Riley Green and Ella Langley [Michigan Lottery Amphitheater, Sterling Heights, MI] 05/31/2025

When the opportunity to review this show came up, it was absolutely a welcome bit of news. Not only because I rarely get to do these anymore with all the traveling I do for the job but I’m also big fans of both Riley and Ella. I remember when I first heard the announcement for this tour and thought to myself, damn, I hope I’m in town for that one. As luck would have it, I was. First review for me in 2025 and I only got to do one the whole calendar year of 2024, when I covered Faster Horses that July. I was ready to get back at it, especially with it being these two and this ‘Damn Country Music’ tour. I not only enjoyed the show, but I met and talked to some great people throughout the evening.

Both Riley and Ella mean something to me for different reasons. For Riley, I got to meet him last year at Faster Horses. I had the opportunity to chat with him for a few. At the end, I gave him a fist bump and said “have a great show.” I hadn’t really heard a lot from Riley at that time, but I liked his style and I liked the music that I’d heard so far. That was enough to get me interested and I thoroughly enjoyed his set that night. Since then I’ve only become a bigger fan.

As for Ella, I first heard a demo with a few tracks that a buddy sent me back in late 2022. When I heard her song ‘That’s Why We Fight’ with Koe Wetzel, I knew she had something special and I said to myself, “this girl is going to make it big.” I often joke with friends that I wish A&R people at record labels were still used as much as back in the day and were still as important as they were at one time. I’ve got like a 97% success rate of picking artists that I said were going to blow up or make it to the next level. Oh well, I’ll just keep making my predictions and keep track for myself.I didn’t notice any acts on the bill before Ella and Riley, but I was pleasantly surprised to walk in and hear Vincent Mason on stage. While I haven’t heard a lot from his catalogue, I do enjoy the song ‘Hell Is A Dance Floor’. I was fortunate enough to catch his last few songs and this was one of them so bonus.

Ella Langley came out next and she was everything I hoped she would be plus so much more. She looked stunning, sounded incredible and this crowd was definitely excited to see her play. Ella has had an incredible year and an especially notable last few months. A few singles getting good radio play and winning several ACM Awards, both by herself and with Riley Green. Not too bad for a first-time nominee. Her band was just oozing talent and had amazing chemistry together. From the show opener, ‘Weren’t For The Wind’, to ‘Girl You’re Taking Home’, a personal favorite of mine, the crowd sang along loud and proud. There were times when even Ella seemed to be in awe, maybe not realizing just how much Michigan was into what she’s got going on. I loved seeing the smiles and appreciation from both her and the band. I liked the cover of Gretchen Wilson’s ‘Hear For The Party’ and also hearing ‘Paint The Town Blue’. My favorite few moments, however, were when they started to play ‘That’s Why We Fight’. I love the song so much. The crowd erupted as well when they began to play it, singing word for word, they were obviously feeling the same thing that I was. Excellent set from Ella and the band. I can’t wait to see all that this lady achieves in the years to come.

The sun started going down, the intro kicked in, and anyone that wasn’t already in their seats quickly headed in to catch the headliner for the night. It was time for Riley Green, the building was buzzing and we were all ready for it. Such a good mix of hits, covers and tributes throughout the night. Those in attendance were eating up every moment of it. I had to laugh at all the people, especially females, who were wearing fake mustaches. Not sure if it was to pay tribute to the mustache that he’s had for so long and recently cut off, or if it was to protest that he actually did shave it. It was comical to see either way. He had some scruff coming back that night so he didn’t look as baby faced as he did when that picture first made its rounds.

All of my favorite songs were played including ‘Damn Good Day To Leave’, ‘Half of Me’, a song he did with Thomas Rhett, ‘I Wish Grandpa’s Never Died’, and ‘There Was This Girl’. So many things about the night and his show are worth mentioning. I love the fact that he had an actual bar on stage for him and his band. I also really thought he had such a tight, powerhouse of a band. Being a drummer, I couldn’t keep my eyes off of Riley’s drummer’s style. He’s such a physical drummer and it’s so much fun to watch him play. I love that so many of these artists have such incredible musicians backing their live shows. Some of these bands could easily knock out some upbeat and heavy hard rock just a well as doing up the country jams. Other songs highlights and moments worth noting for Riley include his excellent cover of ‘In Color’ by Jamey Johnson, and the song ‘Jesus Saves’, which I had never heard and absolutely loved. Ella came out to join him for both ‘Don’t Mind If I Do’ and ‘You Look Like You Love Me’, and his tribute to Toby Keith where he not only played a medley including ‘Should Have Been A Cowboy’ and ‘Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue’, but he also threw on the cowboy hat, which brought out thunderous cheers and roars from those in attendance. I love how a Riley Green show always makes you feel proud to be an American, like Cody Johnson and a few other folks out there currently. This was my second time seeing Riley and I look forward to show number three, whenever and wherever that happens to be.

Thanks Riley, Ella and Vincent for a great night of live country music at Freedom Hill, a venue I always enjoy going to. Always a pleasant staff, always well run and always a good experience. That sold out SE Michigan show was just what many of us needed to kick off the incredible summer and fall of concerts that we have coming up here in our part of the state. Thanks for entertaining us. Until the next one. 

Howie

See the entire Riley Green gallery here
See the entire Ella Langley gallery here