Dierks Bentley lit up the Moody Center on May 29 as he kicked off his much-anticipated Broken Branches Tour in Austin. 

The night was a high-energy celebration of Bentley’s signature blend of classic country and modern edge, and it didn’t disappoint.

Things got rolling with The Band Loula, a duo made up of lifelong friends Malachi Mills and Logan Simmons. Fresh off their Grand Ole Opry debut just six days earlier, they brought charm and soul to the stage. Their set featured two new tracks, “Can’t Please Them All” and “Running Off the Angels,” that had the crowd leaning in from the start.

Next up was Zach Top, who’s been riding high since being named the Academy of Country Music’s New Male Artist of the Year. He delivered a standout set rooted in traditional country, mixing his own hits like “Sounds Like the Radio” and “I Never Lie” with crowd-pleasing covers of George Strait’s “Amarillo by Morning” and Merle Haggard’s “Ramblin’ Fever.” Top’s performance felt like a nod to the past while still pushing forward, a reminder that classic country still has a bright future.

Then it was time for the main event. After a quick stage change, Dierks Bentley opened his set with a brand-new track, “Well Well Whiskey,” immediately setting the tone for a night full of surprises. The setlist was a perfect mix of fan favorites like “Drunk on a Plane” and “What Was I Thinkin’,” along with fresh cuts from his upcoming “Broken Branches” album.

One of the night’s highlights? Surprise guest appearances. John Randel and Jamie Alexander joined Bentley on stage to sing “Bad Angel,” and Zach Top came back out for a fiery rendition of “Freeborn Man” with Bentley. These unexpected collaborations brought an extra layer of excitement to an already electric show.

And just when fans thought the night was over, Bentley and his band came back out as their ’90s country alter egos, Hot Country Knights, for an unforgettable encore. They tore through a medley of throwback hits — including “Chattahoochee,” “Man! I Feel Like a Woman,” and “Achy Breaky Heart,” turning the arena into a full-blown singalong. The night closed out with “Friends in Low Places” and “Ain’t Goin’ Down (‘Til the Sun Comes Up),” sending everyone home on a high note.

The Broken Branches Tour launch in Austin was more than just a concert, it was a celebration of country music’s past, present, and future. Bentley proved once again why he’s one of the genre’s most enduring and dynamic performers.

The tour runs through the summer and wraps up August 30 in Clarkston, Michigan. Bentley’s new album, Broken Branches, drops June 13, and you can catch the new tracks now on Apple Music and other streaming platforms.

Missed the show? Don’t worry, we’ve got photos from the Moody Center performance so you can still catch a glimpse of the magic.

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Cover Photo Brian Maass

Brian Maass, a lifelong Austinite, is passionate about music, travel, and capturing life’s moments through his camera lens. He resides in Round Rock, Texas, with his wife, Dana Kent Maass, and their loyal dog, Chester.