BY J. CUZMAN

Tim McGraw returned to Indianapolis with his Standing Room Only tour on April 18, 2024, packing the Gainbridge Fieldhouse with a performance that left fans roaring for more. From the moment McGraw stepped on stage, it was clear that this tour was designed to reflect the depth of his long career, while bringing something new and powerful with his latest hits. The night showcased McGraw’s rich catalog of hits, blending classic favorites with his newer material in a way that resonated deeply with the crowd.

Kicking off the evening with “Truck Yeah,” McGraw wasted no time setting a high-energy tone. The crowd, many of whom had been tailgating and donning their finest cowboy boots, jumped to their feet as the country megastar belted out the anthemic hit. He seamlessly transitioned into “Southern Voice,” and then a nostalgic rendition of “All I Want Is a Life,” stirring memories for longtime fans.

One of the unexpected highlights of the night was McGraw’s heartfelt cover of Elton John’s “Tiny Dancer.” His smooth vocals, paired with minimal instrumentals, added a touch of intimacy to the otherwise electric night. A stunning blend of country and rock, it was a crowd favorite that evening. Fans were equally taken with his short but poignant rendition of Nelly’s “Over and Over,” which brought a unique genre crossover moment to the show.

McGraw’s ability to control the stage is second to none. Whether it was the tenderness of “Just to See You Smile” or the foot-stomping fun of “Shotgun Rider,” he effortlessly engaged the audience, balancing high-energy tracks with heartwarming moments. His live vocals were on point all evening, with particular emotional depth showcased in tracks like “Red Ragtop” and “Highway Don’t Care,” which had the audience swaying, hands in the air.

But the peak of the night was undoubtedly the performance of his latest single and tour namesake, “Standing Room Only.” McGraw poured his heart into the song, with its themes of living fully and making the most of every moment striking a chord with the audience. This track, more than any other, encapsulated the purpose of the night: to appreciate where we are while looking forward to what’s next.

As the lights dimmed and the crowd began to chant, McGraw returned to the stage for a powerful encore, kicking things off with “The Cowboy in Me.” He followed it up with the inspiring “Humble and Kind,” a song that has become a signature closing piece in his setlist, before finishing with the emotional “Live Like You Were Dying.” Fans erupted in applause, fully immersed in the spirit of the evening.

Overall, Tim McGraw’s Standing Room Only tour in Indianapolis was nothing short of spectacular. His stage presence, incredible vocals, and connection with the audience made it a night to remember for fans of all ages. The balance between nostalgia and fresh tracks kept everyone engaged, proving that McGraw still has what it takes to dominate the country music scene.

Setlist:

1. Truck Yeah
2. Southern Voice
3. All I Want Is a Life
4. Tiny Dancer (Elton John cover)
5. Just to See You Smile
6. Over and Over (Nelly cover)
7. Shotgun Rider
8. One Bad Habit
9. Watch the Wind Blow By
10. Something Like That
11. Where the Green Grass Grows
12. Standing Room Only
13. Red Ragtop
14. Highway Don’t Care
15. I Like It, I Love It
16. Felt Good on My Lips
17. Real Good Man

Encore:

18. The Cowboy in Me
19. Humble and Kind
20. Live Like You Were Dying