By Hayden Frishman (‘27)

Michigan Stadium, known as “The Big House”, typically hosts football games on Saturday nights. However, on Saturday, September 27, 2025, the Big House hosted its first-ever concert for none other than Zach Bryan. I personally attended the concert, and the crowd felt electric. Everyone was excited to make history while listening to an incredible country music artist. 

Zach Bryan is a singer and songwriter from Oologah, Oklahoma, whose roots empower him to create lyrics that link back to his values of authenticity and independence. Zach Bryan is a part of a new generation of country music. His earliest songs were streamed on Youtube before releasing two independently-made albums. Bryan’s first breakout album is entitled DeAnn, after his late mother, and Bryan has gained popularity since. Prior to performing at the Big House, Bryan’s The Quittin Time Tour made its run throughout the United States and Canada. Quittin Time was written completely by Bryan and features stories that link to his country roots. Bryan’s fanbase continues to grow due to his music gaining recognition from young fans around the world.

Next, Bryan embarked on a journey with more than 112,000 people. Zach Bryan’s Big House show made history as the largest ticketed concert in the United States. The show featured John Mayer, Ryan Bingham and the Texas Gentlemen, and Joshua Sloane. After those openers, Bryan walked on the stage to Mr. Brightside by The Killers and started the massive concert off with Overtime. Zach Bryan also played 28, Bowery, and Pink Skies, just to name a few. The one thread that ties these songs together is the chorus, which instantly has the audience in the palm of Bryan’s hand as tens of thousands of people take the lead to some of their favorite songs.

        Image courtesy of Hayden Frishman (‘27)

Not only was the concert at the Big House the first of its kind, but the show also featured fireworks coming from the stadium’s roof for the first time. The University of Michigan’s Board of Regents approved the one-time use of these fireworks as they sparked for the encore, Revival, a fan favorite. A four-pointed “omnidirectional stage” was placed at the center of the field, and Bryan rotated around the stage for the entire concert, making every fan feel included.

As one of the 112,000 people who attended the Zach Bryan concert, I had the best time. I have grown up on country music, and being able to see that magic in person was very cool. The entire crowd’s energy was infectious, and I loved hearing songs that I have known for a while and songs that I have never heard before. Bryan running around the stage to face each part of the crowd and playing each instrument (such as the guitar, drums, harmonica, and more) showed the true performer that he is. The lighting that came down from the stage was fantastic, and during the concert, Zach constantly thanked everyone for coming to a show he had dreamed of for a while. This concert at the Big House was one of the best concerts I have ever gone to.

Zach Bryan has set the standard for concerts around the world. With his performance quality, the fireworks and other enhancements of the show, and the amazing setlist made this was an enjoyable experience. Even if Zach Bryan is not performing at a large venue like the Big House, I still recommend going to see the music that Bryan makes in a live performance for all of his fans. Trading football gear and early-afternoon fall skies for cowboy boots and a dark and beautiful night made it the most memorable night.