Florida Georgia Line shared an unforgettable evening with friends, family and a capacity crowd of fans during their first-ever headline appearance at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena last night (10/13).

Over the 90-minute set, Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley dished out nonstop, high-energy entertainment that included surprise appearances by Backstreet Boys, Nelly and Jake Owen.

Before the pyro-fueled pair took the main stage, FGL was honored at an exclusive party backstage filled with industry guests. Big Machine Label Group EVP/BMLG Records President Jimmy Harnen presented them with a plaque commemorating 2X PLATINUM sales for their #1 single “H.O.L.Y.” that topped the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart for an astonishing 18 weeks.

BMLG Records VP Promotion Matthew Hargis, Brian Kelley, BMLG EVP/BMLG Records President Jimmy Harnen, BMLG SVP of A&R Allison Jones, BMLG SVP of Sales, Marketing and Interactive Kelly Rich, BMLG COO Andrew Kautz and Tyler Hubbard

Photo Credit: Justin Mrusek

Kelley responded by acknowledging that it’s been “crazy, humbling and extremely special to get to this point” and promising “this is our hometown show, y’all, so we’re going to rock it!”

And they did. After opening sets by Kane Brown, The Cadillac Three and Cole Swindell, FGL’s band thundered into “This Is How We Roll” as Kelley and Hubbard descended from the ceiling on two platforms. Throughout the evening, they pumped up their performance with jaw-dropping special effects and scenery: pillars, jets of fire erupting in sync with their songs and spectacular bursts of steam shooting upward from across the stage. Juxtaposing their typical high-octane vibes, the duo made their way to a separate stage near the back of the venue to perform next to a laid-back campfire and a forest of towering trees seemed to appear from nowhere; a setting that laid the perfect foundation to sing the title track from their newest album, Dig Your Roots.

The full set also included “It’z Just What We Do,” “Round Here,” “Confession,” “Stay,” “Smooth,” “Dirt,” “Get Your Shine On” and their latest chart-rising single, “May We All” featuring Tim McGraw.

They also shared the spotlight with Backstreet Boys on “God, Your Mama, and Me” from FGL’s latest album, an ebullient Jake Owen on “Sun Daze” and Nelly, who helped bring the night to a rousing close on “Ride Wit Me,” “Hot In Herre” and “Cruise.”

At one point, as tens of thousands of fans cheered rapturously for their hometown heroes, Hubbard responded, “Nashville! You sound absolutely amazing!” Clearly that feeling was mutual.

FGL is deep into their DIG YOUR ROOTS TOUR, which continues through 11/17.

Featured photo by Justin Mrusek

Author

  • Juliet Schroder

    Juliet is the founder and executive producer/host of Celeb Secrets and Celeb Secrets Country. When not reporting on the latest news in pop culture and country music, she enjoys traveling, spending time with friends and family, and exploring the latest fashion trends. Juliet holds a B.S. in marketing from St. John's University.