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Biography
Hailing from Waco, Texas, U.S., Wade Bowen’s earliest musical success came with the band West 84, which introduced the Texan to songwriting and performing life. By 2001 the band had changed direction leaving Bowen, who had graduated from college with a degree in public relations, with an important decision whether he would continue to pursue music. That decision was made clear with the release of his debut album “Try Not to Listen”, which made waves across Waco, Texas upon release in 2002. Spawning the regional hit “Try Not to Listen”, Bowen supported the record by playing anywhere up to 250 concerts, strengthening the singer’s live performance skills.
Showcasing his energetic, emotive and crowd-pleasing live show, Bowen issued the live album “The Blue Light Live” in September 2004, marking the singer’s first exposure outside of Texas. The full-length “Lost Hotel” subsequently arrived in February 2006 on Sustain Records spawning the single/music video “God Bless This Town”. The singer-songwriter’s breakthrough came two years later in September 2008 with his third studio album “If We Ever Make It Home”. The record was his first to land on any national chart, peaking at No. 29 on the U.S. Country, and was led by the singles “Daddy and the Devil” and “Trouble”.
The concert CD “Live at Billy Bob’s Texas” followed in April 2010, peaking at No. 41 on the U.S. Country Music Chart, after which Bowen signed with BNA Records who issued his fourth full-length “The Given” in May 2012. Far surpassing the success of its predecessors, “The Given” landed at No. 9 on the U.S Country Chart, and No. 44 on the Billboard 200. The popular singles “Saturday Night” and “To Live Is to Fly” were subsequently released in time for Bowen to embark on a relentless national tour. In 2013 Bowen issued the single “Songs About Trucks”, before issuing his self-titled, fourth album in October 2014. Once again peaking at No. 9 on the U.S. Country Charts, the record spawned the single “When I Woke Up Today”, and was followed by the split album “Hold My Beer, Vol. 1” alongside Randy Rogers.
Live reviews
Wade Bowen is a Texas boy, born and bred, but thank goodness his music has made its way out of the Lone Star State and started to spread around the rest of the US. His big sound, tight production and appealing lyrics will always be definitively Texan in that, just like the state, Wade will always do things his own way. Wade’s musical assertiveness and his commendable work ethic – he self released his first single, and has been known to play hundreds of shows per year - are the reason his music has gained such a strong following.
Go to a Wade Bowen concert and you’ll see hordes of beer-drinking fans excitedly waiting for him to show them a good time. And boy does he deliver. Bringing out catchy hits like ‘Saturday Night’ and ‘You Had Me At My Best’ Wade sings to the heavens and makes sure everyone is having a good time. Even Wade’s band gets wrapped up in his magic. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a supporting band look more pleased with themselves up on stage. Wade’s band are so happy to be there with him, they could just as easily be fans that won a competition to watch him from the stage. For a good time, definitely get yourself to a Wade Bowen show.
lauratunbridge
Texan musician Wade Bowen simply lives and breaths his home State through his music. He has been releasing albums since 2002 yet his reputation exploded following the successful 'If We Ever Make It Home' album selling well in 2008. Since then he has been slowly ascending the charts and the stages at an equal speed yet his down to earth approach to music and charming personality keeps the tours intimate no matter how many people he is entertaining.
He has not achieved commercial singles so there is freedom when it comes to choosing a setlist yet the majority of it is composed of tracks lifted from 'The Given' and 'If We Ever Make it Home'. Wade builds rapport almost instantly and the good feelings last all evening as the crowds sing, applaud and sway with very little prompt. He says his earnest thank yous before his live band begins the introductions to a finale of 'Turn On The Lights' which is a fitting end to an enjoyable show.
sean-ward
5 stars. One of the best shows I've been to. Wade has excellent stage presence. The band sounded even better live, and they threw in some great southern rock and classic country covers. Despite the small, disappointing crowd (not a big following for red dort artists in CA), they never lost their spirits, and appeared to be having a genuinely good time making jokes and interacting with the engaged fans that stuck around. After seeing them live, I am definitely a bigger fan than I was before. Hats off to Wade Bowen and his band-a great time and a real class act!
jenna-gallegos
If Bruce Springsteen and Willie Nelson had a baby, his name would be Wade Bowen. He encompasses the talents of both these legendary artists. When Wade Bowen is on stage, he is all in. He gives it everything he has. He empties the tank, so that at the end of the journey both audience and Wade are exhilarated, energized and inspired. The depth of his songs speak to your heart and mind forever connecting you to Wade and his music. Great show! Will go and see him again as many times as I can.
scott40njshore
I actually went to see the opening act Mike Ryan, but stayed during the first snowfall in St Louis MO to watch Wade Bowen’s performance. I enjoyed it so much I purchased his latest CD and his first one also. I had to drive home from the venue at 25mph because of the accumulated snow, but wasn’t sorry I stayed. I’ll enjoy my new CD’s and introduce him to other like minded music listeners.
nkcaito
One of the best shows I have ever been to. Wade Bowen and Willy Braun worked great together and really showed their artistic abilities with their acoustic show. Can't wait to see them live again.
DavidB85
