PHILLIP PHILLIPS LIVE AT THE TUPELO MUSIC HALL – NH
Phillip Phillips plays the 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 performances, from comedy acts to rock bands like Queensrÿche and even theatrical productions.
Originally opened in 2004 in a historic farmhouse in Londonderry, NH, Tupelo could only accommodate just over 200 people. As its popularity grew, the venue moved to its current location in Derry in 2017, allowing it to expand to a 700-seat capacity—quite a leap from its modest 2,400-square-foot origins. Despite this growth, Tupelo has maintained the personal, up-close atmosphere that drew fans in from the beginning, continuing to offer music lovers an intimate space to enjoy live performances.
So, when Phillip Phillips was announced to play at the venue, fans knew they were in for a special, personal experience. Phillips is no stranger to Tupelo; he has performed here several times over the years, consistently selling out shows thanks to his loyal fanbase. This night was no exception.
Phillips’ musical journey began as a teenager in his local church, with one of his earliest performances happening thanks to his sister, who pushed him into singing for an Easter Sunday service. Too nervous to say no, he went through with it, marking the start of what would become an extraordinary career.
Fast forward to 2012, when the 20-year-old from Georgia, who worked at his father’s pawn shop, took a leap of faith and auditioned for American Idol. His soulful performance of Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition” and a memorable acoustic rendition of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” set him on a path to stardom. Eventually, he won Season 11 with a standing ovation for his original song, “Home,” and hasn’t looked back since.
He has since gone on to release 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, independently released in June of 2023, is titled Drift Back. The album takes 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 that looks like as we grow, this is what sets Phillips apart as a talented musician and why so many people relate to and gravitate toward his work.
Phillips’ performances at Tupelo Music Hall truly embody his journey—authentic, heartfelt, and deeply connected to his fans. The night kicked off with the upbeat tempos of “Unpack Your Heart” and “Lead On” from his 2014 album Behind the Light, immediately prompting fans to rise and sing along.
Beyond his remarkable talent and musicianship, Phillips engages 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 began playing “Gone, Gone, Gone.” Many of his songs resonate deeply with fans, and this one holds particular significance for me. Since the loss of my grandfather, Phillips has been a comforting presence in my family. My grandparents shared over 50 years of unconditional love, and when my grandfather passed, we chose “Gone, Gone, Gone” as a tribute to that love. My mother found solace in Phillips’ music to the point where hearing the song on the radio felt like a message from our grandfather.
But the connection doesn’t end there. As life progressed, we faced the devastating news of my mom’s ovarian cancer diagnosis. In just one year, we watched her transform from the vibrant, hardworking woman we adored into 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 cherished stories, she still wasn’t ready to go.
It was late one night when I realized what she needed to hear. I played “Gone, Gone, Gone,” gently assuring her that it was okay to leave, that my grandmother would be alright, and that Pepere (our grandfather) was ready to welcome her home. As the final 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 one last time, took a final breath, and then she was gone. This experience highlights the profound impact of music on the soul.
Whenever I hear that song, I feel her presence with me. It’s the soul, the emotion, and the unconditional love for his music that allow Phillips’ fans to have these deeply connected moments with his songs. During the performance of “Gone, Gone, Gone,” the crowd stood up, singing at the top of their lungs, connecting with him and feeling every word.
This was the tone for the entire night. My story is just one of the countless narratives shared by the 699 other people who were there to see him. The night continued with tracks that spanned all his albums, including “Dancing with Your Shadows” off Drift Back, “Magnetic” off Collateral, and the song that put him on the map, “Home” from The World from the Side of the Moon.
“Home” has recently been re-released as “Home (Phillips Version)” as part of his effort to reclaim ownership of his music, following in the footsteps of artists like 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 she still isn’t holding your hand, don’t worry; we still have a few more songs to get through. But if we reach the end and she still isn’t holding your hand, I’m sorry, I tried—there’s only so much I can do!” He then left the stage, playfully letting the lights come up to trick fans into thinking the show was over, only to return for an encore.
The evening concluded with a cover of “Maneater” by Hall and Oates, followed by one of the first songs America heard him cover, “Thriller” by Michael Jackson. Both were executed flawlessly, perfectly suited to his vocal range and style, allowing him to put a unique twist on these beloved classics.
Overall, the night was a spectacular celebration of music, highlighting Phillips‘ impressive range and artistry. Each song resonated deeply with the audience, creating an electric atmosphere that felt both intimate and communal. For those of us who have followed Phillips on his journey, witnessing 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 devoted to his craft and his fans. His journey is far from over, and if this night is any indication, the best is 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 has carved out a special place in the hearts of many, and I eagerly anticipate where his journey will take him next.
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Kerri this is amazing work in every respect.
Thank you so much Scott!