Introduction to Brad Paisley’s RodeoHouston Performance
Turning in his 17th RodeoHouston performance on Monday night, Brad Paisley has become a part of the quintessential RodeoHouston experience, along with snagging a Trill Burger, scoring a funky green alien stuffie at the carnival, and contemplating sneaking home a baby goat from the petting zoo. Debuting in 2001 on a double-bill with Lonestar as a fresh-faced, amiable Haggard-esque throwback when country was quickly skewing towards baseball caps and bedazzled jeans, Paisley fits RodeoHouston like your favorite pair of cowboy boots.
Paisley’s Career and Style
Paisley last played the revolving stage at RodeoHouston in 2023, and just hours before he had been inducted into the Star Trail Hall of Fame, joining modern peers George Strait, Reba McEntire, and Alan Jackson. He’s a made man on the walls of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo offices now and with good reason. Since his major label debut in 1999, Paisley has been nostalgic for reckless nights and the kind of memories that make you equally blush or cringe. Now, at 52 years old with some salt and pepper in his trademark goattee, those pangs of nostalgia are looming larger than ever for Paisley.
The Performance
Kicking off the night with the flirty “Ticks,” Paisley sprinkled in some Texas spice into the mix, teasing “Deep In The Heart Of Texas” in his introductory licks, switching “that butterfly tattoo” for a “Texas tattoo”. As is customary for a Paisley rodeo show, he quickly freed himself of the confines of the stage during “Perfect Storm” and took to the dirt for a lap around the perimeter of stadium floor, touching every outstretched hand humanly possible as he melted the “Love Boat” TV theme with “Water”. Playing on the rodeo’s stage seems more like a formality for Paisley after nearly 20 shows.
Musical Highlights
During the country radio confection “Last Time for Everything,” Paisley sandwiched Prince’s “Purple Rain” into the mix, utilizing the official RodeoHouston app’s new interactive crowd-sourced light show capabilities. Paisley and his pickers shined on “The Nervous Breakdown,” a wild and wooly instrumental neo-bluegrass interlude from his 1999 debut LP. Just as he did in 2023, Paisley charmed his way into a fan’s smartphone, and this time, the lucky Houstonian was competitive bodybuilder Lorena Morales. He quickly posted a selfie onto her Instagram feed, and by the show’s end, Morales had a few thousand extra followers lurking on her page.
Setlist
The setlist for the night included:
Ticks
Online
Perfect Storm
Love Boat Theme / Water
Waitin’ On A Woman / Then
River Bank
Last Time for Everything / Purple Rain
Mountain Music / Old Alabama
The Nervous Breakdown
Still A Guy
The Fireman (George Strait cover)
Wrapped Around
The World
She’s Everything
I’m Gonna Miss Her (The Fishin’ Song)
Mud On the Tires
Alcohol
Conclusion
Paisley’s performance at RodeoHouston was a true reflection of his talent and dedication to his craft. With a career spanning over two decades, he has become a staple in the country music scene and a favorite among RodeoHouston attendees. His ability to connect with the audience and create a unique experience is a testament to his skill as a performer. As he continues to tour and produce new music, fans can expect to see more of the same energy and enthusiasm that has made him a household name.
