Orville Peck’s Stampede Tour, a sonic and visual spectacle, was a testament to his undeniable talent and the power of his music at Boston’s MGM Music Hall on October 16th. The mysteriously masked singer, known for his distinctive Presley-esque baritone and country-infused indie pop, delivered an intimate and electrifying performance. From the moment Peck took the stage with “Big Sky,” the audience was captivated. His setlist was a carefully curated journey through his complete discography, featuring hits like “How Far Will We Take It?”, “C’mon Baby Cry” and “Turn to Hate”. Peck’s rich and resonant voice filled the venue with longing and melancholy. His songs, often tinged with themes of love, loss, and identity, resonated deeply with the audience.
One of the most striking aspects of Peck’s performance was his stage presence. His movements were fluid and graceful, and his timely stage banter was witty, engaging, and genuine. He had a knack for connecting with the crowd, creating a sense of intimacy even in a large venue. Passing out a dozen roses or so to familiar faces and bedazzled fans earned Peck even more endearing praise from the audience. The band behind him was equally impressive, providing a driving rhythm and soaring harmonies that complemented Peck’s vocals perfectly.
The visual elements of the show were just as captivating as the music. The stage was adorned with a stunning array of lights and a beautiful western skyline backdrop, complete with the singer’s name in a vintage-looking, multi-bulbed sign, creating a mesmerizing atmosphere. Peck’s wardrobe, a mix of vintage cowboy attire and modern streetwear, was stylish and provocative. His signature mask, a symbol of his anonymity and artistry, added mystery to the performance.
Highlights included the powerful ballad “The Curse of the Blackened Eye”. The audience was hushed into silence as Peck poured his heart and soul into the song, his voice quivering with emotion. It was a moment of pure musical beauty that left a lasting impression. “Cowboys Are Frequently Secretly Fond of Each Other”, a cover of Ned Sublette’s 1981 song Peck recently recorded as a duet with the country music icon Willie Nelson, also mesmerized his fans. Peck’s retelling of how the recording with Nelson came to be only helped set up the gravity of the song.
Peck treated the audience as an encore to a remarkable rendition of “Unchained Melody”. As a staple in his live performances, Peck has not only worked out every nuance of the song but has also managed to add his flair to make it his own. And for the finale, Peck tore through “Bronco”, a barnburner from his album of the same name. His adoring fans took in every word and note.
Orville Peck’s Stampede Tour was more than just a concert; it was an immersive experience that transported the audience to another world. His music, stage presence, and the show’s visual elements combined to create a truly unforgettable performance. As the final notes faded and the lights dimmed, the audience was left wanting more, hoping for a second encore.
