Three hours and change went by in a flash in a seamless concert package that expertly featured three complementary acts. If you’re looking for bang for the buck, you can’t do much better.

Headliner Gary gets the benefit of two opening acts that can certainly raise the roof as well as the testerone level, which seems to be the fundamental idea. But the three acts managed to enhance rather than conflict with each other.

Texas-based EYB, best known for “Always the Love Songs,” kicked things off with a 25-minute set that included their big hit and current single, “Guinevere.” The guys play it loud, hard and good, with a confident attitude and, best of all, don’t make the annoying opening act mistake of trying too hard to “whip you into a frenzy.” The music speaks well enough, thanks. The set seemed to lean too heavily toward mid-tempo tunes, but was otherwise solid.

Jack Ingram is the true revelation of the evening. He commands the stage the minute he walks out, looking dapper and cool in a black jacket and pressed pants (you wish more stars would dress, you know, like a “star” instead of looking like they woke up an hour before show time). Jack’s set was extremely well-paced, mixing some easygoing, humorous banter with hits like “That’s a Man,“ “Love You” and “Barefoot and Crazy,” which he actually performed sans shoes. For his current single, “Seeing Stars,” Jack brought out his duet partner, the incomparable Patty Griffin (probably shouldn’t expect that at every tour stop, though). Jack’s band, featuring ace guitarist Jedd Hughes and a drummer who resembles something out of That Thing You Do, can definitely kick it as well.

Gary Allan drew screams and standing applause as soon as his name was announced. His set kicked off with “Get off on the Pain,” the title track to his upcoming new album. He then launched into a sea of hits that included “Best I Ever Had,” “Life Ain’t Always Beautiful,” his debut single “Your Man” and more, all punctuated by the trademark raspy voice. You’re reminded of just how many hits he’s accumulated over the years while remaining vastly under appreciated by the industry.

Fans got a couple of bonus treats when Gary brought out his daughter Dallas to play keyboards on “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down” and welcomed Jack Ingram for “All Right Guy.” The perfectly executed guitar intros helped fans identify the songs immediately, even before Gary sang the first note, and the crowd proved more than eager to sing along. Gary brought it all home with an electrifying stage presence and a don’t-stop-till-you-get-enough energy level. And for an artist who’s often identified more with emotional angst and personal pain, he’s surprisingly warm onstage.

Gary Allan Makes His Headline Debut at Nashville's Ryman
Sold-Out Country-Rock Show Featured Eli Young Band and Jack Ingram

By Chris Parton
November 13, 2009

A country artist's first headlining gig at Nashville's historic Ryman Auditorium should always be a special thing, but rarely does it happen as it did for Gary Allan, who made his arrival on Thursday (Nov. 12) to a sold-out crowd.

"I've got a lot of family and friends in the audience," Allan said to a chorus of screams. "It's gonna be a good night."

"A good night" may have been an understatement as Allan, the Eli Young Band and Jack Ingram entertained for more than three hours. By the end of the night, the Ryman's balcony would be tested by stomping fans, a bottle of Jack Daniel's whiskey would be passed around onstage and a dog would somehow come into play.

Allan handpicked the opening acts for his Get Off on the Pain tour, and even though it just got underway, the lineup and their musical styles seemed to mesh together easily.

The Eli Young Band, a homegrown Texas group whose Jet Black & Jealous album debuted in the Top 5 on the country chart, made good with their time by introducing the crowd to the night's country-rock theme. With low slung guitars and lots of distortion, they offered a set that included "When It Rains," "Guinevere," "Always the Love Songs" and their recent Top 10 single, "Always the Love Songs."

They were warming up the crowd for Ingram, not that he really needs any help. Ingram is a complete showman with a funny story for every song and a way of urging an audience to its feet. His set was a string of hits that included "Measure of a Man," "That's a Man," "Wherever You Are," "Love You" and "Barbie Doll." He invited Patty Griffin to the stage for a duet on their current single, "Seeing Stars." And let's not forget "Barefoot and Crazy," where he took off his boots and socks only to have one foot written on by a fan. (I'm guessing it was a phone number.) Needless to say, everyone at the Ryman was in good spirits.

The excitement level rose even more when Allan made his entrance in front of a huge video screen, launching into the title track from his upcoming album, Get Off on the Pain. A high-pitched squeal from the crowd started and didn't stop for the rest of the night, showing that Allan's loyal fans are nothing if not enthusiastic. In fact, almost every song became a singalong, and the shrieking only intensified when each one ended.

