Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw Honor Aurora Victims During Denver Concert
America has been a nation of heavy hearts since a gunman opened fire on a movie theater during a midnight showing of ‘The Dark Night Rises.’ In light of the unspeakable tragedy, Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw had an emotional stopover in Denver when they played the Sports Authority Field on Saturday night (July 21).
Both Chesney and McGraw paused to offer condolences and words of encouragement in between singing hit songs.
“I’m thinking about y’all and we’re praying for y’all,” McGraw said before kicking off his portion of the show. “Our job tonight is to come out here for just a little while and put a smile on your face, to cut loose, have a good time and have a party in remembrance of the fine, fine folks who lost their lives a couple of days ago.”
The audience responded favorably to McGraw’s genuine condolences by cheering, screaming and clapping.
“We wanted to do something for you guys that might sort of lift your souls again,” he said, before launching into a cover of ‘More Power to Ya’ by Christian rock group Petra.
The lyrics of the song call for God to be strong for people when they are weak — an appropriate mantra for the grieving community just one day after the tragic shooting.
Chesney also took a moment to share his sympathies with the sold-out crowd.
“Me and my road family are just like the rest of the nation, hurting with this city tonight. We love you, and we’re with you, and if you guys will let us, we want to let music start to heal this town just a little bit tonight,” he said (quote via The Examiner) before playing his mega-hit song ‘I Go Back.’
Our hearts go out to the families and friends of the 12 people who were killed, as well as those who were injured in the tragic shooting.
Watch Tim McGraw Extend Sympathies to His Denver Audience