Justin Moore’s First Show After Son’s Birth Is an Emotional One [Pictures]
Justin Moore has played "Simple Man" before, but as he wrapped a lengthy set at Country Jam Colorado early Friday morning (June 16), he performed the Lynyrd Skynyrd cover with more empathy than ever before.
The song was indicative of the night, which came just four days after the birth of his first son, Thomas South Moore. Before the show, Moore told Taste of Country about the moment, sharing that he can't wait to teach the boy football and baseball. The message was echoed during long breaks between songs and seemingly more emphatic versions of his many emotional hits.
"Hank It" opened Moore's Country Jam set, and within minutes, he was shoulder-deep in a playlist that leaned heavily on his latest album, Kinda Don't Care. "You Look Like I Need a Drink" and the title track were two from the project; his current single "Somebody Else Will" was found early, with at least one more song from the record coming as he cruised toward the encore.
Between each, Moore reached back for hits like "Bait a Hook," the extra-meaningful "My Last Name" and "If Heaven Wasn't So Far Away," a ballad that came after a winding thank you to his fans that featured an order for anyone who isn't proud of their country, and the story of his grandfather. "How I Got to Be This Way" and "Small Town USA" came soon enough — like Billy Currington, you almost lose track of all of this country singer's hits until they're presented for you in a tidy 90-minute set.
"Simple Man" was Moore's only cover, coming just before "Point at You" closed the show. Fans may best remember the two songs that came prior however: An intro of "Guns" from Outlaws Like Me bled into "I Could Kick Your Ass," from Moore's debut album. That's a lot of aggression from a man with a full heart, and indeed, it was a softer performance of these songs than he's delivered previously.
Moore was happily in a post-baby glow, and who can blame him?
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