Thomas Rhett has unforgettable memories of his first visit to Montreal in 2019. “As I left the stage, I said to myself, ‘I really need to get back there as soon as possible,'” he admits. The pandemic may have forced him to wait longer than he’d like, but the American country icon is finally preparing to reconnect with his fans on Friday, February 24 at the Bell Center.
“Hello, this is Thomas Rhett. How are you ? the singer starts in impeccable French.
As soon as you draw his attention to the quality of his speech, an embarrassed laugh sounds at the end of the line.
“Ah, that’s nice, but I don’t really agree! My French lessons are from the seventh year. But I’ll practice before I come to Montreal,” he promises, this time in Shakespeare’s language.
Language, it quickly becomes clear, is of great importance to the singer from Georgia, USA. This is even more true since his last visit to Montreal, where he embarked on his Very Hot Summer tour in 2019.
“I had already played all over the world. But it was the first time I entered a market where the majority of people spoke a language other than English. I was incredibly nervous,” he recalls.
“During my first games, the stress completely disappeared behind the scenes. I could see how the people in the room connected to the artists who were on stage in front of me. That’s when I realized the power of music to break down barriers,” he continues.
good company
So, with his wealth of hits – and a few phrases in French – in his suitcase, Thomas Rhett will be reconnecting with his fans in Montreal this week. The singer recently resumed his Bring the Bar to You tour, which began last summer, for a series of concerts on Canadian soil.
What to expect from Friday’s concert at the Bell Center? The title already gives an idea of the atmosphere to be expected, says Thomas Rhett. Because its ultimate goal is to recreate the excitement of a big party at a bar, thanks to the presence of its guest artists Jordan Davis and Kameron Marlowe for more than three hours.
“I want it to go crazy, for people to scream and sing with us, celebrate like I know Montrealers are capable of,” he summarizes.
Anything to “touch people”
It must be said that the singer is spoiled for choice to compose the program of his evening. Because in addition to the songs from his last album “Where We Started”, which was released last year, Thomas Rhett has no less than 20 titles that have been at the top of the American charts in the last ten years. An achievement he’s clearly proud of… but approaches with great – and refreshing – humility.
“I remember my early days thinking it would be so cool to have a number 1! And now, 10 years later, I’m 20. It’s totally surreal,” he breathes.
“But on the other hand, we shouldn’t stop here or let these numbers dictate us. Of course it’s a privilege to have a track at the top of the charts. I can’t deny it But the most important thing for me is to write songs that go straight to people’s hearts. Knowing that I’ve touched people with my music is worth much more to me than a number 1,” he admits.
The trip Bring the bar to you stops at the Bell Center on Friday, February 24th.