An Emotional Homecoming at Rice-Eccles Stadium
On April 29, 2025, Post Malone – the genre-blending artist who has called Utah his adopted home for years – finally achieved a milestone many said would never happen: he headlined a stadium show in Salt Lake City. The 'Big Ass Stadium Tour' kicked off at Rice-Eccles Stadium, a venue capacity of over 51,000, and the energy was palpable from the moment doors opened. Fans decked out in cowboy boots, cowboy hats, and face tattoos mimicking Malone’s signature ink filled the stands hours before showtime.
Malone, whose real name is Austin Richard Post, moved to Utah around 2018 after a brief stint in Los Angeles. He has often spoken about his love for the state’s outdoor lifestyle and supportive community. But when he first expressed a desire to play Rice-Eccles Stadium, industry insiders told him it would never happen. 'You’ll never be in a billboard in Salt Lake City or Rice-Eccles f—ing stadium,' he recalled people telling him early in his career. He proved them wrong with a nearly two-hour set that included fireworks, stage theatrics, and multiple outfit changes.
The tour name itself – 'Big Ass Stadium Tour' – is a nod to Malone’s unfiltered personality, and the opening night lived up to the billing. Massive illuminated cowboy and cowgirl signs flanked the stage, and a shimmering belt buckle reading 'Posty Co.' hung above the performance area. The setup was immersive, with giant screens ensuring even those in the upper decks could see every detail.
Fan Frenzy and Surprise Moments
Among the thousands of attendees were three sisters – Lauren, Jenny, and Katie Bald – who had been fans since 2016, when Malone opened for Justin Bieber’s Purpose World Tour. 'We were like, “Who is this dude that was just shimmying around on stage?”' Lauren recalled. She noted that Malone’s presence hasn’t changed over the years. The sisters were thrilled that he chose Salt Lake City as the tour opener. 'It’s just very cool, like he’s throwing one back for us,' Katie added.
Other fans, like Tayla Merkely and her group of friends from Vernal, Utah, drove hours to attend. Megan Fisch and Holly Breit, younger concertgoers, appreciated that Malone remains true to his adopted hometown. 'I just love that he’s true to his hometown,' Breit said.
However, the opening night wasn’t without hiccups. Fans expressed confusion about entry points, with lines snaking around the stadium before doors opened. Malone took the stage about 40 minutes later than scheduled, and some visual effects lagged during certain songs. Fireworks, while impressive, produced smoke that drifted into the floor seats, leaving some fans coughing. Yet these issues didn’t dampen the overall excitement.
A Perfect Blend of Hip-Hop and Country
The setlist was carefully curated to reflect Malone’s evolution as an artist. He started his career with trap-infused hip-hop hits like 'White Iverson' and 'Congratulations,' but in recent years, he has leaned heavily into country music. His 2024 album 'F-1 Trillion' was a full-fledged country project that topped charts and earned him new fans in the genre. In Salt Lake City, he performed tracks from both eras: 'Sunflower,' 'Better Now,' 'Circles,' alongside newer songs like 'Losers' and 'Never Love You Again.'
The transition between genres was seamless, partly thanks to the backing band and Malone’s own vocal versatility. He strummed an acoustic guitar for some country numbers, then switched to a more energetic stage presence for his older hits. The crowd sang along to every word, raising their glasses during emotional ballads and jumping during upbeat anthems.
Openers Shine – Jelly Roll and Sierra Ferrell
The supporting lineup was carefully chosen. Jelly Roll, the Nashville rapper-turned-country star, opened with a powerful set. Known for his raw lyrics about struggle and redemption, Jelly Roll told the crowd, 'I believe music can heal people,' before performing his hit 'I Am Not Okay.' He also expressed gratitude for being part of his first stadium tour, saying, 'I knew Post Malone was right when he said we had to start the tour at home.'
Sierra Ferrell, a rising folk singer with a vintage style, performed later in the evening as well. Malone wore her shirt throughout his own set, a gesture of support that didn’t go unnoticed. The two later performed 'Never Love You Again' together, a duet that showcased their complementary voices.
Chandler Walters, a Salt Lake City native and Utah Valley University graduate, opened the night. His set included original songs that resonated with the local crowd.
Logistical Challenges and Raw Emotion
While the show was a triumph, it wasn’t flawless. Fans waiting outside described confusion about which entrance to use, and security was overwhelmed initially. Once inside, the long lines for merchandise and concessions persisted. The smoke from fireworks caused some discomfort, but the audience remained engaged. Malone seemed unfazed, interacting with fans by catching and wearing items they threw on stage – a necklace with his face on it and a cowboy hat were among the keepsakes.
He also drank six different beverages on stage, pouring the first and sixth into the crowd as a celebratory gesture. The fifth drink mysteriously disappeared. These unscripted moments made the night feel intimate despite the massive venue.
The emotional peak came during the final song. As Malone paused, visibly choked up, he reflected on his ten-year journey. 'I remember at the beginning, everyone called me a “one hit wonder,”' he told the crowd. 'They said, “You’ll never be in a billboard in Salt Lake City or Rice-Eccles f—ing stadium.”' He thanked Utah fans for their unwavering support, calling them the reason he achieved a dream he’d held 'as long as he can f—ing remember.' Then, he delivered a message that resonated with many: 'Don’t give up on your f—ing dreams, no matter what the f— anybody has to f—ing say about you.'
Background on Post Malone’s Rise to Fame
Post Malone burst onto the music scene in 2015 with 'White Iverson,' a laid-back rap track that went viral and peaked at number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100. He followed with the album 'Stoney' (2016), which included the hit 'Congratulations.' Over the next few years, he released 'Beerbongs & Bentleys' (2018), 'Hollywood’s Bleeding' (2019), and 'Twelve Carat Toothache' (2022). His 2023 collaboration with country star Morgan Wallen on 'I Had Some Help' signaled his pivot to country, culminating in 'F-1 Trillion' in 2024. The album featured duets with Dolly Parton, Chris Stapleton, and Miranda Lambert, solidifying his crossover appeal.
Malone has sold over 80 million records worldwide and earned numerous awards, including a Grammy for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for 'Sunflower' with Swae Lee. His charismatic, unpolished stage presence and willingness to experiment have endeared him to fans across genres.
The Significance of the Salt Lake City Show
For many in Utah, Post Malone is more than just a musician – he’s a local icon who has embraced the state. He bought a home in the Salt Lake City area, often attends Utah Jazz games, and has been spotted at local restaurants. His decision to launch the 'Big Ass Stadium Tour' in Utah was a deliberate homecoming. Jelly Roll echoed that sentiment when he said, 'I knew Post Malone was right when he said we had to start the tour at home.'
The show also highlighted the growth of Salt Lake City as a major tour stop. In recent years, artists like Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, and Ed Sheeran have played Rice-Eccles Stadium, drawing massive crowds. Post Malone’s sold-out performance confirms that the city is a key market for live music.
Fans left the stadium with a sense of pride. Despite the minor technical issues, the evening was a testament to perseverance and authenticity. One attendee summed it up: 'He’s real. He doesn’t pretend to be someone else. That’s why we love him.'
As the confetti settled and the lights came up, the message was clear: Post Malone had not only played his hometown stadium but had owned it. And he did it his way – with beer, tattoos, and a heart full of gratitude.
Note: This article is based on reporting from the opening night of the tour.
Source: Yahoo Entertainment News