The country singer cut one usual tradition from the show
Zach Bryan on stage at Anfield Stadium
Zach Bryan on stage at Anfield Stadium(Image: Liverpool Echo)
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For a performer making his first-ever visit to Liverpool, Zach Bryan looked remarkably at home beneath the towering stands of Anfield. The Oklahoma-born country star took to the stage on Friday night, June 12, in front of a packed crowd, joining an illustrious list of artists who have graced Liverpool FC's famous ground, including Elton John, Taylor Swift, The Eagles and The Rolling Stones.
Yet despite the weight of history surrounding the venue, Zach’s focus was firmly on the thousands of cowboy-hat-wearing fans who had turned out to welcome him. "We came to blow this roof off, so come do it with us," he declared early in the set, setting the tone for an evening that balanced stadium-sized energy with the intimate storytelling that has made him one of the biggest names in modern country music.
The crowd needed little encouragement. From the opening moments, Anfield became a sea of voices, singing back every word as he worked through a set packed with fan favourites and emotional anthems. The singer-songwriter appeared genuinely overwhelmed at times - taking moments before and throughout songs to express his appreciation for the city.
Zach Bryan fans arrive at Anfield for his show tonight
Zach Bryan fans arrive at Anfield for his show tonight(Image: Liverpool Echo)
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At first glance, Anfield appeared surprisingly sparse, with plenty of empty seats visible. However, any concerns about attendance were short-lived. Within minutes of the opening chords to Opening The Gate ringing out, the stadium had filled out, and once the crowd began stomping and clapping in unison, the true size of the audience became clear.
The ground shook beneath thousands of feet, producing a thunderous soundtrack that matched the scale of the occasion. As expected, tracks such as Something in the Orange, I Remember Everything, and Pink Skies showcased the star's ability to connect with audiences on an emotional level, with thousands of fans hanging on every lyric.
By the time the final notes took over Anfield, Zach had more than fulfilled his opening promise. He may not have literally blown the roof off Liverpool's stadium, but he certainly left a lasting impression on everyone beneath it.
Zach Bryan fans outside Anfield Stadium
Zach Bryan fans outside Anfield Stadium(Image: Iain Watts)
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For a first visit to Liverpool, it was one hell of an introduction. Zach delivered everything and more, but there was one moment during the evening that was missing from the set.
Knowing Zach’s tradition of inviting a fan on stage for Heading South, I couldn't help but keep an eye out for Liverpool musician Louis Gibney. After more than 200 days of posting covers in the hope of catching his attention, Anfield felt like the perfect setting for his story to come full circle. However, the song, my favourite of Zach’s, came and gone, and there was no microphone or fan interaction.
It was confirmed to the ECHO that Zach was due on stage at 8pm, but he didn't appear until noticeably later. After posting a few TikToks from the show, it quickly became clear I wasn't the only one wondering what had happened. The comments section was flooded with the same question: "Did that lad get to go up?"
Louis Gibney has done all he can to be the lucky fan invited on stage to perform alongside Zach Bryan at Anfield
Louis Gibney has done all he can to be the lucky fan invited on stage to perform alongside Zach Bryan at Anfield(Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)
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Zach did, however, ensure the night ended in spectacular fashion. If there was a budget for fireworks, nobody appeared to have told the production team. The sky above the stadium erupted into a relentless display of colour, smoke and explosions, lighting up the Liverpool skyline with every repeated chorus of Revival.
At one point, it felt less like a concert and more like the final battle scene from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, with bursts of light firing across the night sky from every direction. It was loud, dramatic and gloriously over the top - the perfect ending to a night that proved Zach Bryan's first visit to Liverpool was one neither he nor the fans will forget in a hurry.
Zach Bryan Anfield setlist
Overtime
Open the Gate
Appetite
Say Why
Dawns
God Speed
Heavy eyes
Drowning
Motorcycle drive by
Something in the orange
Fifth of May
The good I'll do
Pink skies
Oklahoma Smokeshow
Bowery
Oak island
'68 Fastback
Nine Ball
River and creeks
Burn burn burn
Easy side of sorrow
Heading south
I remember everything
Revival