One thing Rascal Flatts never do—leave you wondering who in the world their opening act is. Some concerts you walk into no-namers trying to get their big break, but time and time again Rascal Flatts brings artists on tour with them that are just as enjoyable and you’re able to sing right along. This is smart, Chris Young and Luke Bryan had a helping hand getting the crowds energy level up for the entire hour and a half that their opening acts played. By the time Rascal Flatts came on it was about 9:20 or so. They sure keep the anticipation high!

The anticipation was also high for another decade of great country music. Rascal Flatts have been together creating chart toppers for a decade now! I can remember back in high school watching CMT to see their music videos just as they were starting to climb the charts! This tour was all about their past 10 years of music. They started with the good stuff, the stuff that made them who they are today–all the way back to 2001! They started with songs like, “Praying For Daylight” and “I’m Moving On”. It felt like everyone there new these hits even from 10 years ago. Says a lot about a group when your fan base can sing to you your first hits from a decade ago!

Throughout the entire show Rascal Flatts was very engaged with the audience—almost too engaged. They talked too much on stage—I wanted to hear some more music!!! One thing they didn’t let get past anyone in Rupp Arena was how completely thankful they were for every single one of us out there. Without their fans, the decade of twelve #1 singles wouldn’t have been possible—as cliché as it sounds, it’s always nice to hear!

Throughout the night they drifted through their many, many hits while everyone sang along and waited to hear the song they came for. I felt they did a decent job getting all the songs out that you know people wanted to hear—just didn’t hear much of their new stuff off their recent album that just came out in 2010.

I think after a group is out for so long, you start to forget how talented they actually are. Rascal Flatts came out strong with their vocals. They are distinct and powerful and this was no different live. Although they were not a jump around, get crazy, mosh pit type of concert, this leaves time to recognize all the talent that springs from the group from Gary the lead singer all the way down to the fiddle player and drummer (two group members from Rascal Flatts are from Kentucky, too!)

The night at Rupp Arena (which they made sure to recognize the all powerful UK Wildcats—they’d be crazy not too) was a success! They made it very enjoyable for all ages and again showcased why they have been named country music’s “Artist’s of the Decade”. Excited for another decade of Rascal Flatts albums to come!

Click Here to View the Setlist for the Show
Click Here to See More Photos from the Show

Blogged by: Tara Vollman
Photos by: Paul Hooper