Old Dominion wrapped up their spectacular "7 for 7" residency at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium last night, enthralling fans with both music and charity. The evening marked their final performance out of seven shows held over four nights, celebrating their unprecedented achievement as the first band to win the Country Music Association's esteemed Group of the Year award seven consecutive times. Fans gathered at the venue, eagerly awaiting to partake in the band's captivating blend of country rhythms infused with rock elements.
The energy inside the Ryman was electric as lead singer Matthew Ramsey opened the show with their latest radio single "Coming Home," launching the crowd's excitement with his harmonica. Shortly after, the band transitioned smoothly to "No Hard Feelings," teasing fans with Ramsey's playful xylophone solo. "This is the last show, show No. 7 baby," he proclaimed, eliciting thunderous applause. With only one performance scheduled for the night, Ramsey declared, "we can do whatever we wanna do," before opening the floor to fan song requests, transforming the night’s music arrangement.
The lineup continued with crowd favorites like "Make It Sweet" and "Different About You," drawing sing-alongs from their loyal followers. Notable highlights of the evening included heartwarming performances of "Be With Me" and "Beer Can in a Truck Bed," which created palpable connections between the band members and the audience. But the night's surprises didn't cease there.
Joining Old Dominion on stage for their rendition of Bill Withers' timeless anthem "Lean On Me" was none other than The War and Treaty. Their powerful harmonies brought forth an emotional resonance, captivating the audience completely. The excitement soared higher when ERNEST, another rising star, took to the stage for "Flower Shops," creating yet another unforgettable moment of musical collaboration.
The band's setlist included vibrant performances of "How Good Is That" and "Some Horses," which got the crowd on their feet, dancing and celebrating. A particularly sweet moment transpired during "Hotel Key" when the band engaged fans by passing around actual hotel keys collected throughout the night, fostering intimacy and spontaneity.
A memorable highlight occurred during "All I Know About Girls" when Ramsey invited a young fan on stage, creating a magical experience for the girl attending her very first concert. The joy radiated through the crowd as she sang along, embodying the excitement of the evening.
Later on, Ramsey shared reflections from their day, having taken an exclusive tour of Ryman's rarely seen attic space. He expressed how it felt to be surrounded by the history of music, challenging the crowd to sing "One Man Band" loudly enough to echo throughout the venue's storied past. Before transitioning to "Say You Do," he nostalgically recounted the song's significance as his first No. 1 hit as a songwriter and praised bandmate Trevor Rosen for his contributions to the song's success.
Old Dominion wrapped up the night with their new song "Goodnight Music City," only written two weeks prior. The delicate vulnerability of the performance, especially within the emotional setting of the Ryman, forged powerful connections among the audience members. By the end of their performance, the sense of community and celebration was palpable.
Throughout their seven-night run, the band successfully raised over $1.25 million for various charities, including MusiCares, Save the Music, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, emphasizing their commitment to philanthropy and giving back. Ramsey highlighted the importance of supporting charitable organizations saying, "At a time when charitable organizations are doing more with less, we all felt it was really important to support organizations we know take care of people who need it." This unwavering dedication to charity truly sets Old Dominion apart as artists who care about their community.
The residency culminated not just with performances but with the release of their new song "Making Good Time," available now for fans to enjoy. Matthew Ramsey expressed his gratitude and excitement surrounding the residency, capturing the essence of their musical camaraderie, stating, "There are so many ways to celebrate something like this. The song captures the spark of who every guy in this band was when we started chasing this dream. It's such a crazy adventure, and you can't believe it when it's happening to you, but you never forget it."
Old Dominion's triumphant residency at the Ryman not only showcased their musical prowess but also their unwavering commitment to philanthropy and connection with fans. With heartfelt performances and determination to use their platform for good, the group solidified their status as one of country music's most beloved bands.