Last night, Fiserv Forum lit up with the unmistakable charm and twang of country superstar Tim McGraw, as he brought his "Standing Room Only" tour to town. If you weren't there, you missed out on a spectacular blend of heartfelt melodies, powerhouse vocals and an electric live country music atmosphere that we liked, loved and wanted some more of.
Here are six reasons why you shouldn't have missed Tim McGraw’s Milwaukee tour stop at Fiserv Forum.
1. A “Real Good Man” ... of the people
Tim McGraw's connection with the audience was palpable on Friday evening. He frequently made his way along the catwalk, shaking hands and interacting closely with fans from start to finish. His engagement made the large venue feel unexpectedly intimate, and no matter where you enjoyed the concert from, you felt like you were only inches away from the country music superstar.
2. Signature style and showmanship
Tim McGraw's attire was a spectacle in itself, perfectly suiting the star's larger-than-life stage persona. He was clad in a skin-tight shirt that emphasized his muscular physique – to the delight of his screaming fans – a choice that not only highlighted his fitness but also added an extra dose of star power to his performance. Complementing the above was an iconic black cowboy hat, blue jeans and a large golden belt buckle that sparkled under the stage lights. This classic yet bold ensemble set the tone for a night where his style was almost as compelling as his music.
3. A nod to his latest album
Touring to promote his latest album, 2023's "Standing Room Only," the title track and a few others from the LP were featured prominently in his set, offering fans a live taste of his newest material and making the performance stand out from his previous Milwaukee visits.
4. A Swiftly timed show
Adding a layer of serendipity to the evening, on that same day that Taylor Swift blessed fans with her newest album, “The Tortured Poets Department," the man who inspired Swift's breakout single – which of course is titled “Tim McGraw” – performed his Taylor Swift collaboration "Highway Don't Care," easily one of the highlights of the night.
5. A setlist packed with hits
From "I Like It, I Love It" to "Live Like You Were Dying," McGraw performed 20 songs for the packed Milwaukee crowd, including a captivating cover of Elton John’s "Tiny Dancer," an early and unexpected treat to help kick off his performance. Each song was a hit parade that kept the audience singing along until the last track of the set’s encore.
6. A stellar opening with Carly Pearce
Before Tim McGraw took the stage, Carly Pearce warmed up the crowd with her standout tracks like "Diamondback" and "We Don't Fight Anymore," wrapping up her set with the crowd-favorite "I Hope You're Happy Now." Her performance alone was worth the price of admission, even before the night’s headliner took to the stage.