Part of the reason for that was Allan's set list is heavy with hits. "She's So California," "A Feelin' Like That," "Nothing on but the Radio," "It Would Be You" and "Learning How to Bend" started the show off and led into "Best I Ever Had" -- which, in turn, led to the first round of Jack Daniel's for the band.

Allan said this show was the highlight of his year, but he also explained that things had taken a turn for the worse in August when a tornado caused a stage collapse at a festival in Canada, killing one fan. He used the opportunity to fittingly segue into "Life Ain't Always Beautiful" and "I Just Got Back From Hell."

At this point Allan's band, which represented his varied musical influences by including an organ, congas, fiddle and steel guitar, left the stage. Earlier in the day, Allan said in an interview that he had reached a point in his career where he didn't "feel the need to do anything that [he didn't] want to." In evidence to that spirit, he performed a solo, acoustic version of "Right Where I Need to Be." He then used the special occasion to offer his 16-year-old daughter, Dallas, her first taste of the stage. She had recently learned The Band's "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down" and performed on keyboard while Allan sang, receiving the first standing ovation of the night.

Sharing a hug, Allan said, "She has impeccable taste in music." He looked as though he was about to become teary-eyed. It was a moving moment.

Going forward, he offered a subdued version of "I'm the One," which he called "way too sappy," although his legion of mostly female fans didn't seem to mind. "Half of My Mistakes," "Her Man" and his current single, "Today," followed.

After that, it was rock 'n' roll time. The intensity picked up with "Songs About Rain" (featuring an extended guitar and drum solo), "Man of Me" and the always singable "Watching Airplanes." In another highlight of the evening, Ingram reluctantly returned to the stage, boots on, and sang and strutted along to "Alright Guy." After only a few shows together on this tour, it looks like Allan and Ingram are becoming fast friends.

Not ready to go home, the crowd stuck around and stomped their feet calling for Allan's return. The entire balcony in the 117-year-old building began to shake noticeably. Thankfully, as a testament to the Ryman's solid construction, it held its own.

The nightcap was provided by "Like It's a Bad Thing" and Allan's favorite drinking song, "Drinkin' Dark Whiskey." This song somehow caused a dog to storm the stage, running wildly back and forth while chasing the band members who never missed a beat. The dog seemed perfectly comfortable up there, almost as if it had been waiting all night for its big moment, until at last it knocked over a microphone stand that Allan just barely caught. It was nice to finish the night with a laugh, and Allan and his audience happily parted ways.

Allan has always seemed comfortable just outside the mainstream of country music, and judging from the Ryman show, it doesn't appear he intends to change his ways. But that doesn't mean he's immune to wanting to live out his childhood dreams of country music glory.

"When you play these places, you kind of mark them off in your mind," he told the crowd. "And this is definitely a big one for me."

Gary Allan Brings Rocking Show and Surprise Guests to Nashville

It was a night of rock-infused country and heartwarming surprises at Nashville's famed Ryman Auditorium on Thursday, as Gary Allan brought his Get Off on the Pain Tour to Music City. Jack Ingram and the Eli Young Band served as opening acts, with Jack accompanied by a surprise music icon during his act. Surprises continued into Gary's set, as he welcomed two V.I.P.s for a very special performance.

Gary kicked his show off with the tour's title track, highlighted by visuals on a giant screen behind him on the Ryman stage. The images continued throughout the night, sometimes focusing on photos of Gary, sometimes images from his videos and at other times a montage of photographs that accented the music. The show was definitely on the rock side of country, yet Gary's passion for his music and his love for lyrics that tell a story keep him a much needed part of the country scene.

The show lasted some two-and-a-half hours, with the entertainer playing hit after hit, including 'She's So California,' 'Right Where I Need to Be' and 'Songs About Rain,' as well as his new single, 'Today.'

"It's a big night for me here at the Ryman," Gary told the sold-out crowd before launching into 'Nothing on But the Radio.' "I have a lot of friends and family here."

And it seems one of those family members is following in Gary's footsteps. "The other day I went in the house and I heard my daughter Dallas playing The Band's 'The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down,'" Gary told the crowd. "No how cool would it be if the first time you got to play live was with your dad at the Ryman Auditorium? Dallas, come on out here."

Dallas did her dad proud as she accompanied him on keyboard while he sang from a lyric sheet, explaining that he had never done the tune before. When the song ended, he called her to the front of the stage for a huge hug, all the while smiling proudly for his daughter at the reception the crowd was giving her.

