The Zac Brown Band is one of the most popular country music groups performing today. Led by frontman Zac Brown, the band is known for hits like “Chicken Fried,” “Toes,” and “Homegrown.” When the Zac Brown Band goes on tour, fans not only get to see a high-energy show from Zac and the guys, but also get treated to an opening set from an up-and-coming act. So who is opening for the Zac Brown Band on their current tour? Let’s take a closer look.
Allen Stone
For the first leg of the Zac Brown Band’s 2022 tour, soul singer Allen Stone will be warming up the crowd. Stone is a Seattle-based performer known for his emotive vocals and connections to the neo-soul scene. The singer-songwriter achieved mainstream success with his song “Unaware,” which cracked the Top 40 on Billboard’s Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart in 2012. Stone has opened for artists like Train, Maroon 5, and John Mayer. His soulful sound should pair nicely with the Zac Brown Band’s country rock vibes.
Some key facts about Allen Stone:
- Full name: Allen Stone
- Born: April 28, 1987 in Chewelah, WA
- First album: Last to Speak (2004)
- Biggest hit: “Unaware” (2012)
Stone released his latest album, Building Balance, in 2021. He’ll be looking to win over crowds and gain new fans when he opens for the Zac Brown Band in 2022.
Morgan Wade
When the Zac Brown Band tour heads overseas to Europe and Australia in June 2022, up-and-comer Morgan Wade will take over as the opening act. Wade is a rising star in country music from Virginia. She only released her debut album Reckless in 2020, but it made a big impact in Nashville and landed her a record deal with Sony Music.
Wade’s music incorporates traditional country storytelling with a modern, youthful energy. Her songs tackle topics like small town life, young love, and chasing your dreams. Early singles like “Wilder Days” and “The Night” display her knack for writing relatable anthems. Morgan Wade’s fresh take on country will bring some youth and excitement to crowds before the Zac Brown Band takes the stage.
Key Morgan Wade Facts:
- Full name: Morgan Mykel Wade
- Born: June 10, 1995 in Floyd, VA
- First album: Reckless (2020)
- Biggest hit: “Wilder Days” (2021)
International crowds will get the chance to discover this rising star when Wade opens for the Zac Brown Band overseas.
Drake White
When the Zac Brown Band tour returns to the United States in August 2022, Drake White will take over as the support act. White is a Nashville-based singer-songwriter with a rock-influenced country sound. He first gained attention with the release of his acclaimed 2016 album Spark. The album produced the hit “Livin’ the Dream” and earned Drake White opening slots for artists like Willie Nelson, Little Big Town, and Dave Matthews Band.
In 2019, White experienced a health scare after a collapse on stage led to the discovery of an arteriovenous malformation in his brain. After emergency surgery and a long recovery period, White has returned to touring and recording new music. His 2021 EP The Optimystic showcases his mix of country, gospel, soul, and Americana influences.
Some key info on Drake White:
- Full name: Drake White
- Born: January 21, 1982 in Hokes Bluff, AL
- First album: It Feels Good (2013)
- Biggest hit: “Livin’ the Dream” (2016)
White’s high-energy live show and triumphant comeback story will inspire Zac Brown Band audiences on the U.S. leg of their tour.
Runaway June
When the Zac Brown Band plays their multi-night stand at Fenway Park in Boston in September 2022, rising country trio Runaway June will open the show. Comprised of singers Naomi Cooke, Hannah Mulholland, and Jennifer Wayne, Runaway June has been climbing the country charts since their debut in 2016.
The group blends tight vocal harmonies with a modern, empowering spin on country music. Songs like “Wild West” and “Buy My Own Drinks” have connected with audiences looking for strong female perspectives in the genre. Runaway June have opened for acts like Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Tim McGraw and will reach a new level opening Fenway Park shows for the Zac Brown Band.
Some Runaway June basics:
- Formed: 2016 in Nashville, TN
- Members:
- Naomi Cooke
- Hannah Mulholland
- Jennifer Wayne
- First single: “Lipstick” (2016)
- Most recent album: When I Think About Christmas (2021)
Runaway June’s harmony-filled tunes and girl power vibes will fire up crowds at the historic Fenway concerts.
Ingrid Andress
The final opening act on the Zac Brown Band’s 2022 tour also happens to be one of country music’s fastest rising stars. Ingrid Andress will open a run of shows in October and November 2022 as she continues to build her profile. The Colorado-based Andress broke out in 2020 with her acclaimed major label debut album Lady Like, which spawned the smash pop crossover hit “More Hearts Than Mine.”
Andress has earned praise for her vulnerable, confessional songwriting style. Songs like “Lady Like” tackle topics like sexuality, anxiety, and gender roles with a progressive perspective. Still early in her recording career, landing a supporting slot on the Zac Brown Band tour represents a major opportunity for Andress to gain exposure and win over country fans.
