Charley Crockett Shines at Austin City Limits

News Summary

Charley Crockett’s latest album, ‘Lonesome Drifter,’ captivated fans with a thrilling performance at the 51st season of Austin City Limits. The energetic show showcased his storytelling abilities, new musical elements, and an encore of fan favorites. As excitement builds for his upcoming tour with Leon Bridges, the community spirit surrounding Crockett’s music illustrates the growing connection between artists and audiences in contemporary country music.

Austin

What Happened

Charley Crockett has made waves with his latest album, Lonesome Drifter, which debuted as he performed at the 51st season of Austin City Limits (ACL) at the Moody Theater. This performance marked his second appearance on the iconic television show, with the first occurring during the pandemic when health protocols limited audience interaction. However, the recent ACL show filled the venue with thousands of fans donning Stetson hats and cowboy boots, eager to experience Crockett’s energetic performance.

Who Is Affected

Fans of country music, specifically those who enjoy left-of-center styles, are experiencing a renewed excitement as Charley Crockett continues to share his passion for storytelling through music. The vibrant atmosphere of his recent performance allowed audience members to connect with Crockett on a personal level as he shared anecdotes about his life in South Texas and his admiration for legendary artists like Willie Nelson and Townes Van Zandt. Additionally, his collaboration with Shooter Jennings on Lonesome Drifter introduces new musical elements, showcasing a shift toward a more electric sound.

Official Response

Reviews of Lonesome Drifter have resulted in a positive reception, earning a score of 7.2 from Pitchfork. Insights reveal that while maintaining his roots in country music, Crockett’s latest work showcases a unique blend of influences that contribute to his evolving sound. Furthermore, the recognition and support from fellow artists and fans indicate a robust endorsement of his contributions to the music industry.

Impact

The enthusiastic reception at the ACL show demonstrates the significant impact that Charley Crockett has had on contemporary country music. His high-energy performance captivated the audience, featuring new songs alongside fan favorites from his past albums. Notably, during his encore, he treated fans with “Run Horse Run” from his 2020 album, Welcome to Hard Times. The warmth of the attendees made Crockett feel accepted, especially after his self-professed feelings of being an outsider within the music scene. The strong community spirit surrounding his performance highlights the connection between artist and audience in the realm of live music.

What’s Next

Looking ahead, Charley Crockett is set to embark on The Crooner & The Cowboy Tour, where he will perform alongside singer-songwriter Leon Bridges. This tour will include a stop at the Moody Center in Austin on September 23, 2025, with Dave Alvin and Jimmie Dale Gilmore as openers for Texas shows. The collaboration showcases the enduring friendship between Crockett and Bridges, emphasizing their musical heritage rooted in Texas culture. Ticket presales for the tour start on March 25, 2025, with public sales launching on March 28, 2025. Additionally, for each ticket sold, $1 will be donated to Bridges’ charity, The Big Good, supporting various causes throughout North Texas.

Additional Events

Beyond the concert, Charley Crockett participated in the Rolling Stone’s Musicians on Musicians series alongside Noeline Hofmann, which allowed both artists to share their backgrounds and experiences in the music industry. Crockett’s narrative included a memorable moment from ten years ago when he gifted Leon Bridges a CD in Deep Ellum, Dallas, illustrating the long-standing connection these artists have formed over the years. Hofmann also shared her journey, emphasizing pivotal moments such as her debut performance that transformed her career.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Austin Launches Rolling Stone’s ‘Musicians on Musicians’ Tour
Rodeo Austin Begins with Spectacular Events
Leon Bridges and Charley Crockett Announce Tour
Rodeo Austin 2025: Celebrate in the Heart of Texas!

Additional Resources

• Austin Monthly: Charley Crockett Kicks Off Austin City Limits
• Wikipedia: Charley Crockett
• ACL TV: Giveaway: Charley Crockett
• Google Search: Charley Crockett
• Culture Map: Leon Bridges, Charley Crockett Tour
• Google Scholar: Charley Crockett
• KXAN: Charley Crockett Can’t Be Neutral on a Moving Train
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Charley Crockett
• Rolling Stone: SXSW Day Five: Charley Crockett
• Google News: Charley Crockett