Dierks Bentley

Multi-platinum selling country music heartthrob Dierks Bentley certainly knows how to put on a show. The Arizona-born crooner, who has been hitting the Number 1 spot in the US charts since his debut, ‘What Was I Thinkin’ in 2003, still dominates the popular country and bluegrass scene, and sells out arena tours worldwide. His tell-it-like-it-is lyrical style and amped-up, guitar-led country jives are part of radio-friendly appeal, and as a live act Bentley doesn’t disappoint either, with a live band behind him as well as showing his prowess on guitar and melodically throaty vocals, and always showing his charisma and appreciation of the fans who come to his shows. He was extra-appreciative the night I saw him headline the AK-Chin Pavilion in his hometown of Phoenix, Arizona last month- telling the excitable crowd on multiple occasions throughout his set that ‘this is where the dream of being a country singer began for me’, and that ‘this is easily the best night of the tour’. Of course, the crowd went wild for such ecstatic words, and really let loose for all his hits, such as the foot-stomping ‘Lot Of Leavin’ Left To Do’ and the singalong favourite, ‘Drunk On A Plane’. The highlight though was when Bentley showcased his newer bluegrass material with a beautiful rendition of ‘Livin’ On A Prayer’. This was fun-filled night of pure, no-nonsense country music that got the entire arena dancing.