Chase Matthew Ignites the Party at Keith Urban’s Ruoff Music Center Concert

The air was thick with summer heat at Ruoff Music Center on June 28, 2025, as Chase Matthew hit the stage at 8:15 PM. With 24,000 fans filling the Noblesville, Indiana, amphitheater, the third opener for Keith Urban’s High and Alive World Tour brought a rock-infused country vibe that jolted the crowd to life. Consequently, Matthew declared he was “getting the party started,” and the audience responded, jumping to their feet by his third song, dancing and singing along. His set was a high-octane prelude to Urban’s headlining performance, proving why he’s a rising star in country music.

Matthew’s energy was relentless. He tossed t-shirts to fans, hyping them up by shouting out Ford, Dodge, and Chevy owners, sparking the loudest screams of the night. Then, he threw his signed hat to the rowdiest fan, a moment that sent the crowd wild. His performance of the “Cha Cha Slide” had everyone dancing, from the pit to the lawn. Moreover, his positivity speech stood out—urging fans to chase their dreams, believe in themselves, and put faith first—leaving the crowd buzzing with inspiration. He shared that his first Indianapolis gig was at the Eight Second Saloon, and now, introducing Keith Urban at Ruoff felt like a dream. As a result, his set left fans feeling better than when they arrived, exactly as he’d hoped.

Who Is Chase Matthew?

Born on December 10, 1997, in Nashville, Tennessee, Chase Matthew grew up steeped in music. His father, a drummer, introduced him to classic rock—Guns N’ Roses, Aerosmith, and Mötley Crüe—while his mother’s love for country shaped his sound. At 13, he taught himself guitar, inspired by watching his dad jam. By his teens, he was writing songs, blending rock’s edge with country’s heart. After high school, he worked odd jobs, from plumbing to construction, before signing with Holler Boy Records in 2021. His gritty lyrics and high-energy performances quickly caught attention, leading to tour slots with artists like Jason Aldean and, now, Keith Urban.

The Eight Second Saloon: A Country Rite of Passage

The Eight Second Saloon in Indianapolis is a hallowed stage for aspiring country artists. Known for its dive-bar vibe and passionate crowds, it’s where stars like Garth Brooks and Luke Combs cut their teeth. For Matthew, playing the Saloon three times—most recently in 2023—was a crucial step. He recalled those nights onstage at Ruoff, saying he never imagined moving from that small, sweaty stage to an amphitheater of 24,000. Similarly, Alana Springsteen, another opener, played the Saloon once, and both artists marveled at their journey to Ruoff’s massive platform. For up-and-comers, the Saloon is a test of grit, where raw talent meets real fans.

Bands and Collaborations

Matthew tours with a rotating crew of Nashville session players, not a fixed band. At Ruoff, his three guitar players, plus his own was a triple threat—delivered a tight, rocking sound that matched his energy. He’s co-written with artists like Ryan Hurd and HARDY, shaping his blend of country and rock. Notably, he collaborated with Jason Aldean on tour in 2022, learning stagecraft from the veteran. His single “Love You Again” was co-produced by Ryan Vojtesak, known for work with Kane Brown. While specific bandmate names for the Ruoff show aren’t public, his crew’s chemistry was undeniable, driving the crowd’s frenzy.

Relationships and Media Appearances

Matthew’s personal life stays low-key, with no headline-making romances tied to other artists. His professional bonds, however, run deep. He’s toured with Luke Bryan and Kane Brown, crediting them for mentoring him on engaging crowds. Media-wise, he’s appeared on Nashville’s WSMV-TV and radio shows like The Bobby Bones Show, promoting his 2023 album Come Get Your Memory. A recent post on X from HANK FM highlighted his unreleased track “Daddy and Demons,” performed at an intimate Annie & Cole’s Up Close Concert, showing his growing buzz. He’s also active on TikTok, where his performance clips rack up millions of views.

Awards and Milestones

Matthew’s career is on a steep upward climb. He announced at Ruoff that his single “Love You Again” went gold, then platinum, a major milestone for the 27-year-old. His 2022 debut album, Born for This, and 2023’s Come Get Your Memory have amassed over 1.2 billion streams, per Spotify data. While he hasn’t snagged major awards like ACMs or CMAs yet, his inclusion in CMT’s 2023 Listen Up program marked him as a breakout talent. Fans on X raved about his April 2025 show in Lake Charles, calling it a “rocking party,” a sentiment echoed at Ruoff.

Biggest Songs

Matthew’s songs blend heartfelt lyrics with party-ready beats, earning radio and streaming love. Here are three of his biggest hits:

• “County Line”: His 2021 debut single, co-written by Chase Matthew, Chris LaCorte, and Ryan Vojtesak, a streaming hit with over 300 million plays.
• “Love You Again”: A 2022 chart-climber from Come Get Your Memory, co-written by Chase Matthew, Taylor Phillips, and Ryan Vojtesak, now platinum-certified.
• “She Loves Jesus”: A 2022 faith-driven track, co-written by Chase Matthew and HARDY, resonating with fans for its sincerity.

Controversies

Matthew has kept a clean slate, with no major controversies tied to his name. His focus on positivity—evident in his Ruoff speech about faith and dreams—keeps him out of drama. Unlike some country stars, he’s avoided public feuds or legal issues, letting his music and fan connection drive his narrative. As a result, his reputation as a relatable, hardworking artist continues to grow, especially among fans who vibe with his underdog story.

A Party with Purpose

At Ruoff, Matthew was a human spark plug. His “Cha Cha Slide” performance turned the amphitheater into a dance floor, with fans of all ages moving in sync. For instance, when he called out truck brands, the crowd’s screams hit fever pitch, and his signed hat toss sparked chaos in the best way. His positivity speech, though, was the heart of his set. He urged fans to leave happier, to chase their dreams, and to prioritize faith—a message that landed hard with the Indiana crowd. Even as the heat pushed 85 degrees, his energy never wavered, and neither did the fans’.

His nod to the Eight Second Saloon grounded his performance in humility. Having played there three times, he knew Indianapolis fans brought passion, and he matched it. As he closed with “Love You Again,” fans sang every word, adding credibility to his growing reach. Matthew didn’t just open for Keith Urban—he owned the stage, setting the perfect tone for the night’s headliner. With his platinum plaque in hand and a crowd roaring, Chase Matthew proved he’s a force to be reckoned with.

There are three other acts from this show, including Keith Urban. Here are the links:

Alana Springsteen Brings High-Energy Charm to Keith Urban’s Ruoff Music Center Concert

Karley Scott Collins Shines as Opening Act at Keith Urban’s Ruoff Music Center Concert: A Star on the Rise

Keith Urban Delivers a Barn-Burning Show at Ruoff Music Center: A Night of Heart and Hustle

Related Posts

• 

  ALISON KRAUSS & UNION STATION featuring JERRY DOUGLAS
  ALISON KRAUSS & UNION STATION featuring JERRY DOUGLAS
• 

  Old Crow Medicine Show’s Inaugural Holiday Hootenanny Warms Up Nashville, Indiana
  Old Crow Medicine Show’s Inaugural Holiday Hootenanny Warms Up Nashville, Indiana
• 

  DAILEY & VINCENT -FEEL GOOD MUSIC TOUR
  DAILEY & VINCENT -FEEL GOOD MUSIC TOUR
• 

  THE STEELDRIVERS : LIVE AT BROWN COUNTY MUSIC CENTER
  THE STEELDRIVERS : LIVE AT BROWN COUNTY MUSIC CENTER

You must be logged in to post a comment Login