Sturgill Simpson and Johnny Blue Skies Wow The Crowd in Georgia
Sturgill Simpson’s concert at Gas South Arena in Duluth, GA, was nothing short of electrifying. Playing to a sold-out crowd of 13,000 fans, Simpson held nothing back as he tore through an incredible 32-song set over three and a half hours. His voice remained unwavering and powerful, carrying over the roar of the crowd and the resonant hum of guitars. The energy was palpable from the start, and Simpson’s command over the arena only grew as the night went on. The music was loud, gritty, and unapologetically real, with each song feeling both immediate and timeless.
Fans were treated to beloved classics like “Long White Line,” “Turtles All the Way Down,” “Living the Dream,” and “Breakers Roar.” “Juanita,” a personal favorite of mine, drew cheers that felt like waves moving through the audience, connecting us all in shared excitement. The rich, clean guitar work gave these songs a fresh edge while staying true to the sound that has won Simpson his loyal fan base. Simpson’s intensity and authenticity came through with each performance, and it was evident that every note and lyric was rooted in passion.
The night also showcased tracks from his latest album, Passage Du Desir, which Simpson released under the alias Johnny Blue Skies. New songs like “Right Kind of Dream,” “One For The Road,” “Jupiter’s Faerie,” and “If The Sun Never Rises Again” added a different texture to the evening. These songs felt introspective and experimental, yet seamlessly woven into his setlist, revealing a new dimension of Simpson’s artistry while keeping his core essence intact. The crowd’s enthusiastic response to the new material showed how open they were to exploring this fresh chapter of his music.
While each original song was met with loud appreciation, some of the night’s most powerful moments came during Simpson’s cover performances. His renditions of “Purple Rain” by Prince, The Doors’ “L.A. Woman,” The Allman Brothers’ “Midnight Rider,” and “The Promise” by When In Rome were standouts. These covers were faithful yet distinctively “Sturgill,” paying homage while infusing each song with his own emotional intensity and style. The crowd’s reaction was explosive, amplifying the sense of collective joy and nostalgia.
From start to finish, the concert felt like a perfectly crafted journey. The meticulous arrangement of songs built an emotional arc, taking the audience through highs and introspective lows. Experiencing Sturgill Simpson live was a profound reminder of his versatility and raw talent. This was my first time seeing him live, and after such a powerful performance, it’s safe to say it won’t be my last.
Find tour dates and more details here on his website: https://sturgillsimpson.com/
Enjoy our previous coverage here: Sturgill Simpson Songs Ranked
Here: Show Review: Sturgill Simpson at The Criterion in Oklahoma City
and here: REVIEW: Johnny Blue Skies “Passage du Desir”