Chris Janson is basically a human firework. If you’ve ever seen him live, you know exactly what I mean. He doesn’t just sing; he vibrates. He’s currently rolling through the Chris Janson concert tour, specifically the "Wild Horses Untamed Tour," and honestly, it’s one of the few country shows left that feels completely unscripted.
There is no backing track doing the heavy lifting here.
Most people think of him as the "Buy Me a Boat" guy, which is fair. That song changed his life. But seeing him in person? It’s a whole different animal. One minute he’s shredding a harmonica like his life depends on it, and the next, he’s jumping onto a piano or playing a drum solo.
He's a multi-instrumentalist who actually plays. Imagine that.
Where the Chris Janson Concert Tour is Heading in 2026
The schedule for the early part of 2026 is already looking pretty packed. Janson is hitting a mix of theaters, casinos, and those massive outdoor festivals that country fans live for.
If you're looking to catch a show, here is the current rundown of where he’s popping up:
- January 22, 2026: Tucson, AZ – Anselmo Valencia Tori Amphitheater
- January 29, 2026: Nashville, IN – Brown County Music Center
- January 30, 2026: Effingham, IL – Effingham Performance Center
- January 31, 2026: Hiawassee, GA – Anderson Music Hall
- February 7, 2026: St. Petersburg, FL – Jannus Live
- February 13, 2026: Wheeling, WV – Capitol Theatre
- February 27, 2026: Jim Thorpe, PA – Penn's Peak
- March 20, 2026: Jupiter, FL – Abacoa Town Center Amphitheatre
Later in the summer, things get even bigger. He’s booked for the Carolina Country Music Fest in Myrtle Beach on June 6 and joining the "Rock The Country" circuit with Kid Rock and Hank Williams Jr. in places like Sioux Falls and Hamburg, NY.
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Those festival sets are usually shorter, but the energy is dialed up to eleven.
The "Wild Horses" Era and Why It Matters
This tour is largely supporting his newer material, specifically from the Wild Horses album. Janson recently made a big move, splitting from his previous record label to gain more creative freedom.
He’s been vocal about this during his sets.
In recent shows, like his March 2025 performance in Reno, he told the crowd that being independent lets him write the songs he actually wants to write—not just what a corporate board thinks will play on the radio. This has led to more "honky-tonk" leaning ballads and raw, unfiltered tracks like "Stay Rowdy."
You might even see his son, Jesse Bo, hop on stage. It’s a family affair. They often perform "The Reel Bass Pro" together, which sounds cheesy on paper but is actually pretty wholesome in person.
What the Setlist Usually Looks Like
Don't expect a carbon copy of the studio album. Janson is known for mashups. You’ll hear his hits like "Fix a Drink" and "Good Vibes," but he’s just as likely to veer into a cover of Billy Joel’s "Piano Man" or a medley of rock classics.
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Recent setlists have included:
- "Cut Me Some Slack" (The usual high-energy opener)
- "Buy Me a Boat" (Usually mid-set, surprisingly)
- "Drunk Girl" (The emotional centerpiece where he plays the piano)
- "All I Need Is You" (A common closer)
He also throws in some curveballs. During the 2025 leg, he started performing a new song co-written with Jamey Johnson that hasn't even hit streaming services yet. He literally tells the audience to take their phones out and record it.
That’s how you know he doesn't care about the traditional industry "rules."
Real Talk: Is It Worth the Ticket Price?
Tickets for the Chris Janson concert tour generally hover around $55 to $85 for standard seats. If you’re looking at a festival pass or VIP floor seats, you’re obviously looking at several hundred dollars.
Is it worth it?
If you want a polished, perfectly choreographed pop-country show with pyrotechnics and dancers, no. This isn't that. Janson is sweaty, loud, and sometimes a little chaotic. He dances like a "Human Hummingbird," which is a nickname he’s actually earned because he can’t stand still.
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It’s authentic.
One thing people often get wrong is thinking he’s just a novelty act because of the upbeat songs. But "Drunk Girl" remains one of the most respected songs in modern country for its message about respect and sobriety. Seeing him perform that solo on the keys is usually the moment the "party" crowd goes silent.
It’s a powerful transition.
How to Get the Best Experience
Don't wait until the day of the show to grab tickets for the theater dates. Venues like Penn's Peak or the Brown County Music Center are intimate, and they sell out faster than the big fairgrounds.
- Check secondary markets: Sites like SeatGeek or StubHub often have tickets if the primary box office is dry, but watch the fees.
- Arrive early: Janson often performs without an opening act on his headlining dates. If the ticket says 7:30 PM, he’s often hitting the stage shortly after.
- Wear comfortable shoes: You will be standing. Most of his crowd stays on their feet the entire 90 minutes.
The "Wild Horses Untamed Tour" is really about Janson reclaiming his sound. He’s leaning back into his Missouri roots—a mix of outlaw country, rock and roll, and genuine showmanship.
If you’re on the fence, go for the harmonica solos alone. You won't see anyone else in Nashville play it like he does.
Keep an eye on his official site for late-summer additions, as he tends to add county fair dates sporadically throughout the season. These are often the best ways to see him because the atmosphere matches his "All American Guy" persona perfectly.
Grab your tickets early, especially for the Florida and Indiana dates, as those markets tend to be his strongest strongholds.