News Summary
Sturgill Simpson launched his tour in Asheville, NC, marking his return to the stage after a five-year hiatus. With an energetic three-hour performance, he entertained fans with a mix of original songs and unique covers, highlighting his eclectic musical style. The concert showcased his innovative approach while emphasizing a relaxed atmosphere, leaving fans eager for more.
Asheville, NC – Sturgill Simpson launched his much-anticipated tour at the ExploreAsheville.com Arena on May 20, 2025, delivering an energetic performance that marked his first concert in Asheville since his five-year hiatus from touring. This event is the first of two scheduled shows in the city, demonstrating Simpson’s return to the music scene that fans have awaited eagerly.
The concert kicked off with Simpson’s song “Living the Dream,” setting the tone for the night. He followed this with “Life of Sin,” which hails from his acclaimed album *Metamodern Sounds in Country Music*. Known for his diverse musical style, Simpson included a performance of “Make Art Not Friends,” which merges his country roots with a Japanese anime soundtrack, showcasing his eclectic influences.
Simpson’s performance came as part of his third concert since re-emerging after a long absence from the stage. The crowd embraced a family-friendly atmosphere, enjoying the show while seated and sipping on drinks, reflecting the relaxed mood of the evening. Notably, Simpson humorously acknowledged the cancellation of his last planned concert in Asheville that was originally scheduled before being disrupted by Hurricane Helene, which had caused significant local damage.
Throughout the three-hour set, Simpson delivered a mixture of original songs and unique covers, exemplifying his innovative approach to music. Traditional bluegrass tunes received a “lysergic treatment,” and the audience was treated to unexpected renditions of Nirvana’s “In Bloom” and Eddie Murphy’s “Party All the Time” in a reggae style. Accompanying him were band members drummer Miles Miller, bassist Kevin Black, and organ player Robbie Crowell, who maintained a steady rhythmic pulse that complemented Simpson’s relaxed performance style.
The concert featured subtle transitions between songs while crowd interaction remained minimal, emphasizing Simpson’s unassuming stage presence. Among the highlights was the penultimate track, “Fastest Horse In Town,” which showcased an impressive dual guitar jam, further highlighting the musical prowess of his band.
Despite the ambitious nature of the set, Simpson concluded the concert without performing the widely popular “You Can Have The Crown,” leaving some fans yearning for that fan-favorite. The show wrapped up at 11 p.m., leaving the Asheville audience satisfied after a remarkable blend of traditional country sounds and contemporary influences.
Following his Asheville performances, Sturgill Simpson is set to conclude his tour with additional shows scheduled in Charleston, SC, and Columbia, MD. He has also lined up sporadic festival dates, including FairWell in Redmond, OR, and Bourbon & Beyond in Louisville.
This concert, which took place in a venue with a rich history of hosting legendary acts, reflected Simpson’s grounded nature. He conveyed that he seeks no crowns or accolades, insisting on the authenticity of his art over the trappings of fame. The positive reception of the evening solidified Simpson’s place within the hearts of his fans, reinforcing his unique contribution to the landscape of modern music.
Overall, Sturgill Simpson’s return to the stage serves as a reminder of his enduring appeal and musical evolution, with fans eager to see what is next for the artist following his tour and subsequent studio recordings.
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HERE Resources
Asheville Celebrates Final Concert of the Season
Additional Resources
- Live for Live Music
- Rolling Stone
- Glide Magazine
- Pitchfork
- Billboard
- Wikipedia: Sturgill Simpson
- Google Search: Sturgill Simpson news
- Google Scholar: Sturgill Simpson
- Google News: Sturgill Simpson
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
