“There's an Awful Lot of Freedom to The Songs”: Kenny Chesney Finalises Setlist Ahead of Las Vegas Sphere Residency

Following the blockbuster revelation that Kenny Chesney will become the first country artist to headline Las Vegas’ Sphere, the No Shoes Nation icon has discussed the insights he's been gleaning as he hones his setlist for the keenly anticipated residency.

Kenny Chesney has been shedding some light on his behind-the-scenes process as he prepares for his Sphere debut on May 22nd, with the multiple Entertainer of the Year winner seemingly hinting that he's been adjusting and playing with his setlist.

Chesney explains, “I have always said No Shoes Nation is voracious in how they consume our music and the live shows, especially in the stadiums”, before outlining his intention to flip this around, “But now we have the potential with the way this theater is built, along with the super high-definition screen and sound, to almost have the music consume No Shoes Nation. The visuals and the mix will wrap around them, go over their heads and reinforce everything we’re doing on the stage”.

The ‘Big Star’ hitmaker expands, “So, it’s not just seeing us, it’s having this whole new super vivid, full immersion way to experience the show, the band and absolutely the songs”.

The Sphere has built a reputation as one of the most innovative venues on the planet, with attendees surrounded by a 160,000 square foot screen, 167,000 individual speakers creating a sound that can be dialled in to each seat and an LED screen boasting 171,000 pixels that combine to give ticket-holders a unique concert experience.

Given the sun-soaked, glass-half-full spirit that permeates Kenny Chesney's expansive discography, the concept of this island-inspired world being brought to life in the Sphere is a truly exhilarating prospect for the country legend's loyal No Shoes Nation fanbase.

Excitingly, it seems the task of finalising and revamping his setlist has led to Kenny Chesney gaining a newfound appreciation for the joi-de-vivre and verve that pervades his catalogue.

Chesney reflects on what he's been discovering, “I have always cut songs that felt real and true to my life. But in really listening, really thinking about what these songs say, I realized: there’s an awful lot of freedom to the songs, whether the narrator or the person being sung about, and an awful lot of facing life on its terms, but realizing you have the power to find the best possible outcome in any situation”.

He concludes by touching on the formidable challenge of re-recording all the concert footage and Jumbotron videos he's used in years past, with the Sphere requiring its visuals to be filmed on a patented Big Sky camera, which requires 12 people to operate it.

Kenny Chesney delves into how much he's relishing the opportunity, “When we were starting to think about what we should shoot, how to present the songs in this completely consuming environment showed me how much No Shoes Nation has been coming for the joy, but also for the sense that life can be lived fully no matter where you are or what you’re doing. Twenty years into playing stadiums, I’m amazed at the things I’m still learning about the songs I’ve been blessed to sing”.

Kenny Chesney kicks off his 12-date Live at Sphere Las Vegas residency, presented by Blue Chair Bay Rum, on Thursday, May 22nd. General ticket on-sale opens on January 31st, with Chesney's artist pre-sale and Vibee VIP packages accessible now.

For the full list of Kenny Chesney's 2025 Live at Sphere Las Vegas shows, see below:

• Thursday, May 22
• Saturday, May 24
• Sunday, May 25
• Wednesday, May 28
• Friday, May 30
• Saturday, May 31
• Wednesday, June 4
• Friday, June 6
• Saturday, June 7
• Wednesday, June 11
• Friday, June 13
• Saturday, June 14

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