PHILLIP PHILLIPS performs live at Tupelo Music Hall, New Hampshire
Carey Nelson
Philip Phillips Played at Music Hall in Tupelo, New Hampshire.
Located in Derry, New Hampshire, Tupelo Music Hall is a hidden gem in the live music world. The venue is renowned for its intimate setting and has hosted a variety of performances, from comedy acts to rock bands such as Queensrÿche and even theater productions.
Tupelo originally opened in 2004 in a historic farmhouse in Londonderry, New Hampshire, with room for just over 200 people. As its popularity grew, the venue moved to its current location in Delhi in 2017, with capacity expanded to 700 seats, a big jump from its original 2,400 sq ft area. Despite this growth, Tupelo has maintained the personal, up-close atmosphere that attracted fans from the beginning, continuing to provide music lovers an intimate space to enjoy live performances.
So, when Philip Phillips When it was announced that games would be played at the venue, fans knew they were in for a special and personal experience. phillips No stranger to Tupelo; he has performed here several times over the years, always selling out due to his loyal fan base. This night was no exception.
phillipsAs a teenager, his musical journey began in local churches, and one of his earliest performances was singing at an Easter Sunday worship service, prompted by his sister. He was too nervous to say no, but he went ahead and it marked the beginning of an extraordinary career.
Photos Carey Nelson
Fast forward to 2012, and the 20-year-old from Georgia, who was working at his father’s pawn shop, took a leap of faith and auditioned for “American Idol.” His soulful rendition of Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition” and his unforgettable acoustic rendition of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” launched him on the road to stardom. He ultimately won Season 11 with his original song “Home,” earning a standing ovation and never looked back.
He has continued to release hits over the past few years, with each album serving as a tapestry of his growth as an artist. His latest album was released independently in June 2023, titled drift backward. The album takes him back to his roots, but from the perspective of someone who has experienced the highs and lows of life. Touching on the challenges we all face, the evolution of love, and what it’s like to grow up, this is the setting phillips In addition to being a talented musician and why so many people resonate with and are drawn to his work.
phillipsHis performance at Tupelo Music Hall was a true reflection of his journey – authentic, heartfelt, and deeply connected to his fans. The night kicked off with the upbeat beats of “Unpack Your Heart” and “Lead On” from his 2014 album behind the lightimmediately causing fans to stand up and sing along.
In addition to his extraordinary talent and musical attainments, phillips Engage with your audience and share stories that fill the gaps between songs. He talked about having his son tour with him for a few days, capturing their happy moments together while humorously acknowledging the challenges of raising children on the road. This touching moment resonated with many fans and created a sense of connection.
One of my favorite moments of the night was phillips Start playing “Gone, Gone, Gone”. Many of his songs resonate deeply with fans, and this one especially means a lot to me. Since losing my grandfather, phillips Always a comforting presence in my family. My grandparents shared over 50 years of unconditional love, and when my grandfather passed away, we chose “Gone, Gone, Gone” as a tribute to that love. my mother found comfort in it phillips‘s music to the point where hearing it on the radio felt like a message from our grandfathers.
But the connection didn’t end there. As life progressed, we were faced with the devastating news that my mom had been diagnosed with ovarian cancer. In just one year, we watched her go from the vibrant, hard-working woman we adored to someone confined to hospice, preparing to say goodbye to the pillar of our family. I distinctly remember playing her favorite songs—Elton John, The Beatles, Shinedown—in hopes of comforting her as she fell asleep. Although her family said goodbye and shared a treasured story, she still wasn’t ready to leave.
Late one night I realized what she wanted to hear. I played “Gone, Gone, Gone” and gently assured her that it was okay to leave, that my grandmother would be okay, and that Pepere (our grandfather) was ready to welcome her home. As the last lyrics of the song sounded——“My heart will never stop beating for you, long after you are gone, leave, leave, long after I love you, leave, leave, leave.”– She opened her eyes for the last time, took her last breath, and disappeared. The experience highlighted the profound impact music has on the soul.
Every time I hear this song, I feel her presence with me. It’s the soul, emotion and unconditional love for music that makes phillips” Fans have such a deep connection with his songs. During his performance of “Gone, Gone, Gone,” the crowd was on their feet, singing at the top of their lungs, connecting with him and feeling his every word.
This was the tone of the entire evening. My story is just one of countless shared by the 699 other people who visited him on site. The night continued with tracks from all of his albums including “Dance With Your Shadow” drift backward“Magnet” off Collateraland the song “Home” that made him famous See the world from the side of the moon.
Photos Carey Nelson
“Home” was recently re-released as “Home (Phillips’ Version)” as part of his efforts to regain ownership of his music, following in the footsteps of artists like Taylor Swift. Downloading and streaming his version will help support his growth as an independent artist, as opposed to the original version from which the label profited.
The evening was filled with impressive guitar solos, great music and phillips‘Iconic dry humor. Once, he joked, “If you’re on a date and she still doesn’t hold your hand, don’t worry; we still have a few songs to finish. But if we get to the end and she still doesn’t hold your hand, I’m sorry and I tried my best Now – there’s only so much I can do! He then left the stage and jokingly turned on the lights to make fans think the show was over, only to return for an encore.
The night ended with Hall and Oates’ cover of “Maneater,” followed by one of the first songs Americans heard him cover, Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” Both songs are executed to perfection, perfectly suited to his vocal range and style, allowing him to put a unique spin on these beloved classics.
Photos Carey Nelson
Overall, the evening was a spectacular musical celebration that highlighted phillips‘ Impressive range and artistry. Each song resonates deeply with the listener, creating an exciting atmosphere that is both intimate and communal. For those of us paying attention phillips Throughout his journey, it has been a true gift to witness his growth as an artist and see how he deals with personal struggles through music.
In an industry often dominated by commercial interests, phillips A true artist dedicated to his craft and his fans. His journey is far from over, and if tonight was any indication, the best is yet to come. As we left the venue, I felt incredibly grateful for the music that continues to impact our lives, reminding us that we are never truly alone in our experiences. phillips He holds a special place in the hearts of many and I eagerly await where his journey will take him next.
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