Brothers Osborne “We’re Not For Everyone Tour” at Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre

Sterling Heights,Mi.(September 4th,2021)-When the Brothers Osborne took the stage Saturday on Labor Day weekend at the Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre, there wasn’t a grand introduction by a local radio personality or any giddy pre-show build-up. To be truthful, none was needed. Judging by the raucous crowd, they were here tonight to party and see a good show, and the Brothers Osborne were more than ready to oblige!

On the third night of their 2021  “We’re Not For Everyone Tour,” the Brothers Osborne were fresh and cranked up the energy right from the onset. With a mix of southern rock and traditional country, their crowd pleasing sound left no doubt what genre they support. The first two songs of the night, “Skeletons” and  “Lighten Up,” both cuts off the pairs latest release Skeletons, featured John Osborne’s incredible guitar skills that rival some of the best pickers in music today. His non-stop energy and emotional interactions with the crowd are the catalyst that drives the band. One minute he is on a monitor crate wailing away at his guitar, the next he is waving at the crowd, all the essence of a definitive showman.

Younger brother T.J. Osborne is the undeniable front man of this tight knit group. Unlike most other duos, both brothers have a clear separation in their distinctive yet incredible sound and T.J. is the driving force behind the vocals.  Every song features T.J. ‘s resonating vocals, with both fills and rhythms supplied by John and the rest of the band. Songs such as “Rum,” and the mesmerizing “I Don’t Remember Me (Before You),” highlighted his incredible vocal range and his uncanny ability to either entrance his audience or get them out of their seats swaying and singing along. Others, like setlist regular, the Dierks Bentley cover “Burning Man,” sound eerie yet reassuring, but not overly processed as covers sometimes do when performed live.

The  night was full of all the hits the fans wanted to hear plus a few unexpected surprises. After their first No. 1  hit, “Stay a Little Longer,” wrapped, T.J. stepped to the forefront alone. Under a single spot, and in a most poignant way, he talked about the personal struggle John and himself have endured the last 18 months. “I never imagined I would be met with such waves of love,” he said, adding that all he really wanted “was to be (expletive) happy.” He also spoke of John’s pandemic struggles as he battled depression and tinnitus offering, “We didn’t know if we would ever be able to do this again,” gesturing to the crowd, “this is what we love to do, perform and party with all of you!” The soul baring moment served as the perfect transition to “Younger Me,” a song that T.J. personally and emotionally relates to. 

After a long and well deserved ovation after the song wrapped the brothers resumed the rollicking with “Rum,” “Weed, Whiskey and Willie” and a brilliant acoustic cover of “Folsom Prison Blues,” that featured Johns wife Lucy, who just so happened to be celebrating a birthday. 

The energy and vibe from the Brothers Osborne throughout the invigorating set was only exceeded by the enthusiasm and emotions from the disappointingly small crowd. As the 18-song, one hour and thirty-five minute set began winding towards a close, Brothers Osborne had saved the best for last.

Working the crowd into a frenzy like well seasoned artists do, they closed the night with a potpourri of their biggest hits from their first two LP’s plus a surprise or two for the casual fans. Radio stalwart “I’m Not For Everyone” set the tone and was quickly followed by a surprise cover of the Rolling Stones mega hit “Honky Tonk Woman,” that featured openers Tenille Townes and Travis Denning that had everyone in the venue doing their best impersonation of the iconic Mick Jagger.  As the standing crowd roared their approval for the ‘Stones classic, the Brothers Osborne tore into a extended version of one of the groups signature hits, “It Ain’t My Fault” then ending the night in a neon enhanced, skeleton spectacle, “All Night.”

With this being only the third show of their 2021 tour, the Brothers Osborne performance was precise and entertaining . Everyone in the venue seemed to be taken aback by the energy, song choice and over all enthusiasm displayed tonight by the Brothers Osborne. Whether it was John’s smoking guitar work, T.J.’s soul baring words or deep resonating vocals, the brothers have created a foundation that works. Gone are the raw, minimalist shows that we were all a part of in their earlier years, replaced with a polished stage presentation that is now aimed towards the pure enjoyment of their fans. If you’re a fan, snatch up those tickets for the upcoming shows now, they sell out quick. If not, what are you waiting for? The future of country music is now, and you were in attendance tonight, you’ll agree its in good hands with the Brothers Osborne!

Brothers Osborne:
 

Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre: