PHILIP PHILLIPS LIVE AT TUPELO MUSIC HALL – NH
By Kerri Nelson
Phillip Phillips performing at Tupelo Music Hall in New Hampshire.
Tupelo Music Hall, located in Derry, New Hampshire, is a hidden gem in the live music scene. Known for its intimate setting, the venue has hosted a wide range of acts, from comedy acts to rock bands such as Queensrÿche and even theater productions.
Originally opened in 2004 in a historic farmhouse in Londonderry, NH, Tupelo could seat just 200 people. As its popularity grew, the venue moved to its current Derry location in 2017, allowing it to expand to a 700-seat capacity—a leap from its modest 2,400 square foot origins. Despite this growth, Tupelo has maintained the personal, intimate atmosphere that drew fans in from the beginning, continuing to offer music lovers an intimate space to enjoy live performances.
Well, when? Phillip Phillips was announced to play at the venue, fans knew it was going to be a special, personal experience. Phillips He is no stranger to Tupelo. He has performed here several times over the years, consistently selling out shows thanks to his loyal fans. This evening was no exception.
PhillipsThe musical journey began as a teenager in his local church, with one of his first performances taking place thanks to his sister, who encouraged him to sing for an Easter Sunday service. Too nervous to say no, he passed, marking the beginning of what would become an extraordinary career.
Fast forward to 2012, when the 20-year-old from Georgia, who was working at his father's pawn shop, took a leap of faith and auditioned for American Idol. A dazzling rendition of Stevie Wonder's “Superstition” and an unforgettable acoustic rendition of Michael Jackson's “Thriller” set him on a path to stardom. He eventually won Season 11 to a standing ovation for his original song, “Home,” and hasn't looked back since.
He has since released hit after hit over the past few years, with each album serving as a tapestry of his growth as an artist. His most recent album, released independently in June 2023, is titled Drift Back. The album brings him back to his roots, but with the perspective of someone who has experienced the peaks and valleys of life. Touching on the challenges we all face, the evolution of love and what it looks like as we grow older, this is what sets Phillips aside from being a talented musician and why so many people relate and gravitate towards his work.
PhillipsThe shows at Tupelo Music Hall truly embody his journey—authentic, heartfelt and deeply connected to his fans. The night kicked off with the upbeat beats of “Unpack Your Heart” and “Lead On” from the 2014 album Behind the Lightimmediately prompting fans to get up and sing along.
In addition to his remarkable talent and musicianship, Phillips he interacts with his audience, sharing stories that fill the gaps between songs. He talked about having his son on tour with him for a few days, capturing the joy of their time together while humorously acknowledging the challenges of having a child on the road. This relatable moment resonated with many fans, creating a sense of connection.
One of my favorite moments of the night was when Phillips “Gone, Gone, Gone” started playing. Many of his songs resonate deeply with fans and that means a lot to me. Since the loss of my grandfather, Phillips he was a comforting presence in my family. My grandparents shared over 50 years of unconditional love and when my grandfather passed away we chose “Gone, Gone, Gone” as a tribute to that love. My mother found solace Phillipsmusic to the point where hearing the song on the radio was like a message from our grandfather.
But the connection doesn't end there. As life progressed, we faced the devastating news of my mother's ovarian cancer diagnosis. In just one year, we've watched her transform from the vibrant, hard-working woman we adored to someone confined to hospice care, preparing to say goodbye to the rock of our family. I vividly remember playing her favorite songs—Elton John, The Beatles, Shinedown—in hopes of bringing her comfort as she slept. While family members said their goodbyes and shared favorite stories, she still wasn't ready to leave.
It was late one night when I realized what he needed to hear. I played “Gone, Gone, Gone,” gently assuring her that it was okay to leave, that my grandma would be okay, and that Pepere (our grandpa) was ready to welcome her home. As the last words of the song played-“My heart never stops beating for you, and long after you're gone, gone, gone, I love you long after you're gone, gone, gone”—she opened her eyes for the last time, took one last breath, and then left. This experience highlights the profound effect of music on the soul.
Whenever I listen to this song, I feel her presence with me. It is his soul, emotion and unconditional love for his music that make it possible PhillipsFor fans to have these deeply connected moments with his songs. During the performance of 'Gone, Gone, Gone', the crowd rose, singing at the top of their lungs, connecting with him and feeling every word.
That was the tone for the entire night. My story is just one of countless accounts shared by the other 699 people who were there to see him. The night continued with tracks covering all of his albums, including the off-the-cuff “Dancing with Your Shadows” Drift Back“Magnetic” off Warrantyand the song that put him on the map, “Home” by The world from the side of the Moon.
“Home” was recently re-released as “Home (Phillips Version)” as part of his attempt to reclaim ownership of his music, following in the footsteps of artists such as Taylor Swift. Downloading and streaming his version will help support his growth as an independent artist, as opposed to the original version where the record company profits from it.
The night was filled with impressive guitar solos, great music and Phillips“Signature dry sense of humor. At one point he joked: “If you're on a date and he's still not holding your hand, don't worry. we still have a few songs to go through. But if we get to the end and he's still not holding your hand, I'm sorry, I tried — there's only so much I can do!” He then left the stage, playfully leaving the lights up to trick fans into thinking the show was over, only to return for an encore.
The night ended with a cover of “Maneater” by Hall and Oates, followed by one of the first songs America heard covered, Michael Jackson's “Thriller.” Both were flawlessly performed, perfectly suited to his vocal range and style, allowing him to put a unique twist on these well-loved classics.
All in all, the night was a spectacular celebration of music, excellence PhillipsImpressive range and art. Each song resonated deeply with the audience, creating an electric atmosphere that felt both familiar and shared. For those of us who followed Phillips on his journey, seeing his growth as an artist and seeing how he navigates his personal struggles through his music is a true gift.
In an industry often dominated by commercial interests, Phillips shines as a genuine artist dedicated to his craft and his fans. His journey is far from over, and if tonight is any indication, better things are yet to come. As we exited the venue, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the music that continues to touch our lives, reminding us that we are never truly alone in our experiences. Phillips he has carved a special place in the hearts of many and I look forward to seeing where his journey takes him next.
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