Watch Sturgill Simpson Close Tour Opener With an Incredible Cover of Prince’s “Purple Rain”

Sturgill Simpson and or Johnny Blue Skies marches to the beat of his own drum. That being so, the musician plays where he wants, plays what he wants, and doesn’t cater to fads or fans. He is entirely his own individual and unapologetically himself. But, he seemingly doesn’t have to do much apologizing as he is one of the greatest country musicians of the 21st century.

Matter of fact, Simpson’s independence is one of the things fans love most about him. He doesn’t play the game of Nashville and separates himself from any one type of music. Rather, he can do it all, and this was shown over the weekend when Simpson closed out the first show of his tour with a cover of “Purple Rain.”

Sturgill Simpson at The Greek Theater

After performing at the Outside Land’s Festival in August, Simpson headed to LA over the weekend to officially launch his tour. Of course, fans were expecting tracks from his newest album, and they did get that. Although, given Simpson’s nature he subverted his fans’ needs and gave them something they didn’t even know they wanted.

The end of the show entailed Simpson and his band playing their new song “One For The Road” to then have it seamlessly transition into Prince’s greatest hit, “Purple Rain.” Not only does this prove Simpson’s creativity is otherworldly, but it also proves just how versatile of a musician he is.

A Three Hour Show

Prior to this tour, Simpson had taken a lengthy musical hiatus. So, to make up for it he kicked off his tour by playing for nearly three hours. The setlist included 30 songs of both covers and originals yet all were graced with Simpson’s touch.

Between the show and the closing cover, fans across the country are raving about the rest of his tour. In addition to the caliber of music being played, it seems there is a small chance that anything Sturgill Simpson does might be his last. Thus, when there is a chance to go see him. You go see him.

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