Review: Tyler Childers @ The Drive 24/02/25
“Tyler Childers has it all. He rocks with the best, tells stories like a folk legend and knows when to lighten the mood with comic relief.”
Words and Images by Justin White
Tyler Childers @ The Drive 24/2/2025
As I walked past the historic Adelaide Oval, the overcast sky felt like a distant memory. The sun broke through as I stepped into The Drive - a venue designed for world-class tennis, but one that also has a rich history as a music venue. I, for one, am a big fan of its alter ego.
Tonight I felt out of place without my blue jeans, cowboy boots, and Akubra. The crowd, eager and eclectic, flooded in as soon as the doors opened. There was a real juxtaposition of punters as some dressed to impress, snapping selfies for social media, while others looked to have come straight from the farm. Some gigs just have a special buzz about them, and tonight was one of those.
As the sun set behind the stage, bathing the crowd in golden light, opener Willi Carlisle took on the daunting task of performing solo on a massive stage. The Kansas native captivated the audience with storytelling and poetry, some songs backed by guitar or banjo, others stripped bare in haunting a cappella. A perfect warm-up for Adelaide’s dip into American country music.
By nightfall, a cool breeze wove through the impressive 4,000-strong crowd. The Drive is an open-air stadium where all patrons are under cover, safe from the harsh sun, yet open enough to avoid feeling trapped in a dark, soulless venue – the best of both worlds in my opinion.
Excitement spiked as the lights dimmed. A vintage TV flickered centre stage before Tyler Childers and his seven-piece band, The Food Stamps, appeared. The stage, erected like a stylish grandparent’s living room – antique couches strewn with instruments – radiated warmth and added a sense of homeliness as the music started. It felt like a family reunion.
The show kicked off with ‘In Your Love’ and ‘Country Squire’ and by the time we reached ‘I Swear to God’, the crowd was in full voice. Having kept an eye on previous shows on the tour, I knew we were in for a long setlist. However, what impressed me most was how varied each show was in terms of song selection. Unlike the usual big production shows which are constrained by a rigid, locked-in setlist, Tyler Childers’ shows have more freedom, leading to a unique experience from city to city.
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After ‘Shaking the Frost’ Childers took a moment to speak about his latest album, Rustin' in the Rain (2023), before launching into the title track, with the band kicking it up a gear, reminiscent of an electric ‘70s rock band.
An early highlight of the set for me was ‘All Your’n’. The crowd embraced their loved ones and friends, and in that moment, it was clear why Childers’ music is so special to so many. Watching the band trade solos, I wasn’t sure who was having more fun – the musicians or us. Each member had their moment in the spotlight before they cleared the stage, leaving Childers to share an intimate moment with the not-so-intimate crowd.
Have you ever seen 4,000 people in the palm of one man’s hand? That’s what the next few songs felt like. ‘Matthew’ rolled effortlessly into a John Prine tribute with ‘Paradise’. Childers spoke of touring’s challenges before playing ‘Lady May’ a heartfelt ode to his wife – one of many moments where phones lit up to capture the magic.
This solo section reminded me why I fell in love with Childers’ music. He seamlessly shifts from electrifying country rock to raw, acoustic intimacy. ‘Nose on the Grindstone’ closed out this part of the show, the crowd singing so loud it drowned him out.
Golden beams of light doused the stage as the band returned. ‘Old Country Church’ hit with rich organ tones and stained-glass visuals. ‘Whitehouse Road’ was my undeniable highlight – I stood at the top of the stands, watching the entire crowd sway to its infectious rhythm. ‘Honky Tonk Flame’ brought back the classic rock-style jam as the band embarked on another impressive run. Then, Childers addressed the crowd: “I don’t know how many Tyler Childers shows you’ve been to, but I’ve been to a few. I’ll tell you what’s going to happen next – the piano will start playing, signalling that the end is near. We have three more songs, and then we’re going to get on a plane and fuck off far away… to Perth.”
A sinister banjo intro set the stage ablaze for ‘House Fire’ – one last hurrah before the final, gentler ‘Universal Sound’ closed out this memorable show.
Tyler Childers has it all. He rocks with the best, tells stories like a folk legend and knows when to lighten the mood with comic relief. Above all, Childers performs with the passion and intensity of a man who treats every show like it’s the one he’ll be remembered for. What a privilege it was for Adelaide to be included on this tour. Love and camaraderie radiated in the air, as exemplified by one corner singing DJ Ötzi’s ‘Hey Baby’ as they left the unique venue.
In the words of Tyler Childers: “Until next time, I hope to see you all again. If I don’t, have a nice life.”
Want more pics of the gig? Check out our full photo gallery here.
