Tyler Childers’ Powerful Voice and Undeniable Talent Sells Out The Greek Theater

On April 27, Tyler Childers performed at Berkeley’s Greek Theater. Childers is a rare commodity on the West Coast, rarely performing in California. Unsurprisingly, his show sold out immediately. In fact, many of my friends and family who tried to get presale tickets on ticketmaster were unable to buy them, ultimately buying resale tickets or listening from outside the Greek Theater.

The hype around the show made sense the moment he started his set. His voice was powerful, his songs engaging, and his band talented. Something unique about Childers’ show was that he never seemed to take a break; the instrumental transitions between songs were so seamless and quick that the audience could barely hear the difference. The show clearly was well-produced and planned, and Childers’ powerful voice filled the Greek like no other.

The set on stage was fairly basic (perhaps even a little old-school). There was a ram statue, fake grass, large wooden cases to hold their instruments, and a singular wooden coat rack that held only Childers’ beanie. The simple stage allowed the audience to tune into Childers’ voice and his band’s talent.

While his set was well-produced and seamless, Childers still managed to make the show feel personal and close-knit. He gave each member of the band lengthy introductions and praise, telling the audience not only their names and hometowns, but also personal anecdotes about each one. He made sure his gratitude for the band was clear.

In addition, around 10 p.m., Childers’ band left the stage. To finish the show, Childers’ dedicated his acoustic cover of Cory Branan’s “Sour Mash” to his friend, Michael Stallings (or ‘Moonshine Mike’) who died of leukemia in 2022. The show ended on an emotional and sentimental note, with Childers’ tearing up on stage.

Overall, Tyler Childers gave the Greek one of the best produced and most intimate shows I have seen. The Childers hype is deserved. He is a must-see performer, whether you know every word to each of his songs, or this is your first time hearing of him.

     Article by Eliza Sheer