Zach Bryan and John Mayer Set U.S. Concert Record at Michigan Stadium
Zach Bryan and John Mayer captivated an unprecedented crowd at Michigan Stadium on September 27, 2023, marking a historic moment in live music. The concert reportedly became the largest ticketed event in United States history, drawing over 112,000 fans and surpassing the previous record held by George Strait, who attracted 110,905 attendees in 2024. Bryan, a 29-year-old country musician from Oklahoma, headlined the seven-hour, five-act show, with Mayer, a 47-year-old singer-songwriter from Connecticut, serving as the opening act.
As fans filled the iconic stadium, Bryan expressed his awe, stating, “I love you guys so much. Thank you for the best night of my life.” This event marked Bryan’s debut in Ann Arbor and the first major ticketed concert ever held at the University of Michigan’s home turf. The atmosphere was electric, with a “SOLD OUT” message flashing on scoreboards as fans enjoyed tailgate parties outside, setting a lively tone for the night.
Historic Performances by Major Artists
The concert began with opening acts including Keenan O’Meara, Joshua Slone, and Ryan Bingham. O’Meara, the first performer, remarked on the significance of his debut in Ann Arbor, saying, “This is a hell of a way to do it.” Following him, Slone entertained the crowd with an acoustic set featuring original songs. Bingham, known for his raspy voice, energized the audience with a full band, performing favorites such as “Nothin’ Holds Me Down” and “Hallelujah.”
Mayer took the stage shortly after 8:00 p.m., performing a ten-song set that showcased his musical versatility. He opened with “Belief” from his 2006 album *Continuum*, captivating the audience with a blend of acoustic and electric guitar. Mayer’s performance highlighted his evolution as an artist, incorporating tracks from various albums, including “In the Blood” and “Gravity.” His set concluded with enthusiastic applause, setting the stage for Bryan’s highly anticipated performance.
Memorable Moments and Record-Breaking Attendance
Bryan emerged shortly before 9:30 p.m., donning a Michigan football jersey and carrying an acoustic guitar. He opened with “Overtime” from his 2023 self-titled album, quickly establishing a connection with the audience. Bryan expressed his humility in following Mayer and Bingham, saying, “I can’t believe I live in a world where they play before me.” His performance included heartfelt renditions of “God Speed” and “Something in the Orange,” resonating deeply with fans.
Throughout his two-hour set, Bryan acknowledged the immense crowd, stating, “This might be the craziest thing I’ve ever done.” He brought Mayer back on stage to collaborate on a cover of the Grateful Dead’s “Friend of the Devil,” further enhancing the night’s camaraderie. The concert culminated in a high-energy encore featuring “Revival,” followed by a stunning fireworks display that illuminated the stadium.
With more than 112,000 tickets sold in just 2.5 hours when they went on sale in February, this concert not only set a new record but also solidified Zach Bryan’s status as a leading figure in contemporary music. As the night concluded, Bryan expressed gratitude to the audience, stating, “I’ll remember this forever, Michigan, thank you.”
This remarkable event at Michigan Stadium not only highlighted the talents of two celebrated musicians but also underscored the power of live music to unite fans in unforgettable experiences.
