Concert Review: Koe Wetzel at Auburn Rodeo 2022

Rowdy and rambunctious, Koe Wetzel has made a name for himself in Texas as the new outlaw. Following in the footsteps of those who came before, Willie, Waylon, amongst others, while paving his own path, Koe has developed a cult-like following in and outside of Texas. Massive shows built on the backs of these fans and dedication to the art of live performance have catapulted Koe into the mainstream.

Auburn Rodeo has been a yearly tradition in state. This year's lineup featured Conner Smith, Pecos & The Rooftops, Kolby Cooper, Zach Bryan, and Koe Wetzel, a notably Texas-centric bill.

Rising-star Zach Bryan performed hit the stage ahead of Koe. The singer/songwriter has been making waves for his uniquely personal style of writing, a stand out in modern country. Laced with fiddle, keys, and upright bass, Zach's set was a melodic juxtaposition to Koe's rowdy rock'n'roll set to follow. His hour long set featured several songs from his forthcoming album, American Heartbreak, including "From Austin" and "Something in the Orange."

Koe Wetzel had some big boots to fill hitting the stage right after Zach Bryan. While the more established artist, Zach Bryan has had a ton of momentum going into the weekend. Wetzel had no issue stepping into those boots. Seasoned from years of touring, Koe had a performance that would knock the socks off most country fans.

Wetzel's stage presence was immediately clear. Fully in control of the stage, Koe also made sure to let his band shine. Every musician on stage was rocking and getting amped up throughout the entire set. Koe's massive touring package, made up of lights and pyrotechnics, was something to behold live.

Musically these are some talented individuals. Wetzel's band knows their craft. Their years of touring are clear, they played off each other perfectly and kept sync flawlessly. Koe's lead was uninterrupted, he remained the star all night, but was complimented throughout by his band (and adoring fans, if you catch my drift).

Koe Wetzel hit the stage around 7:25, performing until the festival's end at 8:30. While not an incredibly long set, it was filled front to back with bangers including his recently released "April Showers."

       1. Fuss & Fight

       2. Something to Talk About

       3. Sundy or Mundy

       4. Song I Can Drink Too

       5. FGA

       6. Forever

       7. April Showers

       8. Drunk Driving

       9. Good Die Young

       10. Ragweed

       11. Kuntry & Wistern

       12. February 28, 2016

Wetzel and his crew still have plenty of touring ahead of them. A couple more shows in Alabama, a stop in Atlanta, and a couple dozen more throughout the rest of the states will definitely give fans plenty of opportunities to see this show.

       4/24 Biloxi, MS — Biloxi Crawfish Music Festival

       5/04 Orlando, FL — Hard Rock Live

       5/05 St. Petersburg, FL — Jannus Live

       5/06 St. Augustine, FL — St. Augustine Amphitheatre

       5/07 Pompano Beach, FL — Pompano Beach Amphitheater

       5/11 Sayreville, NJ — Starland Ballroom

       5/12 Boston, MA — Roadrunner

       5/13 Wallingford, CT — Toyota Oakdale Theatre

       5/14 Richmond, VA — Virginia Credit Union LIVE!

       6/02 Tupelo, MS — BancorpSouth Arena

       6/03 Atlanta, GA — Coca-Cola Roxy

       6/04 Orange Beach, AL — The Wharf

       6/10 Fort Worth, TX — Dickies Arena

       6/11 The Woodlands, TX — The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

       6/17 Amarillo, TX — Starlight Ranch Event Center

       6/18 La Veta, CO — Spanish Peaks Music Festival 2022

       6/24 Filer, ID — Gordy's HWY 30 Music Festival 2022

       6/25 Billings, MT — Downtown Summer Sounds

       7/22 New Braunfels, TX — WhiteWAter Amphitheater

       7/23 Corpus Christi, TX — Concrete Street Amphitheater

       7/28 Cheyenne, WY — Cheyenne Frontier Days

       7/29 Minot, ND — North Dakota State Fair

       8/06 Cullman, AL — Rock The South Festival 2022

       8/13 Sikeston, MO — Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo

       9/23 Ashland, KY — Foxfire Music and Arts Festival 2022

       10/08 Tyler, TX — Tyler Rose Festival 2022

Koe Wetzel is a natural performer. Strong willed, wild, and just unhinged enough to get a crowd moving, Koe had Rodeo electrified. While his personality can certainly put some people off, Koe is certainly one who can change minds in person. Without a doubt one of the best performers in country music.