Tuesday night at Busch Stadium, genre lines disappeared entirely during “Post Malone’s Big Ass Stadium Tour.” There was no blurring — only a smooth blend of styles.
Post Malone, whose real name is Austin Post, began his career as a rap and hip-hop artist. In recent years, he has incorporated more of a country sound into his music. He still adds his own twists of R&B and trap beats.
Though officially the tour’s opening act, Jason DeFord — better known as Jelly Roll — acted like a co-headliner. The crowd cheered loudly when he was seen being escorted through the stadium, even before he climbed the stage stairs.
Like Malone, Jelly Roll started as a rapper in Nashville. Over time, he has embraced the modern country scene and gained acceptance there. Both artists have multiple Grammy nominations and have won country music awards. Their success spans many musical styles, all of which were on full display Tuesday night at the Cardinals’ home.
The concert opened with Chandler Walters, a young artist new to the spotlight but experienced in music. At just 22, Walters is a talented songwriter and steel guitar player who has even written songs for Post Malone. Though his set was short, it felt like a promising start to his career.
Next up was Sierra Ferrell, a West Virginia singer-songwriter with four Grammy wins. She and her band wore matching shirt-and-scarf outfits, bringing an old-school country feel to the stage. Her style was a throwback to the days when country bands looked like a twangy version of the Glenn Miller Orchestra.
Ferrell performed her own songs, including “Dollar Bill Bar” and “Jeremiah.” She also covered classics like “Me and Bobby McGee” and Dolly Parton’s “Here I Am.” The only downside was the crowd was still arriving, so fewer people got to enjoy her full performance.
Jelly Roll then took the stage with his band, greeting the crowd with big waves and bright smiles. Known for his large size, he still moved energetically, moving from band member to band member and dancing at the front of the stage.
His show was not just a party. Before performing his hit “I Am Not Okay,” Jelly Roll shared a heartfelt speech. The audience sang along, holding signs about overcoming struggles like addiction and cancer.
He closed his set with “Need A Favor” and “Save Me,” both met with loud cheers from the crowd.
Post Malone took the stage next, under red lights and fireworks. He performed more than two dozen songs with high energy, though at times it seemed tiring. The crowd stayed fully engaged, cheering at every song and gesture.
He opened with “Texas Tea” and played hits like “Wrong Ones,” “Hollywood’s Bleeding,” and “Losers,” which featured Jelly Roll returning for a guest appearance. Malone connected with the audience warmly, often making heart shapes with his hands and smiling.
Sierra Ferrell joined Malone on stage for “Never Love You Again.” The second half of the show featured fan favorites such as “Pour Me a Drink,” “Finer Things,” and “Sunflower.”
At one point, Malone stood on a raised platform in the middle of the field, reminding fans that when he first found fame in the 2010s, critics said he would be a one-hit wonder. Now, with six number-one hits and 22 top-20 singles, as well as guest appearances on other tracks, Malone ended his show with “Congratulations.”
The “Big Ass Stadium Tour” will continue across the United States and Canada through June. Afterward, the tour heads to Europe for shows in August and September.
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