Photo Credit: Ross Bustin
On Saturday night, May 20, the Athens, Ga. ensemble, Futurebirds took the stage at the famed Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tenn., for the first time. The venue debut doubled as a sold-out affair for the band, who ran through a 22-track setlist before unleashing a five-song encore, which included two choice covers. Before the main event, opener Susto took the stage and warmed up the audience.
After walking out to Shania Twain’s “You’re Still the One,” Futurebirds landed on the Stan Rogers original “Northwest Passage” to kick off the night. Then, after a complete delivery of the 1981 tune, the band cut into their original material delivering “All Damn Night,” “Rodeo,” “Buffet Days,” and more.
Later on, Payton Bradford took the lead on 2013’s “Keith & Donna,” from the LP Baba Yaga, which arrived before “Megachills,” “Dirty D,” and another Bradford-led tune, “Red Top Girl.” Next, the band added “MJB,” followed by a take on John Anderson’s “Straight Tequilla Night.” Then, after another string of originals, they closed the main frame with “My Broken Arm.”
For the night’s encore, the Futurebirds started with “Ski Chalet” and Silver Jews’ original “How If You’re Lonely Tonight.” Finally, they tossed in “APO” before moving into a cover of Diarrhea Planet’s “Ghost With a Boner.” The band reprised notes of the encore opener to conclude their time at the Mother Church.
Photographer Ross Bustin was on location and shared a selection of choice shots from the concert. Scroll down to view.
View the band’s complete setlist here.
