Music review: Kenny Chesney – ‘Live in No Shoes Nation’
ThereĢƵ no doubt that Kenny Chesney knows how to throw a party. The country music megastarĢƵ latest live album captures the heart-pounding excitement that is all part of attending a Chesney performance.
From ColoradoĢƵ Red Rocks to FoxboroughĢƵ Gillette Stadium and other various venues, “Live in No Shoes Nation” features 30 tracks recorded from a decade of touring. The album title refers to ChesneyĢƵ legion of dedicated fans committed to no shoes, no shirt and no problems as a daily practice.
The crowd is fired up and ready for a good time as the Tennessee native opens the festivities with a spirited version of “Flora-Bama” from 2014ĢƵ “The Big Revival.”
“Summertime” follows as the crowd steps it up another notch by accompanying Chesney as he sings, “And itĢƵ two bare feet on the dashboard/Young love and an old Ford/Cheap shades and a tattoo/And a Yoo-Hoo bottle on the floorboard.” Yes, it is indeed summertime anywhere Chesney shows up.
The double-disc set contains wonderful moments of country music notables sharing the stage with Chesney. Appropriately, Taylor Swift is the first famous artist joining Chesney for a rousing performance of “Big Star.”
Other guest performances include Eric Church on “When I See This Bar,” Mac McAnally with “Down the Road,” Old Dominion serving up “Save It for a Rainy Day,” David Lee Murphy joining the party with “Dust on the Bottle,” the Zac Brown Band helping with “Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven” and Grace Potter gracing Chesney with her presence on a flawless performance of “You and Tequila.”
For me, the high points come during a medley featuring Chesney covering Steve MillerĢƵ “The Joker” and Dave Matthews delivering Bob MarleyĢƵ “Three Little Birds” from a show in Atlanta. Additionally, a haunting version of the Bruce Springsteen track “One Step Up” released on ChesneyĢƵ 2002 “No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems” is my personal favorite.
Since 2008ĢƵ “Lucky Old Sun,” Chesney has been channeling Jimmy Buffett and entertaining us with his signature style of carefree tracks detailing life as a happy beach bum with sun-drenched days full of white sand, cool ocean waves and plenty of liquid refreshments to keep the good times rolling seamlessly along.
Chesney returns to Pittsburgh for another appearance at Heinz Field on June 2. For now, “Live in No Shoes Nation” will serve as a viable substitute until Pittsburghers can wildly welcome Chesney back for a few magical hours of music, memories and a backyard party at its very best.
Clint Rhodes is the ĢƵ music reviewer. He can be reached at clinton43@me.com.