The show was high energy all the way, with Gary's band helping him keep the momentum going throughout the night. At one point he left the stage to give them the spotlight, returning to perform 'As Long as You're Looking Back,' 'Alright Guy' and 'Watching Airplanes.'

The singer had barely left the stage before the crowd was chanting "Gary, Gary, Gary." A few minutes later, he came back for an encore of 'Like It's A Bad Thing' and "Drinkin' Dark Whiskey (Tellin' White Lies).' At one point, his black and white labradoodle joined the band onstage, running from one band member to another while they finished their final song. Gary signed posters, shook hands and greeted fans before exiting the stage for the final time.

Jack Ingram proved a crowd-pleasing opening act for Gary. He and his band worked through familiar songs like 'Measure of a Man,' 'Keep On Keepin' On' and 'Love You.' He surprised the crowd by bringing out singer Patty Griffin to join him to sing his new single, 'Seeing Stars.'

The singer dedicated 'That's a Man' to the men and women at Ft. Hood and to "anyone who is in the military or knows someone who is." Jack also relayed his musical journey and how thrilled he was to hear his first No. 1 on 'Bob Kingley's Country Countdown' before performing 'Wherever You Are.'

One of Jack's wilder moments came when he pulled off his boots to perform 'Barefoot and Crazy,' inviting the audience to join him. When no one accepted his challenge, he said, "Oh well, it is cold here." After performing his final song, Jack left the stage with the exclamation, "Nashville, we just played the Ryman Auditorium!"

The Eli Young Band got the crowd going with their own Texas style of rockin' country. They gave a good sampling of their music, including their recent hits 'When It Rains' and 'This Is Your Love.'

The debate rages on—who is the sexiest, hottest guy in country music? There are so many handsome, decked-out dudes worthy of the title so we left the question up to you. We asked you to vote for Country’s Sexiest Man through mail-in ballots as well as our website, countryweekly.com. And you came through in big numbers!

When all the votes were tallied, the star you picked as this year’s winner was also the 2008 champ—Trace Adkins. Trace claims the crown, with Gary Allan as a close second.

Now check out this special section and take a good, long look at the guys who made the Top 10 on your list of country’s sexiest men. Thanks for voting!

Number 2: Gary Allan

He’s moody, mysterious, and even a little dark—but that’s part of the appeal behind this California-born singer/songwriter. Ladies love the sound of Gary’s plaintive, aching voice that never holds back on the emotions. Gary finishes in the same spot as last year, a close second behind Trace. But Gary’s fans will agree that he’s a worth runner up.

Gary Allan To Play In Celebrity Golf Tournament

Gary Allan is set to play in a celebrity golf tournament at Bluegrass Yacht and Country Club near Nashville, Tenn. on Nov. 9. The tournament will be hosted by Rivergate Studios, whose owners are Chris Henderson and Bobby Capps of the bands 3 Doors Down and 38 Special.

The tournament will be an unofficial kickoff to CMA Awards week. Joining Allan at the tournament will be music stars Gunnar Nelson, Mark Slaughter and Sister Hazel’s Ken Block, along others.

An all-star jam will be held afterwards at 12^th & Porter. Performances start at 8 p.m. and the cover is $10. CLICK HERE for more on the event and sign-up info.

"When you get a new guitar, it's like dancing with someone else's wife," Gary Allan said in the middle of his 90-minute show last night (Oct. 13) at Chicago's House of Blues. As he introduced his new guitar to the sold-out crowd of about 1500 people, he went on to explain how he got it (drove two hours to meet some guy in a Shoney's parking lot) and why (his guitars were crushed when a tornado struck at a show in Canada this summer).

So the fans got to meet his Gibson 1948 J-200, along with a handful of other guitars, over the course of his 20-song set. He opened with a new tune, "Get Off on the Pain," but managed to mix things up with so many of the songs that showcase the gravel in his voice and his rock-heavy sound. (That said, the cry of the steel guitar was the biggest star of the show. Even Allan took the time to sit down and listen to CJ Udeen play at the end of "Learning How to Bend." It was that good.)

Most of Allan's big hits were there, like "Nothing On But the Radio," the piano-laced "Life Ain't Always Beautiful," "Watching Airplanes," "Smoke Rings in the Dark" and "Best I Ever Had." But the standout for me was when the band took a break and he did his soulful "Right Where I Need to Be" with just his acoustic guitar. He closed the show after catching a bottle of Johnnie Walker Black Label tossed onstage from someone in the crowd, and sang what he called his favorite whiskey-drinkin' song, "Drinkin' Dark Whiskey."

