blink-182 vs. Chris Stapleton

ACL Headliners Create Three Distinct Vibes at Zilker Park

Zilker Park divided into three distinct sections during the Austin City Limits Music Festival last Friday night.

On one end, Blink-182 brought their signature Warped Tour energy, complete with relentless onstage cursing. In the middle, parents sought refuge from the profanity. And at the American Express stage, Chris Stapleton serenaded a sea of cowboy boots and hats with his classy, Stagecoach-style performance.

I first heard Stapleton's hit "Tennessee Whiskey" on a Royal Caribbean cruise, performed by a Motown cover band. Here, it was grandiose and earnest. While his recordings can feel overproduced, Stapleton's live performance showcased technical skill, soulful vocals, and impressive harmonies with his wife, Morgane.

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Stapleton's husky voice carried through blues rock, R&B ballads, and bluegrass. A sign in the crowd requested the national anthem, but Stapleton politely declined, stating, "I love America, too." Known for keeping his politics private, Stapleton appeals to a wide audience with his universally American roots.

In a GQ interview last year, Stapleton praised Beyoncé's live show, reflecting his varied musical upbringing. His 90-minute set included acoustic singalongs and a Lynyrd Skynyrd cover, captivating the audience despite competing fireworks from Blink-182's stage.

Blink-182 Entertains with Humor and Pyrotechnics

Blink-182 brought their signature humor and high energy to the ACL festival. Lead singer Tom DeLonge opened with a UFO proclamation, while bassist Mark Hoppus and drummer Travis Barker led the wild performance.

Actor Jared Padalecki was spotted in the platinum section, taking selfies with fans. The set featured pyrotechnics, lasers, and onstage banter, with Hoppus and DeLonge joking about sex and divorce.

Hits like "All the Small Things," "What's My Age Again?," and "Dammit" closed the show, with a final bow from the mature rockers.

(blink-182 performs on the American Express stage at 8:10 p.m. tonight.)

(Chris Stapleton performs on the Honda Stage tonight at 8:30 p.m.)