Review: Rascal Flatts with Kellie Pickler
By Katie Drake
The Salt Lake Tribune
Article Last Updated: 03/08/2008 03:36:13 AM MST
Soaring three-part harmonies and vibrant special effects nearly raised the rafters off the Energy Solutions Arena Friday night as Rascal Flatts brought their show to town.
The trio of Gary LeVox, Jay DeMarcus and Joe Don Rooney had an explosive opening, complete with fireworks, with "Me and My Gang," which got the crowd dancing and singing. Though the show featured a few quiet moments, the tone was set and the delighted audience stayed on their feet and right with the trio all night.
The groups trademark harmonies stayed in tune, with lead singer LeVox a particular stand-out on "Bless the Broken Road" and "These Days." DeMarcus and Rooney also proved their musical prowess. DeMarcus delighted the crowd with a cover of "I Feel Good," complete with James Brown dance moves. Rooney showed particular talent on a solo medley of American classics. Working the drums' foot pedal while channeling his inner Hendrix on guitar, he ranged from "American Woman" to "Sweet Home Alabama" to "Somewhere Over the Rainbow." The trio was helped immensely by their excellent band and expansive set. The industrial steel stage featured a giant screen filled with dizzying graphics, video and lights. A smaller stage at the rear of the theater gave more screaming fans a chance to see performers up close, while an elevated bridge connected the two over the heads of the audience sitting below. Fans were ecstatic over the group's willingness to pose for pictures, slap hands and toss guitar picks into the crowd.
The show ended on a patriotic note with "He Ain't the Leavin' Kind" featuring several United States Marines. The lesser-known song was a hit with the crowd, who begged for, and got, an encore of "Still Feels Good," the title of the tour, and "Life is a Highway."
Opening act Kellie Pickler was in fine voice and energized the crowd with a cover of Dolly Parton's "9 to 5" and her own hit single "Red High Heels". She also gave a sneak peak of a new song, "I Just Want Somebody to Love Me," which was a hit with the audience.
kdrake@sltrib.com
Tight harmonies and amazing special effects - Salt Lake Tribune