Old Dominion: A Decade of Dominance and Intimate Connection on the ‘How Good Is That’ Tour
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
Old Dominion’s sprawling “How Good Is That – World Tour” is proving to be more than just a massive string of sold-out shows; it’s a profound celebration of a band hitting their stride, turning arena-sized crowds into intimate gatherings. The latest banner week, wrapping up July at Bend, OR’s Hayden Homes Amphitheatre underscored a paradox unique to the group: as their stages grow larger, their connection with their fervent fanbase only deepens.
Approaching the tenth anniversary of their beloved debut LP, Meat And Candy, the current run feels like a well-earned victory lap for Matthew Ramsey, Trevor Rosen, Brad Tursi, Geoff Sprung, and Whit Sellers. This group of friends has seamlessly transitioned from road warriors to one of country music’s most celebrated acts, holding the record for the most Group Of The Year awards in country music history between the CMAs and ACMs. Yet, the current tour proves they are far from resting on their laurels, channeling a decade of momentum into a dynamic future.
The stop in Bend proved particularly revelatory. As Marney Smith, General Manager of the Hayden Homes Amphitheater, attested, “OD worked their magic on stage, making every person in the sold-out venue feel like the show was meant just for them.” This ability to “turn a massive crowd into an intimate experience” speaks to the band’s mastery of the live show. It’s an alchemy achieved through polished professionalism and a genuine commitment to fan interaction.
Old Dominion maintains cherished traditions, setting aside time each night to engage with fans’ signs and take requests. This practice yielded a poignant moment in Bend when frontman Matthew Ramsey spotted a request for their recent single, “Miss You Man,” from a young girl. Written about a lost friend, the song for one night became a touching tribute to the girl’s deceased father, momentarily suspending the size of the venue to honor a personal grief. It’s in these unrehearsed moments of genuine connection that the band’s “superpower” truly shines.
Amidst the familiar fan favorites, the tour offers a tantalizing preview of the band’s next chapter. Excitement for their highly anticipated, sixth studio album, Barbara (due August 22nd), is palpable. New traditions are blossoming, with hundreds of fans arriving in costumes inspired by the album’s cover—a visual testament to the depth of their engagement. This burgeoning enthusiasm is paralleled in the industry, with the anthemic album opener “Making Good Time” already dominating country radio as the most added song this week.
Old Dominion is a band defined by forward motion. Barbara is promised to be their “most personal album to date,” a 13-track journey that blends their signature melodic, guitar-driven sound with more mature reflections on life, love, and mortality. The “How Good Is That – World Tour,” blending these new, reflective tracks with their catalogue of unforgettable hooks, is not just a review of their past success but a bold statement about their enduring relevance. From the sold-out US amphitheatres to the forthcoming fall European leg and their curated “Odies Beach Vacation,” the tour solidifies Old Dominion’s place as entertainers of the highest echelon—always professional, always prolific, and always personal. The verdict is clear: this is a band at the peak of its powers, turning every show into a night that feels tailor-made for those in attendance.
Photo (c) Mason Allen