September 18th, 2024 - Rogers Arena, Vancouver, BC
Sam Hunt has an undeniable way of pulling fans into his world, and last night at Rogers Arena was no exception. The 14th stop on his 20-city ‘Locked Up Tour’ brought a crowd that was electric from the start. The show, like Hunt himself, evolved with a steady build of energy, beginning with rising talent Dalton Dover, surging through Russell Dickerson's fiery performance, and culminating in a powerhouse set from Hunt that had Vancouver partying long after the last chord rang out.
Photos by Tage Stenner / Backspin Canada
Dalton Dover wasted no time getting the early crowd on their feet. His set was the perfect icebreaker, his deep country drawl and infectious energy breathing life into Rogers Arena as fans settled in. The more people arrived, the louder they cheered. [Image: Dalton Dover on stage, crowd swaying along] He proved to be the perfect starter for the night, igniting the first flickers of excitement and setting the tone for the party ahead.
When Russell Dickerson burst onto the stage, he brought his signature high-energy antics that made it clear he was there to make an impression. Wasting no time, Dickerson launched a solo cup into the audience within moments of stepping out, the crowd roaring in approval. This wasn’t just any country set; this was a performance that blurred the lines between a concert and a frat party.
The moment that caught everyone’s attention? Dickerson, mid-set, on his knees, taking a swig of his drink before dramatically spraying it over his band members. The camaraderie and playful chaos had the audience grinning ear to ear, and it was clear Dickerson was loving every second of it. He left the stage with the arena buzzing, and you could feel the collective anticipation for the headliner rise as the clock edged closer to Hunt’s time.
At 9:20 PM Sam Hunt stepped onto the stage to a roar that reverberated through the arena. Dressed in a white tee, beige pants, and his signature Greenwood Mountain hat, he was every bit the modern country star with a laid-back charm that belied his massive stage presence. The energy in Rogers Arena was intense, and Hunt capitalized on it right away.
By the third song, "House Party," Hunt wasn’t just performing—he was leading an arena-wide party. As he ventured offstage into the crowd, it felt like a personal moment shared between Hunt and the thousands of fans reaching out to high-five him, grab a selfie, or simply touch the artist they'd come to see. His return to the stage was punctuated by a shoutout to the city, the crowd erupting as he bellowed “Vancouver!” in gratitude for the love being thrown his way.
Opening the show with Leave the Night On, Hunt set the pace, mixing the breezy, carefree vibe of his earlier hits with the depth of his more recent work. Fans sang every word as he dove straight into Break Up In A Small Town, the song’s brooding narrative and punchy beats echoing through the arena. The pace slowed slightly with Hard To Forget, where Hunt’s seamless blend of country storytelling and pop sensibilities had the crowd swaying along to the beat.
As expected, House Party brought the energy right back up, and Hunt’s detour into the crowd only amplified the excitement. He played crowd-favorites like Take Your Time and Body Like A Back Road, both of which drew deafening cheers, and showcased the timeless appeal of his cross-genre hits.
He closed out the night with his latest chart-topper 23, giving the crowd one last chance to revel in his signature blend of smooth vocals, catchy beats, and heartfelt storytelling. By the end, the applause was thunderous, the audience clearly wanting more.
The tour, named for Hunt’s Locked Up EP that dropped earlier this year, has been a mix of old favourites and new surprises. After taking over Vancouver, Sam Hunt's tour heads next to Calgary, Edmonton, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, and finally wraps up in Ottawa on September 27th. These final stops are sure to bring just as much energy as Vancouver, with fans eagerly awaiting their turn to see one of country’s biggest stars.
So, after a night like this, one question remains: What’s next for Sam Hunt? Because wherever he goes, it’s clear that fans will follow.
Upcoming Tour Dates:
Sept. 20 - Calgary, AB @ Scotiabank Saddledome
Sept. 21 - Edmonton, AB @ Rogers Place
Sept. 23 - Saskatoon, SK @ Sasktel Centre
Sept. 24 - Winnipeg, MB @ Canada Life Center
Sept. 27 - Ottawa, ON @ Canadian Tire Centre
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