The tour continues Friday night (Oct. 16) in Houston and runs through New Year's Eve with a show at the House of Blues in Las Vegas.

Multi platinum artist Gary Allan announces the GET OFF ON THE PAIN TOUR. Sponsored by House Of Blues, the tour will stop in 25 cities across the country before the end of 2009. Allan will headline the tour and include special guests Jack Ingram and Eli Young Band on select dates as well as openers Stoney LaRue and Justin Moore on select Texas dates.

Allan, named “country music’s mainstream maverick,” by Rolling Stone magazine has become one of the hottest artists in modern country music. He’s sold over 6 million albums, released 4 #1 hits and 10 Top 10 hits at country radio. His authentic approach to his music and renegade swagger have made him a fan-favorite among music lovers and critics alike. Allan has been met with high praise in Blender, Entertainment Weekly, Spin, People, Maxim, Paste, American Songwriter, USA Today, Playboy and many others. Allan has performed on The Late Show With David Letterman, The Tonight Show With Jay Leno and has appeared on Oprah and the cover of People magazine.

Special guest Jack Ingram was named Best New Male Vocalist at the ACM Awards in 2008 after earning a career first #1 with his single “Wherever You Are” followed by Top 5 hits “Love You,” and “Lips Of An Angel.” The Eli Young Band made their national debut in the Top 5 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart late last year with Jet Black And Jealous and scored their first Top 10 country hit with “Always The Love Songs,” earlier this year, grabbing performance spots on The Tonight Show With Jay Leno and Jimmy Kimmel Live. Texas and Oklahoma favorite Stoney LaRue has pulled together a string of hits on the Texas Music Chart and has become one of the most respected artists on the Red Dirt Scene. Justin Moore is an up and coming artist who’s self-titled debut album recently bowed at #3 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart, his first single “Small Town USA” is currently in the Top 10 on the country radio chart and climbing.

Allan has recently finished recording a new studio album with long-time producer Mark Wright, and looks forward to trying the music out on his loyal fans across the nation. The first single off of the new album “Today,” is currently climbing the charts and is spinning on stations across the country now.

Allan has multiple #1 albums to his credit on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart. That coupled with rave reviews for previous albums in Rolling Stone, Blender, People, Entertainment Weekly, Los Angeles Times and New York Times under his belt ensures that the bar is set high for Allan.

With his signature brand of swagger, he went into the studio and recorded “Today,” a masterpiece showcasing the softer side of a bad boy who’s about to lose the love of his life. A part Allan plays perfectly mixing his rugged style with a sweet lilting vocal allowing the listener to hear a hint of despair in his voice.

Allan is currently on tour and has sold out a string of venues across the country in April and May. He looks forward to sharing the new material with his fans.

Your votes have been counted and Gary Allan's video, "Learning How To Bend," made GAC's Top 50 Videos of the Year, coming in at #48.  Thanks to all who voted!

As in previous years, the 2008 edition of GAC’s Top 50 Videos countdown was selected entirely by fan votes logged on www.gactv.com. Voting was open from Nov. 1 through Dec. 3.  Country superstar Taylor Swift hosted the countdown each night beginning Dec. 29 – Jan. 2.

GAC’s weekly Top 20 Countdown program will return to the airwaves beginning Jan. 9.

Top Billboard 200 Albums #143 LIVING HARD
Top Country Artists #16
Top Country Album Artists #18
Top Country Album #24 LIVING HARD
Hot Country Songs Artists #15
Hot Country Songs #26 WATCHING AIRPLANES

Allan’s album LIVING HARD made its debut on the Billboard 200 at #3. His third consecutive Top 3 debut on the all genre chart. The rough and tumble edge of the new album has been embraced by fans and applauded by the toughest music critics in the country. USA Today claims, “give Gary Allan a great song, and few singers in country music can touch him.” While Los Angeles Times exclaims “Gary Allan could easily be the next John Cougar, if not the next Boss.”

With his fourth #1 single sitting at the top of the charts and performances with the kings of late night television, LIVING HARD is holding strong in the Top 15 on the album chart just behind former tour mate Keith Urban and Brad Paisley. With albums sales increasing each week the buzz surrounding Allan continues to build. Allan heads to Australia next month for a two week run before heading back to the states to continue the next leg of his 2008 tour before joining Kenney Chesney’s 2008 Poets and Pirates Tour.