Country singer Matt Stell, best known for his hit, “Prayed for You,” kicked off The Man Made Tour at Druid City Music Hall on Friday, Sept. 31.  

Teddy Robb opened for Stell, performing an eight-song set with country classics like Brooks and Dunn’s “Red Dirt Road,” Charlie Daniels’ “Long Hair Country Boy,” and a crowd favorite, Tyler Childers’ “Feathered Indians.” 

Robb also performed an unreleased song set to come out in November, “Pretty Things,” to the small yet enthusiastic crowd and explained the meaning behind the song, adding how his girlfriend he mentioned was right over by the merch booth. Robb ended with Chris Stapleton’s “Tennessee Whiskey” and offered to take photos with fans after.  

By the time Stell took the stage, more fans had entered the music hall, but not nearly the ideal amount. Despite the low-ticket sales, Stell gave Tuscaloosa his best.  

Opening with “Boyfriend Season,” the band had fans of all ages singing, dancing and cheering along. Guitarist Michael Blakemore was jumping around stage, getting up close to the edge, and impressing the crowd with his solos, while drummer Bryan Tewell played with so much passion and strength that his fingers began to bleed.  

The fans were enjoying every minute of the show, yelling for more after each song, and it was clear that Stell mastered the art of entertaining. His stage presence was all there, involving the crowd, tossing a beer to a fan and moving around often.  

Stell performed “One Of Us,” which was released that day and continued through his set with dedication and excitement. Close to the end, Stell surprised the crowd and broke into a cover of Blink 182’s, “All The Small Things,” and then into an Alabama football staple, The Killers’ “Mr. Brightside.”  

For his final song, Stell brought out Robb for a cover of Travis Tritt’s “It’s a Great Day to Be Alive.” When fans wanted more, Stell gave them more, offering them a chance to sing at the end. Robb and Stell exchanged verses while the crowd sang along.  

Stell then told fans during an instrumental break that anyone who wanted a picture and an autograph could go by the merch stand where he’d be, ready to meet everyone. Most fans stayed behind to meet Stell. 

“[Stell is a] very energetic performer who likes to have fun on stage while playing enjoyable country music to his fans,” said Anthony Romano, a junior majoring in marketing.  

Romano, who has seen Stell before, was most excited to hear “One of Us.”  

“It’s a great day to be alive … thank you Tuscaloosa,” Stell said as he closed the show.  

To see Druid City Music Hall’s calendar of events, visit their website.