Nickelback and Brantley Gilbert Light Up Coastal Credit Union Music Park

Raleigh, NC had a beautiful night filled with great music and great vibes as Nickelback brought their 2023 GET ROLLIN’ tour to town.

Words and Imaging by Belinda Reedy Hinton click on images to view full frame

While it’s true, there are times when hating on Nickelback is in fashion but let’s be real for just a bit. If people didn’t love them, then the tour wouldn’t be playing to the huge crowds they are. This tour is a must have, fun, experience.

Show opener Josh Ross had a very nice set. He played well to the crowd and has some pretty good connections with them. His performance needs to get a bit more energetic to hang with the other artists, but all in all, there’s a great bit of promising talent wrapped up there.

Brantley Gilbert attacked the stage as if he were on a mission to wear out the crowd before Nickelback had the opportunity to. He was incredible. A showman through and through, Gilbert had drawn the crowd in before the first song ended.

I wasn’t expecting the amount of pyrotechnics he used, but what a gorgeous show. He came to make us sweat, and he certainly did. He was just fun to watch. At one point during the second song he grabbed a stage camera and was aiming it at the crowd. That, of course, led to an even bigger response. By the time the set ended everyone was on their feet.

Nickelback took the stage at 9:10 PM, their first song “San Quentin” was filled with so much energy, once again everyone was on their feet and screaming. Followed by a very loud concussion boom at the end that lead to even more screaming. In fact, there was so much screaming, Chad Kroeger commented he felt there was a much larger female presence than male. He wasn’t wrong, the ratio had to be somewhere in excess of two to one to one. This included the photographers, which was refreshing to see.

Their second song, “Savin’ Me” slowed the momentum down for a much needed respite, joined them on stage to accompany them on acoustic and piano. Their vocals were on point. The visuals were also just gorgeous. It’s not only a great sounding show, but a fantastic show all the way around.

Full setlist for Nickelback: https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/nickelback/2023/coastal-credit-union-music-park-at-walnut-creek-raleigh-nc-3ba224cc.html

The venue, which I’ve not been to before , was quite lovely. The VIP area was large with nice, individual food vendors, an ample bar area, and comfortable tables and seating. The tables were set far enough a part to make it feel less crowded.

The interior, under roof,had a more intimate feel. The VIP seating was quite a bit closer than other venues. It was also set up with only four seats per box so not cramped at all. The traditional seating is generally good. Last night some of the front chairs weren’t set up, allowing for a small standing room only pit in front of the stage. The capacity, which I imagine, would be a tight fit in the lawn, seats is approximately 21,000

Some of the more interesting food and beverage options were fresh mini doughnuts, specialty coffee and kettle corn, in various flavors including, fruity pebbles, which I could smell from the parking area. The staff was welcoming and helpful, and sometimes downright hilarious. They were also incredibly attentive to details, patrons and safety. I had a great time all the way around.