Morgan Wallen Addresses Controversy in Fiery Arizona Concert
Morgan Wallen’s “I’m the Problem” tour made a stop at State Farm Stadium in Arizona, and the performance was nothing short of explosive. The country star, whose latest album of the same name was holding the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s album chart, didn’t shy away from addressing the controversies that have plagued his career.
The evening began with a surprise as Arizona Diamondbacks legend Randy Johnson escorted Wallen to the stage. Wallen’s previous album, “One Thing at a Time,” dominated the charts for 19 weeks, setting a record for a country act. This success followed his multi-platinum breakthrough with “Dangerous,” which Billboard hailed as the most successful album of the century thus far. His popularity necessitated a two-night stand at the stadium to accommodate ticket demand.
Controversies and Image
Wallen’s choice to name his tour and album “I’m the Problem” is telling. In early 2021, a video surfaced showing Wallen using a racial slur and other offensive language. The fallout was swift: his label suspended his contract, and major streaming platforms and radio chains removed his music. Wallen attempted to mitigate the damage by retreating from the public eye, entering rehab, donating to Black music organizations, and apologizing for his actions.
In April 2024, further controversy arose when he was arrested in Nashville for throwing a chair off the roof of a bar. He pleaded guilty to reckless endangerment and received a sentence of seven days in a DUI education center and two years of probation.
Adding to the turmoil, Wallen abruptly left the set of “Saturday Night Live” before the show concluded, posting an Instagram story with the caption, “Get me to God’s country.”
Despite these incidents, Wallen’s record sales continued to soar, and he seemingly embraced the image of a flawed individual who often makes impulsive decisions. This relatability may be a key factor in his continued popularity.
Confronting the Narrative
During the Arizona concert, the screens displayed headlines criticizing Wallen, labeling him “America’s Problem” and highlighting his controversies, including mask protocol violations and accusations of not being “real country.” This visual backdrop set the stage for a performance of “I’m the Problem,” a song about a troubled relationship rather than his public controversies.
The performance culminated in a theatrical display where Wallen doused the runway with a liquid resembling gasoline and struck a match, creating a pyrotechnic spectacle. He then returned to the stage wearing a Randy Johnson baseball jersey for a three-song encore, concluding with “The Way I Talk.”
The Setlist
The setlist heavily featured tracks from “I’m the Problem,” with 13 of the album’s 37 songs making the cut. Highlights included “I Got Better,” “Love Somebody,” and the Post Malone collaboration “I Had Some Help” (performed without Malone). A poignant rendition of “Superman” resonated with the audience.
Ella Langley joined Wallen for a duet on “What I Want,” and Miranda Lambert contributed to a performance of “Cowgirls.” Wallen’s commanding stage presence and connection with the lyrics were amplified by his six-piece backing band.
Intimate Moments
Midway through the show, Wallen moved to a smaller stage in the crowd for an unplugged mini-set. This segment featured standout vocals on Jason Isbell’s “Cover Me Up,” an emotional “I’m a Little Crazy,” and a mournful “Sand in My Boots” with Wallen on piano.
Wallen emphasized his connection with his fans, reminiscing about his early career when he played smaller venues. He acknowledged the difficulty of connecting with the audience in a large stadium but aimed to bridge that gap through the intimate mini-set.
Opening Acts: Miranda Lambert and Ella Langley
Miranda Lambert delivered a high-energy performance, opening with “Kerosene” while wearing a sequined Arizona state flag T-shirt. She showcased her discography with a seven-piece band. A solo acoustic performance of “Thought You Should Know,” a Wallen hit she co-wrote, was a highlight. Lambert concluded with a series of rowdy hits, including “Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home)” and “Gunpowder & Lead.”
Ella Langley’s set began with the sound of crackling vinyl, transitioning from Hank Williams to Rihanna. Langley, dressed in a black dress and silver belt buckle, channeled a blend of Linda Ronstadt and Gretchen Wilson. Her performance included a cover of Wilson’s “Here For the Party” and a heartfelt rendition of “Hungover.”
Zach John King
Zach John King opened the show, sharing that it was his first time playing in a stadium. He performed original songs and a cover of Toby Keith’s “Should’ve Been a Cowboy.”