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Jelly Roll offers salvation at sold-out Little Caesars Arena

Sakege November 7, 2024

Wednesday’s concert was part of the country star’s ‘Beautifully Broken’ tour.

detroit − Singer and preacher Jelly Roll offered a night of spiritual healing during his sold-out concert Wednesday night at Little Caesars Arena, offering to cleanse the approximately 16,000 fans in attendance with songs of faith and redemption.

It was the Grammy nominee’s biggest performance in Detroit to date and his sixth appearance in one area in 15 months. Jason DeFord, 39, said it was his 30th concert in Detroit and checked off the list of area venues he’s performed at (The Shelter, Saint Andrew’s Hall, Harpos, Fillmore) before naming the Motor City venue. What he’s most looking forward to is checking off his list: “I hope one day we come back and we can do it at Ford Field, baby,” he told the crowd at LCA. “That’s my dream, Detroit!”

It’s on the right track. His brand of country music includes aspects of rock and roll, hip-hop, and church music, drawing on aspects of Kid Rock’s playbook. He sings openly about his failures and offers salvation to others who are going through difficult times. And he welcomes them all to his dysfunctional musical family, saying that everyone can use someone to lean on.

“Tonight will be a night of healing, tonight will be a night of therapy, tonight will be a night of love,” he said near the end of the show, after performing “I Am Not Okay” against the backdrop of a burning house. . on a small stage at the back of the arena. “But most importantly, Detroit, I hope it’s the best show you’ve ever seen in your damn life.”

Jelly took the stage after walking through the crowd and clapping fans, accompanied by his wife, Bunnie. She sported two thick, statement necklaces and a smile as wide as the stage.

Starting with his 12-piece band, he ran through songs from his 10th studio album, last month’s “Beautifully Broken,” which debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top 200 Albums chart. He offered what he said was a tribute to Motown playing Otis Redding’s “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay,” which is by no means Motown. But he made up for it with a trio of Bob Seger covers, featuring “Old Time Rock and Roll,” “Turn the Page” and “Against the Wind,” and was joined by his opening act, Ernest, on the final song. “Someone tell Bob Seger how much I love him!” he said, calling the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer his favorite artist.

Jelly also gave it to Detroit underground rap duo Twiztid, who he said were the first artists to take him on tour, and Twiztid performed a surprise song during a DJ set before Jelly Roll’s performance. It was part of a hit-filled evening in which opener Shaboozey performed “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” the country’s current No. 1 single (fun fact: the song was also No. 1 when the concert was announced in July). and fellow opener Ernest perform “I Had Some Help,” the former Morgan Wallen and Post Malone number one on which he is one of eight credited songwriters.

This review is in development.