If you’ve attended a Las Vegas residency or two, you may be accustomed to the over-the-top theatrics these shows tend to display. With an abundance of extravagant entertainment, sometimes well-done, skill-focused simplicity becomes a welcome breath of fresh air. Keith Urban: The Las Vegas Residency masters that refreshing concept tenfold.
As Urban and his band play favorites like “Somebody Like You,” “One Too Many” and “Blue Ain’t Your Color,” the straightforward stage setup and beautifully coordinated lighting creates a nondistracting backdrop that allows each musician’s talent to shine. And the talent present on the stage is truly something that must be seen—and heard—to be believed.
Placing the focus on ability, Urban attaches a GoPro to the end of his guitar that displays his work on the large screens around the stage. Known as a top-tier guitarist, the music man lets the crowd get an up-close view as he strums away. It helps highlight just how incredible Urban is at what he does.
For more than two hours, the crew takes you on an upbeat musical journey, featuring No. 1 hits, covers, duets and even songs never played before, while also making room for solos. In fact, the solos make for some of the most exciting moments.
For a brief period during the proceedings, the spotlight shines on bassist Jerry Flowers, who plays a phenomenal rendition of John Legend’s “All of Me.” And then Nathan Barlowe, who plays the guitar and just about everything else, electrifies the crowd with a cover of Lenny Kravitz’s “Are You Gonna Go My Way” on a musical device he created called “The Phantom.” Admittedly, the songs they choose to play may change night to night, but regardless, you’ll wish these solos were full-length shows on their own; they’re outstanding.
What really sets this show apart is the connection Urban makes with his audience. It’s very apparent that the room is filled with fans who adore Urban, and it’s equally apparent Urban cares they get a fulfilling experience.
At the top, Urban takes the time to survey the audience’s posters and signs and pulls a lucky fan or two up on stage for a chat. That personal touch not only gets fans excited for the night to come, but it lets Urban’s charming charisma fill the room, captivating attendees.
He also spends some time in the middle of the crowd on a small pedestal-like stage. It not only brings him closer to his fans by proximity, but it creates an atmosphere with an air of intimacy, rounding out the experience. This is a memorable concert, and if you’re a Keith Urban fan, it’s one curated to be exceptionally special for you.
Planet Hollywood Resort, ticketmaster.com
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