At an Orville Peck show, there are three cardinal rules to abide by.
“The first rule is you have to sing along, even if you don’t know the words,” proclaimed the fringe-masked country crooner. “The second is you have to dance a little bit. And the third, which is the most important, is if you feel like crying, you have to cry.”
These directives proved effortless for concertgoers as they immersed themselves in a night of song, dance, and perhaps a tear or two, as Peck traversed a 20-song set at Jacobs Pavilion on Friday night. Drawing inspiration from iconic 70s country luminaries such as Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, and Tammy Wynette, Peck has ascended to superstardom in recent years. From humble beginnings playing intimate shows at venues like Mahall’s in 2019, Peck swiftly rose to prominence with his debut album, “Pony” and sophomore album, “Bronco,” subsequently gracing television screens, strutting on runways, and collaborating with pop royalty.
The Stampede tour, in promotion of his extended play album, “Stampede Vol. 1,” features precisely the kind of star-studded collaborations one might anticipate. Fresh off the Outloud Fest at West Hollywood Pride, where he unveiled his single “Midnight Ride” alongside songstress Kylie Minogue and DJ Diplo, speculation buzzed among audience members that Kylie might make a surprise appearance for a duet with Peck. No such luck.
Peck playfully teased the crowd, humble-bragging about teaming up with “some guy” for a rendition of the song “Cowboys Are Frequently, Secretly Fond of Each Other,” the debut single from “Stampede.” “Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Willie Nels— I’m just kidding. He’s 91. He’s not here!”
While celebrity cameos were absent, Peck’s resonant baritone enveloped the pavilion, overflowing with heartfelt vibrato. Between songs, Peck singled out individuals in the audience, distributing long-stemmed roses, even extending the gesture to the furthest reaches of the bleachers. This personal touch is perhaps part of Orville Peck’s allure—he crafts an atmosphere of warmth and intimacy, ensuring each attendee feels seen and cherished. Prior to launching into “Hexie Mountains,” he candidly addressed his ongoing struggles with mental health, a factor that significantly influenced the postponement of his 2023 summer tour, for which he apologized.
All was forgiven, though, as the crowd reciprocated with fervent cheers and stomping, creating a thunderous roar that propelled Peck through crowd-pleasers like “Lafayette,” “Any Turn,” and “Daytona Sand.”
For the encore, Peck and his honky-tonk ensemble returned to the stage, the original fringed leather mask adorning his face, to deliver “Bronco” and the closing number, “Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting,” another collaboration with “some guy” from “Stampede Vol. 1.”
“Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Elton J—” Peck teased once more, his smile radiating even beneath the veil of fringe.
As the final chords reverberated through the pavilion, and the echoes of applause lingered in the air, it was evident that Orville Peck’s performance had left a mark on the audience. Through his blend of poignant lyricism, captivating stage presence, and genuine connection with his fans, Peck had not only entertained but also uplifted spirits and touched hearts.
