The Jones Assembly was alive with energy this past Monday night, August 5th. Fans had been waiting for this night for what felt like forever. Originally scheduled for 2020 but delayed twice, first by COVID-19 and then by Orville Peck’s need to prioritize his mental health. This performance had been on everyone’s radar for years. But finally, the wait was over, and the sold-out crowd was ready to witness Orville Peck in all his masked glory.

Orville Peck is a fascinating mix of contradictions. He’s a modern-day cowboy with a punk rock past, and he’s got the deep, haunting vocals to match. His look, leather outfits, cowboy hats, and that iconic fringed eye mask, turns every show into a visual experience as much as a musical one.

The night started with a perfect nod to the state. Peck and his band opened with “Oklahoma Sunshine” by Waylon Jennings, a choice that felt both nostalgic and fresh. Throughout this tour, Peck’s been paying tribute to the states he visits by kicking things off with a song that’s special to the locals, and this one hit all the right notes. He also gave a shout out to Oklahoma’s National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, formerly known as the Cowboy Hall of Fame, showing that he really does his homework on the places he plays.

Peck’s journey to this moment is anything but typical. Before he became the mysterious country artist we know today, he was Daniel Pitout, the drummer for the Canadian punk band Nü Sensae. That punk background still influences his style, there’s an edge to his country music that you don’t hear from anyone else. But there’s more to his story. Peck’s background in theater is just as significant, having spent years in ballet classes, musical theater productions, and even studying acting at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. This theatrical training plays a huge role in his stage persona as Orville Peck.

When you see him on stage, it all makes sense. The way he moves, interacts with his band, and commands attention isn’t just natural charisma; it’s the result of years of honing his craft in performance art. His transition from punk to country might seem unexpected, but with his flair for the dramatic, it’s clear he’s not just blending genres, he’s creating something entirely his own. The mask, the fringe, the carefully crafted mystique, all of it is part of a larger-than-life character that only someone with Peck’s background could pull off so seamlessly.

His self-produced debut album, Pony, came out in 2019, and it was clear right away that Peck was onto something special. He wrote, produced, and played nearly every instrument on the album while working in a coffee shop and living with his parents. The album, released through Sub Pop, introduced the world to his deep, soulful voice and his ability to mix traditional country sounds with something much darker and more mysterious. Earlier this year, in April 2024, he dropped a cover of Ned Sublette’s “Cowboys Are Frequently, Secretly Fond of Each Other” with none other than Willie Nelson. It’s the lead single from his duets album, Stampede Vol. 1, which also includes a collab with Noah Cyrus on “How Far Will We Take It.” The album continues to push boundaries and defy expectations, just like everything Peck does.

Back at the Jones Assembly, one of the most memorable moments of the night was when Peck handed out roses to the crowd, something he does at all his shows. The final rose went to a kitchen employee who caught Peck’s eye with his cowboy hat. In a moment that felt spontaneous and genuine, Peck had the audience pass the rose all the way back to the kitchen while he sang a playful, impromptu tune called “Cowboy in the Kitchen.” It was a small gesture, but it perfectly captured the inclusive, lighthearted vibe of the night.

Peck also took a moment to address his mental health break, thanking his fans for their patience and understanding. He spoke candidly about the importance of taking care of oneself, and his openness only deepened the connection with his audience.

From start to finish, Orville Peck’s stage presence was electric. He danced, jumped, and flirted with his band members, keeping the energy high and the crowd fully engaged. The night was everything fans had hoped for-fun, full of excitement, and just a little bit surreal, which is exactly what you’d expect from an Orville Peck show.

Peck closed out the night with Bronco from his 2022, Bronco album. As the crowd filed out of the Jones Assembly, there was a sense that they hadn’t just seen a concert—they’d been part of something special. Orville Peck’s journey is still unfolding as he continues his Stampede Tour visiting cities like Denver, Salt Lake City, and surprisingly will make a return to Tulsa, Oklahoma October 11th.

ORVILLE PECK’S SETLIST
Oklahoma Sunshine
Big Sky
Turn to Hate
The Hurtin Kind
C’mon Baby, Cry
No Glory in The West
Hexie Mountains
How Far Will We Take It
Conquer the Heart
Drive Me, Crazy
Blush
The Curse of the Blackened Eye
Lafayette
You’re an Asshole
Any Turns
Cowboys
Outta Time
Kalahari Drown
Dead of Night Daytona Sand

ENCORE
Bronco