Gig Review | Luke Combs (Night One)
Very few artists in modern country music have experienced the kind of rise that Luke Combs has enjoyed over the past decade, transforming from a small-town North Carolina singer-songwriter into one of the genre’s biggest global stars. With sold-out stadium tours, record-breaking albums, and a catalogue of anthems that have resonated far beyond traditional country audiences, Combs has established himself as one of the defining live performers of his generation.
On this occasion, it’s Murrayfield Stadium that plays host, welcoming one of country music’s biggest names for a night of stadium-sized production, heartfelt storytelling and the kind of mass singalongs that have become synonymous with a Luke Combs show. Arriving in Edinburgh as part of his latest world tour, Combs delivers a set packed with chart-topping hits and fan favourites, adding another landmark performance to a venue that has welcomed some of the world’s biggest touring artists.
Inside the stadium, the atmosphere was electric. The crowd, dressed head-to-toe in cowboy hats, boots and denim, could barely contain their excitement. Conversations with fans throughout the venue revealed that many had travelled from far and wide to witness what they described as a once-in-a-lifetime show, with anticipation only continuing to build as kick-off drew closer.
Before the headline set, fans were treated to an impressive trio of support acts, each representing the next generation of country music. Sibling trio The Castellows opened proceedings with their rich harmonies and traditional country influences, while rising Texan singer-songwriter Ty Myers showcased the raw talent that has quickly made him one of the genre’s most exciting young artists. Australian blues-rock outfit The Teskey Brothers rounded off the support bill in style, delivering a soulful, commanding performance that had the Murrayfield crowd fully warmed up before Luke Combs finally took to the stage.
Shortly afterwards, the lights dimmed and Murrayfield erupted into deafening applause as Luke Combs and his band walked onto the stage. After hours of anticipation, the capacity crowd finally came face-to-face with the man they had travelled from across the UK—and beyond—to see.
Shortly afterwards, the lights dimmed and Murrayfield erupted into deafening applause as Luke Combs and his band walked onto the stage. After hours of anticipation, the capacity crowd finally came face-to-face with the man they had travelled from across the UK—and beyond—to see.
Opening with “My Kinda Saturday Night” Combs immediately had the sold-out stadium in the palm of his hand. Backed by his exceptional band, he delivered the track with effortless confidence, setting the tone for an evening that would effortlessly blend country anthems, heartfelt storytelling and moments of genuine connection. From the very first chorus, the audience sang every word back to him, creating an atmosphere that felt as much like a communal celebration as it did a concert.
Watching him command a stadium of this scale was particularly special from a personal perspective. Having first seen Luke Combs perform at Glasgow’s O2 Academy back in 2018, when he was still making his name outside the United States, witnessing this transformation felt remarkable. The intimate theatre show of eight years ago has given way to sold-out stadiums, yet the qualities that made him so compelling then—his unmistakable voice, down-to-earth personality and ability to connect with an audience—remain completely unchanged. The only difference is the scale.
That authenticity is what continues to set Combs apart. There are no elaborate costume changes or over-the-top theatrics; instead, he lets the songs speak for themselves. Between tracks, he chatted comfortably with the crowd, thanked fans for their unwavering support and reflected on what returning to Scotland meant to him. Those quieter moments made Murrayfield, despite its size, feel surprisingly intimate.
As the night unfolded, hit after hit followed. Songs such as “Lovin’ on You,” “When It Rains It Pours,” “Beer Never Broke My Heart,” and “Beautiful Crazy” were met with deafening singalongs, while more emotional moments showcased the depth of his songwriting. It was a reminder that Luke Combs’ success isn’t simply built on chart numbers or ticket sales, but on an ability to write songs that resonate deeply with people from all walks of life—a connection that was on full display throughout the evening.
From a personal perspective, this was undoubtedly one of the best concerts I have ever attended. Having watched Luke Combs’ journey from intimate venues to sold-out stadiums, witnessing his growth as an artist has been nothing short of remarkable. Combined with his unwavering appreciation for his fans and vocals that were as raw, gritty and almost indistinguishable from their studio recordings, the performance was truly unforgettable. The night was more than a concert, but rather an evening that celebrated the unique ability of music as an intangible medium that has the power to unite anyone and everyone, regardless of background, age or circumstance in one shared experience.
by Rachel Bissett