Reno, Nevada: One of 17 one-night stands for Ryan Bingham’s 2025 “All Night Long Tour” backed by The Texas Gentlemen, this is Bingham’s first full-band headlining tour since 2019.
For those that have been to “casino row” in downtown Reno, you can likely attest to how confusing it may be to find the particular venue you’re searching for, even with GPS. Thankfully, the two gleaming Prevost buses coupled with the shiny black ‘Bingham’s Bourbon’ 18-wheeler were a welcome sign. With huge glowing orange letters on the trailer announcing “RYAN BINGHAM AND THE TEXAS GENTLEMAN,” a marquee was not a necessity. With ‘the biggest little city in the world’ firmly in the grasp of record-breaking high temperatures and enduring a line to pass through security that stretches as far back as the eye can see, the cold air of the venue and welcoming atmosphere were a pleasurable respite.
You may be asking, “welcoming atmosphere”? It’s a concert venue! Indeed, that’s true. However, the Bingham Bourbon folks did it up right. It nearly felt as if you were walking into an upscale lounge. With a copious amount of bar space where the Bingham’s Bourbon poured freely. There were also plenty of strategically placed (what I can only describe as) “selfie stations”, complete with bourbon barrels and a background emblazoned with Ryan Bingham’s trademark logo. This is simply marketing genius!
While there’s little doubt that some in attendance learned of Bingham from the wildly successful series “Yellowstone” there were also so many that knew Bingam’s history and have followed his musical career since his critically acclaimed debut album, “Mescalito” released in 2007.
While I won’t get too far into the weeds into the history of Ryan Bingham, I will offer a few highlights. Aside from his role as “Walker” in Yellowstone, for over ten years he traversed the state of Texas as a professional bull-rider. 2009’s film “Crazy Heart” featured the Bingham penned song “The Weary Kind” which garnered him a Grammy, an Oscar, an Academy Award and quite a few other awards. Ryan has also released six studio albums, two live albums, and an EP, 2023’s “Watch Out For The Wolf.”
As the venue filled up, I couldn’t help but notice the amount of young folk in attendance. As a matter of fact, the first few rows had several kids occupying seats with their parents. Their faces beaming with excitement for the show. I’ll admit that I saw glimpse of my much younger self in their wide eyes, as I attended my first concert (Merle Haggard) at eight years old.
With no opening act, Ryan Bingham and The Texas Gentlemen took the stage just after 8pm. As Bingham and gents tore through “Ballad of TX Gents” they were welcomed with thundering applause. Without missing a beat, Ryan and the Gentleman flawlessly blazed through “Jingle and Go” and “Got Damn Blues” from the 2019 album, “American Love Song.”
Remember those young faces that were beaming with excitement? I can only surmise that Bingham also saw just a glimpse of his younger self. Before he started into “I Got a Feelin’’ he made it a point to give those kids a guitar pick. It was such a classy, selfless, and simple act that those young fans will cherish for years.
Throughout the first set, Bingham and The Texas Gentlemen performed ten songs. One of those songs was what Bingham introduced as the most Country song you would hear all night, then broke into a song listed on the setlist as “Two Fucks.” Judging from the crowd’s enthusiasm, that just may become a new fan favorite sing-along.
Since the name of the tour is the “All Night Long Tour” Bingham stated that he would play all night, or as long as he was allowed to by local ordinance. Following a brief 25–30-minute intermission, Ryan and Gents came out to perform a second set.
Throughout both sets, all the “hits” you’d expect to hear were played, including “The Weary Kind,” “Southside of Heaven” and “Sunrise.” One song in particular would be worth the ticket price in my opinion. Seeing and hearing “Hallelujah” performed live is truly an experience! The live vocals simply chill you to the bone, while the light show is visually stunning…and the band……. Absolutely phenomenal.
Throughout the night, Bingham sounded energized with fantastic vocals. I also have to tip my hat to The Texas Gentlemen. They are truly one helluva band! Not only do they have two of their very own albums that have been released out into the world (“Floor It!!!!” and “TX Jelly”), they’ve backed some pretty amazing singers as well. One of those being the late, great, Kris Kristofferson! They’ve even performed as the backing band for George Strait!!!!!!!!!!!!
Speaking of the band, Richard Bowden is an absolute beast on the fiddle!!! In my opinion, he’s legendary in his own right. He also played mandolin on select songs throughout the night. For those that follow the Texas music scene, he’s worked with at least two of The Flatlanders (Butch Hancock and Joe Ely). He’s also recorded with Terry Allen, Larry Joe Taylor, The Maines Brothers, Pat Green, Ryan Bingham, and so many more. As a matter of fact, he has 142 album credits dating back to 1977 according to Discogs.
Although Bingham may not have technically played “all night long”, he was only about an hour shy, as the last song ended right after 11pm. With a total of 21 songs performed, Ryan Bingham and The Texas Gentlemen poured out their heart and soul for nearly three hours.
Do no altar phots
Copyright Chris Couture Photography
