If you’re a fan of pop and rap sensation Post Malone, you probably know that ever since the beginning of his career he has wanted to write and perform country music. The Grapevine, Texas native finally got the biggest country music moment tonight with his debut at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee after well-known country artist Brad Paisley graciously invited Post to “come experience what it’s like to play the show that started it all.”
The show was billed as “Post Malone & Friends Live At The Opry” for his Opry debut and sold over 4000 tickets for fans to get an up close and personal once in a lifetime experience to see Posty sing duets with country music legends. The show was also livestreamed for millions who couldn’t be in attendance on the Opry and Post Malone’s social media channels.
Before Post Malone took the stage, the audience was treated to star-studded performances to warm up the crowd before Post made his official debut. The special show kicked off with a performance by Opry veteran Vince Gill who performed four songs from his expansive catalog including: “Look At Us,” “If You Ever Have Forever In Mind,” and “What The Cowgirls Do.”
Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter who make up The War and Treaty took the stage in coordinated stage outfits to continue the night of music. The duo debuted a new song live as a special performance for the audience called “Cause of You.” Michael spoke about his PTSD as an Iraq war veteran and how his wife saved him by loving him and that he had written the song as a tribute to her.
Up next, Lainey Wilson took over the stage in an all back bell-bottom ensemble with a special cowboy hat emblazoned with the title of one of her latest songs, “Country’s Cool Again.” She played several tracks off her latest album, Whirlwind, which will drop later this month, including “Hang Tight Honey,” “4x4xU”, and “Country’s Cool Again.” She said she was also breaking in a new guitar onstage for the first time that she named Goldilocks. Lainey closed out her set with her chart-topping hit “Watermelon Moonshine.”
Brad Paisley was the fourth performer of the evening and stormed the stage with his guitar in hand belting out the lyrics to his songs “Water” and “Mud On The Tires.” Brad also brought out Lainey Wilson for a very special rendition of “Whiskey Lullaby,” a duet that originally feature Brad and Alison Krauss.
With roots in Texas and a love for old country songs, Post Malone grew up covering honky-tonk tunes with his acoustic guitar and creating his own country mixes. When he’s hanging out with friends and takes out his guitar, it’s almost certain that he will play a beloved country song and belt the words to any Hank Williams song.
Post Malone’s sixth album, F-1 Trillion, coming out in just one day is a full country album with cameos from all your favorite country music icons and superstars. The album is composed of 18 tracks, 16 of which feature artists such as Tim McGraw, Dolly Parton, Blake Shelton, and Morgan Wallen. The album has already sold over 500k units so far, making the project eligible for a RIAA Gold Certification before its official release. The already released songs are “I Had Some Help” feat. Morgan Wallen, “Pour Me A Drink” feat. Blake Shelton, and “Guy For That” feat. Luke Combs, all of which have garnered positive attention from country radio and country music lovers of all ages.
Post Malone was joined by Opry members Brad Paisley, Lainey Wilson, Vince Gill and John Michael Montgomery, as well as powerhouse duo The War And Treaty. On the soon to be released album, Paisley and Wilson appear as guests on songs “Goes Without Saying” and “Nosedive,” respectively.
Taking his first steps into the famed wooden circle Post wore tight jeans, giant belt buckle, a baby blue jacket with white shirt and cowboy hat that he referred to as “a K-Mart George Strait look” he took his place in the circle on stage for the first time to perform for the live audience. After a grand introduction from Brad Paisley who called him a “nice young man with a country heart” and a warm welcome from his colleagues and an eager audience, Post opened his set with a classic song duet with Vince Gill singing “One More Last Chance” with Brad Paisley on guitar.
John Michael Montgomery joined Post on stage to sing Montgomery’s 90’s classic hit “Be My Baby Tonight.” John Michael Montgomery played an American flag guitar and told Post that his daughter was a big fan of his while thanking him for the invite for the special moment in Opry history.
Lainey Wilson was up next to perform the debut of their duet “Nosedive” for the first time, which a new song his upcoming F-1 Trillion album out Friday. Wilson asked to join him in the circle and told him she was nervous every time she stepped on the Opry stage to ease his nerves.
Brad Paisley popped back onto the stage to sing their latest duet “Goes Without Saying” and Post shouted out Brad as one of the greatest guitar players alive as his friend left the stage.
Chris Stapleton couldn’t be in attendance so husband and wife duo, The War & Treaty stepped in to fill in on the new single “California Sober” performance. The duo’s vocals blended perfectly with Post Malone’s and gave the audience a special treat.
For the last song of the evening, Post sang his solo hit “Sunflower.” Just as easily as Post Malone stepped into the pop world, he came barreling into the country world and was welcomed all the same. His fans can’t wait to hear the rest of F-1 Trillion after this amazing teaser performance that marks a new era for Post Malone.
No one could have possibly left this show disappointed as the Opry truly delivered a once in a lifetime show for this lucky audience in Nashville tonight.