A First Look into Johnny Blue Skies’ New Tour

Well, the wait is officially over. Sturgill Simpson (A.K.A Johnny Blue Skies) finally performed in his first show in over three years. Despite making appearances at Farm Aid and Willie Nelson’s 90th Birthday Concert, Simpson has not performed in the capacity of a headlining in quite some time.

Finally, Simpson kicked off his tour at Bimbo’s 365 Club in San Francisco on Friday, August 9. The artist gave a teaser of what fans should expect on his later tour dates. However, in Simpson’s fashion, it seemingly was not anything fans expected. That being so, it might be hard to surmise whether or not each show is going to look anything like the previous one. Nevertheless, this is part of his appeal—Unpredictability.

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Covers Upon Covers

Per Stereogum, Simpson played The Allman Brothers‘ “Midnight Rider,” William Bell’s “You Don’t Miss Your Water,” Sunday Valley’s “Sometimes Wine,” and his hit cover of “The Promise” by When In Rome. That is what was just mentioned, sources reported him playing numerous other covers during the show as well.

In addition to the covers, Simpson showcased some original work. Playing “Right Kind of Dream” from his new album Passage Du Desir, “Welcome to Earth(Pollywog)” from A Sailor’s Guide To Earth, and “It Ain’t All Flowers” from Metamodern Sounds in Country Music. A diverse setlist to say the least. However, what did fans expect—For him to play his greatest hits and then walk off the stage? That doesn’t necessarily seem on brand for Simpson.

A Simple Set-Up

Fundamentals, it’s the building blocks of what makes great music and Simpson seemed to embody that in his first show. Playing with only two guitarists, a bassist, a keys player, and a drummer. Simpson and Laur Joamets were on guitar, Miles Miller was on drums, Kevin Black was on bass, and a new addition from Midland, was Robbie Crowell on keys. All musicians who helped Simpson record his new album.

Regardless of this simple arrangement, the band was still able to give goosebumps to people attending and folks watching vicariously on YouTube. It’s the lack of grandeur and a fundamental trust in the music that separates a Simpson show from anyone else. Lastly, it is what the fans want to see. Simpson and his band doing their thing. Nothing more, nothing less. This first show has fans feeling like Christmas came early this year. Simpson’s next performance is on September 14, at The Greek Theatre in Los Angeles.

Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for A+E Networks