On Saturday, April 5, Brooks & Dunn returned to the Chicago area for the ninth stop on their 2025 Neon Moon tour to a sold-out crowd of fans of all ages. Touring with them were the opening acts Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway and David Lee Murphy. Murphy is best known for his hit single "Dust On The Bottle" and his impressive career as a country music songwriter. He has written hits for country stars like Kenny Chesney, Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, and many others while also earning recognition as a member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2023.
Brooks & Dunn is a country music duo that is celebrated for the significant impact they’ve had on the genre since their debut in 1991. Through the years, Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn have had 20 number one hits, earned two Grammy Awards, and received numerous Academy of Country Music and Country Music Association honors. Their albums have sold more than any duo in country music history and have gone beyond the genre itself.
Brooks & Dunn is known for blending honky-tonk, mainstream country, and rock influences in their music and have left their mark on the country music scene. In 1992, their single "Boot Scootin' Boogie" played a major role in bringing back line dancing across the United States. After a brief hiatus in 2010, they reunited in 2015 and have continued to tour.
Fans in the arena were buzzing with anticipation for the night filled with high-energy performances of unforgettable hits. The arena came alive with cheers as the legendary duo took the stage in their signature style, starting off strong with their hit “Brand New Man.” Their mix of upbeat tunes, heartfelt ballads, and personal stories kept the audience deep in the experience. The audience took songs away singing while the band looked off in awe of the thousands of people belting out their songs. Everyone was dancing, singing, and feeling a deep connection to the music. The dynamic lights, powerful acoustics, and infectious energy of the crowd created an unforgettable concert environment, making it a night fans would cherish.
The night wasn’t just focused on the current hits but instead took fans back to their roots with songs like “Hard Workin’ Man” and “Red Dirt Road.” They brought a sense of nostalgia that had the entire arena singing along and reminiscing about the moments those songs led the soundtrack of their lives.
The night wrapped up with an electrifying encore featuring the crowd’s most anticipated hit, “Boot Scootin’ Boogie,” followed by a powerful performance of “Only in America.” During the final song, local military members were honored onstage, which was met with nonstop cheering and heartfelt applause from the audience that lasted through every note. It was a truly unforgettable way to end the evening.
This whole experience was a lifetime in the making for this country music fan. From Murphy’s “Dust on the Bottle” to Brooks & Dunn’s “Brand New Man,” these are the songs of my early years. These are tracks that take me back to the night I met my husband and to moments shared with family members who are no longer with us. Hearing them live wasn’t just nostalgic – it was an emotional, beautiful reminder of where I came from and the people who helped shape me along the way.
If you're a country music fan, this is one tour you don't want to miss. From timeless hits to unforgettable moments, Brooks & Dunn deliver a show packed with heart, energy, and pure country soul. To catch them live on their Neon Moon tour, visit brooks-dunn.com for tickets and tour dates near you.