Walker Hayes Brings the Party (and the Oreo Shakes) to Clearwater

If you don’t know Walker Hayes by now, where have you been? Walker isn’t your typical country star. The Mobile, Alabama native broke into the mainstream in 2021 with “Fancy Like,” a six-time platinum phenomenon that spent more than six months at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and earned him a Grammy nomination. But Hayes has never been content to rest on past hits. His upcoming album, 17 Problems, set to drop on August 22, 2025, promises more of that signature Walker vibe—raw, relatable, and just a little cheeky. The record’s lead single, “17 Year Old Problems,” is a nostalgic banger that captures the angst and dreams of youth, and it’s already climbing the charts. Check out the lyric video:

Nestled right on Clearwater’s waterfront, BayCare Sound is the kind of venue that makes you question why you’d see a show anywhere else. What sets this place apart isn’t just the stunning 19-acre park setting or the walking trails that wind through the property. It’s the acoustic engineering that has artists raving. The sound quality here is so crisp that performers regularly call it their favorite venues to perform at. With its open-air setup and a capacity that feels intimate (but still packs a punch with a 9,000 fans), it’s basically a giant waterfront hangout with a stage. The breeze rolling in off the water? Perfect for keeping the crowd cool during a hot and humid summer night for the “Truck Still Works” world tour featuring Brad Paisley, Walker Hayes, and Alexandra Kay. This was no backyard BBQ; this was a full-on country music fiesta with a side of Oreo shakes.

The Show: Oreo Shakes, Proposals, and Nonstop Energy

From the second Hayes hit the stage, the energy was high. The crowd—a sea of cowboy boots, cutoff shorts, and flannel shirts—was here for a party, and Hayes delivered. This was no sleepy Saturday night—folks were on their feet, hollering like they’d just won the lottery. Hayes kicked things off with “U Gurl,” his voice smooth as whiskey and twice as bold. The setlist was a masterclass in pacing, weaving high-energy anthems like “90’s Country” with slower, introspective cuts like “Don’t Let Her.”

  • The Proposal: After the song “Don’t Let Her”, Hayes brought fans James and his now-fiancée Stacy onstage, where he got down on one knee (successfully, thank God—no tripping disasters here) to propose in front of 9,000 fans. Thankfully, she said yes! It was the kind of moment that reminds you why live music is magic, and Hayes, ever the showman, grinned from ear to ear.
  • New Single Slaps: “17 Year Old Problems” was a standout live. It’s the kind of tune that sticks in your head, equal parts fun and poignant, and it’s clear the song is going to be a summer soundtrack staple. If this is a taste of the new album, August 22 can’t come soon enough.
  • Oreo Shake Chaos: The closer for his set was his massive hit, “Fancy Like”. Just when we thought it couldn’t get more extra, Alexandra Kay (the tour’s opening act) and a crew of roadies stormed the crowd with trays of Oreo shakes. Absolute pandemonium in the best way. If you’ve ever wanted to see fans in the front lose their minds over a dessert, this was the moment.

 

Final Verdict: A Night of Pure, Unfiltered Fun

Walker Hayes doesn’t just put on a concert—he throws a full-blown, high-energy bash where everyone’s invited. Hayes’ ability to balance humor, heart, and pure fun is something special. His banter with the crowd felt like catching up with an old friend. The BayCare Sound’s intimate vibe only amplified that connection, making every lyric and riff feel personal.

If you get the chance to catch Walker Hayes on tour, do it. Bring your dancing shoes, your heartstrings, and maybe a spare napkin for those shakes. This is country music with a side of joy, served up in a venue that’s as inviting as a summer sunset. And James and Stacy? Here’s to a lifetime of love and maybe a few more Walker Hayes concerts.

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