“When I moved to Nashville sixteen years ago, I never would have dreamt that being a country singer would one day allow me to come to New York City to play music for you all,” David Nail tells a packed room Friday night at Irving Plaza. Nail, who just released his fourth studio album, Fighter, headlined the evening, playing songs from the album as well as hits that the crowd sang along to including “Red Light” and “Let It Rain.”
As an opening act, Nail brought along Texas native Ryan Beaver who entertained with plenty of songs off his most recent debut full-length album, RX. “Cheers to coming out and supporting live music,” Beaver said, taking a swig of his beer and launching into an energetic cover of the Foo Fighters’ “Times Like These.” Beaver gripped the audience’s attention and closed his opening set with “Dark.”
Nail filled his 90 minute set alternating between his well-known ballads and his more uptempo hits, even including a cover of Waylon Jennings’ “Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way.” His vocal ability and stage presence are undeniable and when he sings, it’s clear that every word is hitting him straight in the heart, which in turn allows the crowd to feel every emotion along with him. Encoring with “Whatever She’s Got,” he smiled as he held out the microphone and all of Irving Plaza sang the chorus back to him. To catch The Fighter Tour check out the remaining dates here.