Under the Arizona night sky at the Mesa Amphitheater, the crowd was buzzing with excitement as concert-goers—decked out in fringe-laden masks and outfits reminiscent of Orville Peck's iconic style—gathered on the grassy tiers, ready for an unforgettable night. It was a scene dripping with mystery and coolness, a fitting tribute to the enigmatic masked cowboy about to take the stage.

The evening kicked off with Emily Nenni, whose set provided a perfect blend of warmth and outlaw charm. Her laid-back vocals and classic country sound had the early crowd swaying, bringing a sense of intimacy and authenticity to the night. Her songs were laced with a throwback vibe that resonated with the audience, easing them into the evening's main event.

Next up was Nikki Lane, who ramped up the energy with her spirited performance. Nikki, known for her modern yet gritty take on outlaw country, brought a lively edge to the stage, complete with jangling guitars and fierce lyrics. Her chemistry with the crowd was palpable, as she managed to keep everyone’s attention fixed on her blend of country swagger and rock 'n' roll spirit, setting the stage perfectly for Orville Peck.

When Orville Peck finally stepped out, his presence was electric. Opening with "Big Sky" and rolling into fan favorites "Turn to Hate" and "The Hurtin Kind," he moved across the stage with the kind of tight, controlled energy that defines his live performances. Every hand gesture, kick, and jump seemed effortlessly cool, as though he was dancing with the music itself. His vocals were powerful and haunting, a perfect complement to the brooding desert backdrop of Mesa. His deep voice reverberated through the amphitheater, filling the space with both raw emotion and country grit.

Mid-show, Orville took a vulnerable pause, sharing with the crowd a deeply personal moment: “This was the first song I ever wrote about my struggles with mental health, depression, things like that,” he said before performing "Hexie Mountains." He opened up about his severe depression and the decision to cancel his tour just over a year ago to focus on his mental health. “I’m happier and healthier than I ever have been in my entire life,” he revealed, met with heartfelt applause from the crowd. His gratitude to the fans was palpable, making the performance of "Hexie Mountains" all the more poignant, filled with cathartic release. Orville mentioned that he was thankful for those who took understanding to him cancelling his previous tour, and being patient, because “- it saved my life.”

The set flowed with emotional highs and vibrant energy. "Blush" showcased his poetic, melancholic lyricism, while "Lafayette" injected a shot of energy into the night, with its uptempo rhythm and electrifying performance that had the crowd dancing on the grass. One of the standout moments came when he performed "Cowboys Are Frequently, Secretly Fond of Each Other." He teased the audience by saying, "Please welcome..." leaving the crowd anticipating a Willie Nelson appearance. Though Willie didn’t join, the song itself was still a delicious treat, a playful nod to queer cowboy culture that left the audience grinning.

As the night wound down, Orville brought out the emotional heft with "Dead of Night," his haunting vocals drifting into the warm Arizona air, making for one of the evening’s most mesmerizing performances. He then closed the main set with the raucous and rowdy "Daytona Sand," whipping the crowd into a final frenzy.

The encore was a striking moment of beauty. The amphitheater went dark except for a single spotlight that shone on Orville. He delivered a haunting and heartfelt rendition of "Unchained Melody" that gave the night an ethereal glow, leaving the audience awestruck. He closed the night with "Bronco," sending everyone off with one last burst of that iconic Peck energy. It was a night full of genuine emotion, high-energy moments, and beautifully haunting performances, leaving the audience buzzing long after the final note.