After several years away from the road, Rascal Flatts officially reunited on Thursday (Feb. 13) for their Life Is A Highway Tour, marking their first tour since 2019 and celebrating 25 years as a band. The show was a testament to their musical legacy, deep connection with fans, and the undeniable magic they create together on stage.
Following high-energy opening sets from Chris Lane and Lauren Alaina, the arena buzzed with anticipation as the lights dimmed and Thin Lizzy’s The Boys Are Back in Town blasted through the arena. Moments later, one by one, the trio stepped onto the stage, receiving a roaring welcome from the sold-out crowd at the Ford Center in Evansville, Indiana.
Kicking off their long-awaited reunion, Rascal Flatts launched into “Here’s To You,” a song written as a tribute to the fans who have supported them from the very beginning. Emotions ran high as cheers and applause filled the venue, and some fans were even brought to tears at the sight of the band together again.
With a nod to the “girls in the front row singin’” and the “boys with the wheels that bring them,” the group kept the energy high, even throwing in the chorus of “The Boys Are Back in Town” to celebrate their comeback.
Without skipping a beat, the band went right into “Yours If You Want It” and the beloved “Fast Cars and Freedom” as the massive singalong continued amongst the packed-out crowd.
“25 years of Rascal Flatts, I cannot believe it,” Jay DeMarcus shared during the show.
“A lot has changed in 25 years. How many of y’all came to see us when you were a kid yourself, but now you’re bringing kids with you and you can drive and all that stuff…You know what I’m talking about? I mean, if you wanted to listen to our music when we first came out, you had to have a cassette player or a CD player. Some of y’all don’t even know what that is anymore,” he added with a laugh.
DeMarcus went on to thank the fans for their unwavering loyalty, and admitted that the band is truly feeling the love.
“So much has changed in 25 years, but I’ll tell you one thing that has not changed is the Rascal Flatts family are still the best fans on the face of the entire planet. You have loved us and stood by us even when we weren’t on the road the last five years. And the love we feel here tonight is absolutely astounding.”
They reminded listeners to persevere with 2006’s “Stand,” transported them back to simpler times with “Mayberry” and delivered a poignant message of hope with “My Wish.”
It’s moments like these—watching thousands of fans sing every word—that make you realize these songs are more than just music. They’re the soundtracks to people’s lives, playing a role in graduations, weddings, and countless other life milestones. Seeing that connection firsthand is truly something special.
After bringing up the tempo with a rousing rendition of “Banjo,” Gary Levox and Jay DeMarcus left the stage for a brief moment to allow Joe Don Rooney a moment in the spotlight.
“It feels pretty good, doesn’t it,” Rooney marveled while taking in the crowd. “It’s been a little bit for all of us, but it’s been a little bit for myself as well. And my what a five years it’s been.”
After thanking fans “from the bottom of my heart” for showing up, Rooney took a moment to address his 2021 accident, which led him to become sober and lean into his faith.
“Some of you might’ve heard, but some of you might not know, but on September 9th, 2021, I hit a tree and luckily I’m still alive. I am really grateful that nobody else was involved and I didn’t hurt myself too badly,” he said solemnly. “Praise God…I was able to get the help I needed and I need it for a long time.”
As fans applauded his honesty, he continued, “I’m telling you right now, if anybody any of y’all, if you know somebody, speak up, talk, connect with somebody, because I promise you somebody loves you way more than what you’re going through.”
He then delivered a heartfelt, solo rendition of “I’m Moving On,” from Rascal Flatts’ debut album.
@countrynow.com over a decade later, “Bless The Broken Road” still hits hard @Rascal Flatts ♬ original sound – CountryNow.com
The hits continued throughout the evening, with the second half of the show featuring some of the best-known songs from the band’s catalog, including, “These Days,” “Bless The Broken Road,” and “What Hurts The Most.”
Keeping the energy up through the very last note, Rascal Flatts closed out the show with “Summer Nights” and “Life Is A Highway” featuring special guests Lauren Alaina and Chris Lane.
It was all-around an unforgettable night. Fans might have expected a few hiccups or awkward first-show moments, but there was none of that—honestly, it was as if they had never left. Gary LeVox’s vocals were as powerful as ever, and their songs still sound as fresh and as relevant as ever.
After 25 years together, this tour is more than just a return to the stage; it’s a well-earned celebration of a band whose music has left a lasting mark on so many lives, and that was more evident than ever on Thursday night in Evansville.
The post Rascal Flatts Kick Off 25th Anniversary Tour With Emotional, Hit-Filled Reunion appeared first on Country Now.
