can't help but wonder about the stories behind Peck's songs. What drives the man beneath the mask to traverse such emotional depths? And in a world of constant change, how does he find the timeless stories that resonate so deeply across his diverse fan base?

As the Stampede tour continues to gallop across North America, each performance is a opportunity to step into the world of Orville Peck, a place where cowboys are poets, and every song is a piece of a larger, captivating puzzle.

UPCOMING TOUR DATES:

July 10 - Edmonton, AB - Midway

July 11 - Edmonton, AB - Midway

July 14 - Winnipeg, MB - Winnipeg Folk Festival

July 27 - Newport, RI - Newport Folk Festival

July 28 - Harrisburg, PA - Riverfront Park

July 30 - St. Louis, MO - The Factory

August 1 - Kansas City, MO - GrindersKC

August 2 - Saint Charles, IA - Hinterland Music Festival

August 3 - Omaha, NE - The Admiral

August 5 - Oklahoma City, OK - The Jones Assembly

August 6 - Santa Fe, NM - Santa Fe Brewing Company