Reading, PA marked the third stop on the multi-award winner’s summer-long tour
Vince Gill could probably run a marathon. Why? Because all summer, Gill will be delivering a packed three-hour concert night after night from coast to coast. That’s Taylor Swift-level stamina.
The erstwhile Eagle played what was only the third gig of his summer long trek with his ten-piece in tow. Gill’s angelic tenor reverberated through the Santander Performing Arts Center in Reading, PA on Saturday (May 10th). And indeed, it was a marathon that ticked all the country music boxes.
There were honky-tonk songs (“Guitar Slinger”), breakup songs (“When I Call Your Name”), songs of longing (“Never Knew Lonely”), and songs of love. “When My Amy Prays” was written for his wife of a quarter-century, country and Christian music powerhouse Amy Grant.
The 22-time Grammy winner delivered most of his 80s and 90s hits in the first half of the night. He also took time to share stories with his famous “we’re just in my living room” demeanor. That included being invited on to George Jones bus after a concert for a night of “rav-ah-oli” (as Jones called ravioli) and the crime caper Matlock.
Gill also featured his players on two numbers. He brought Australian singer-songwriter Jeff Hughes forward to deliver an original. And celebrated singer Wendy Moten stepped up to deliver a bluesy and soulful rendition of Bobbie Gentry’s “Ode to Billie Joe.”
After an intermission, Gill returned to the stage and said, “At 68, I feel the most creative I have in my entire life.” He then delivered a large dose of unreleased material that fits right in with his catalogue. “When a Soldier Dies,” honoring our country’s military, received the largest ovation of the segment.
In all, Gill delivered over three dozen songs to various standing ovations all evening. When other entertainers of his caliber and notoriety are happy to deliver the hits and GTFO, one of country music’s greatest ambassadors wants to revel in the music as much as he can. Even if that means promising a restless fan that “Go Rest High On That Mountain” will come eventually. “I’ve worked my butt off to have songs you’re familiar with and I will do them,” he said. “Just not in the order you may prefer,” Gill added lightheartedly.
But what we all prefer is as much Vince Gill as possible. Far from one more last chance, he’ll be slinging his guitar all summer.