Ingrid Andress quick facts:
- Full name: Ingrid Ellen Andress
- Born: March 27, 1992 in Denver, CO
- First album: Lady Like (2020)
- Biggest hit: “More Hearts Than Mine” (2020)
The Zac Brown Band has chosen rising stars from the pop, rock, country, and Americana worlds to support them on their ambitious 2022 tour. While Zac Brown and company are undoubtedly the headliners fans are coming to see, they will also be treated to impressive opening sets from fresh faces like Allen Stone, Morgan Wade, Drake White, Runaway June, and Ingrid Andress. It’s a great platform for new artists to introduce their music to big crowds while also getting crowds excited for the main event. Whoever is the opening act, the Zac Brown Band puts on an incredible live show that fans won’t forget.
Previous Zac Brown Band Opening Acts
While the 2022 tour features some exciting up-and-coming openers, the Zac Brown Band has previously brought several established stars out on the road with them over their 15+ year touring career. Looking back, they have given huge opportunities early in their careers to artists like the Dave Matthews Band, Kenny Chesney, and Keith Urban. Other notable past opening acts on Zac Brown Band tours include:
Jimmy Buffett
The legendary Jimmy Buffett and his Coral Reefer Band supported the Zac Brown Band in 2010. At the time, Zac Brown was still a rising act, while Jimmy Buffett had been filling arenas for decades with his island-influenced tunes like “Margaritaville” and “Cheeseburger in Paradise.” It was a case of the established star helping out the young buck just making a name for himself.
The Doobie Brothers
In 2011, classic rock mainstays The Doobie Brothers joined the Zac Brown Band’s tour for select dates. The Doobie Brothers came along at a pivotal time as the Zac Brown Band was transitioning from playing smaller theaters into headlining amphitheaters and arenas. The Doobie Brothers are known for 70s and 80s hits like “Listen to the Music” and “Long Train Running.”
Blake Shelton
Two of country’s biggest acts hit the road together in 2011 as Blake Shelton supported pal Zac Brown on his summer tour. Shelton was just coming off a huge boost in popularity after becoming a judge on The Voice. He treated Zac Brown Band fans to tunes like “Honey Bee” and “God Gave Me You.”
Year | Opening Act |
---|---|
2010 | Jimmy Buffett |
2011 | The Doobie Brothers |
2011 | Blake Shelton |
Benefits of Opening for an Established Headliner
There are a number of advantages for up-and-coming acts who land supporting slots on tours with major headliners like the Zac Brown Band:
- Exposure to bigger audiences. They get to play in front of crowds 10-20 times the size of their own club or theater tours.
- National media and industry attention. Music critics, radio programmers, booking agents all check out openers.
- Build fanbase in new markets. Opening across the country helps expand their geographic popularity.
- Gain touring experience. Learn what it takes to captivate large crowds.
- Make important connections. Network with the headliner’s team and other industry insiders.
Of course, the biggest challenge is winning over audiences that aren’t necessarily familiar with your music. But the benefits outweigh the risks for most upstarts.
The chance to open for an act as popular as the Zac Brown Band in 2022 will be an invaluable career boost for Allen Stone, Morgan Wade, Drake White, Runaway June, and Ingrid Andress. They should all benefit greatly from the national exposure.
Why Choose Multiple Openers?
Some fans may wonder why the Zac Brown Band is utilizing five different opening acts, rather than just choosing one support act for the entire tour. There are a few likely reasons the band took this approach:
- Bring fresh energy city to city. Varying openers gives each show its own distinct vibe.
- Share the opportunity. Rotating openers allows the band to showcase multiple young talents.
- Appeal to wider audiences. Some fans will come out specifically to see the opener play.
- Keep their own sets special. Gives the Zac Brown Band the full focus as headliners each night.
So while it may seem more convenient to have one warm-up act play the entire tour, there are some clear benefits to the Zac Brown Band switching it up across different legs. The band has chosen to shine the spotlight on five rising country, rock, and pop acts.
How Do Artists Get Opening Slots?
Landing an opening slot on a major tour is a huge opportunity, but how exactly does an up-and-coming artist go about getting selected? There are a few common paths these choice gigs come along:
- Going through booking agents. Talent agents pitch their young acts to fill open slots.
- Label relationships. Record companies suggest their developing artists.
- Personal connections. Mutual managers, peers or past collaborations help form opportunities.
- Impressing at festivals. Standout festival sets capture headliner’s attention.
Of course, delivering an attention-grabbing live performance is the most critical element. But managers, agents, and labels lobby hard to get their new artists considered for prominent tour openings.
Many of the Zac Brown Band’s 2022 openers have direct Nashville connections that likely factored in. For instance, Ingrid Andress is signed to the Warner Music Nashville label along with Zac Brown Band. Morgan Wade shares the same management company as Zac Brown Band in Red Light Management. So those career intersections undoubtedly helped get them in the mix for opening slot consideration.
Conclusion
The Zac Brown Band has assembled an exciting and diverse lineup of rising talent to open their 2022 tour. Fans will get the chance to discover some of the best emerging acts in rock, pop, and country music today before singing along to Zac Brown Band hits. It’s a win-win scenario that helps spotlight deserving new artists, while also guaranteeing consistently thrilling shows from start to finish. The lucky regional acts selected to get the party started each night will earn invaluable exposure and career boosts from the plum opening slots. After getting warmed up properly, crowds will then be treated to the tight musicianship and dynamic performances the Zac Brown Band is known for. It’s set to be another epic tour for the country rock heavyweights.