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Review: Opening Night: Wynonna – Back to Wy Tour

By Larry Philpot on October 27, 2023

Wynonna Judd’s 2023 tour, “Back To Wy”, is a triumphant return to her roots and a celebration of her musical legacy. The country legend, who has been in the spotlight for more than four decades, delivers a powerful and emotional performance that showcases her iconic voice and her heartfelt songs.

File Photo: Wynonna Judd performs to a capacity crowd at The Murat Theater at Old National Center in Indianapolis Indiana on October 26, 2023, opening night of her new “Back To Wy” tour. (Photo Credit: Larry Philpot / SoundstagePhotography.com)

The first leg of the National tour, which kicked off tonight in Indianapolis and will wrap up in Knoxville in December, features a mix of Judd’s classic hits and material from her first two albums, the 1992 self titled debut, and the follow-up, Tell Me Why from 1993, is a reflection of Judd’s personal journey and her gratitude for her fans and her family.

The concert I attended, at the Murat Theater at Old National Center in Indianapolis, was a sold-out show that attracted a diverse crowd of loyal followers and new admirers. Judd took the stage with a band of seasoned musicians, including her husband, Cactus Moser on Drums and a nice mandolin quartet. She took the stage to the background hit — the upbeat “Girls Night Out”, which set the tone for the night: energetic, confident and fun. Especially impressive and rarely seen was that her band were all in matching suit jackets and ties, a professional touch that respects the audience and adds so much to the visual aspect of any show. Think Tony Bennett or The Temptations.

Judd took the stage and proceeded to take the audience on a musical ride that spanned her entire career, from her early days as one half of The Judds, the duo she formed with her mother Naomi, to her solo success as a multi-platinum artist. She sang some of her most beloved songs, such as “Mama He’s Crazy”, “Love is Alive”, “Grandpa (Tell Me ‘Bout The Good Old Days).” She also performed some of her newer songs, such as “No One Else on Earth”, and “A Little Bit of Love”. She interspersed the songs with stories and anecdotes that revealed her humor, wisdom and vulnerability.

Judd’s voice was in top shape throughout the night, displaying its range, depth and soulfulness. She sang with passion and conviction, conveying the emotions and messages of each song. She also interacted with the audience, inviting them to sing along, clap their hands and dance. She expressed her appreciation for their support and their love, calling them her “family”. She told the audience, “Thank you for staying with me for 40 years, and now you’re bringing your children.”

The highlight of the night was the acoustic solo of three songs listed above, which caused the audience to softly sing with her, even though Judd didn’t ask for a sing-a-long, I believe the audience could have sung every song and finished the show. This was an absolute delight.

After a cover of The King’s “Burning Love”, and Led Zeppelin’s “Rock and Roll”, the concert ended with a standing ovation from the audience.

Wynonna Judd’s 2023 tour, “Back To Wy”, is a must-see for any fan of country music or any lover of music in general. It is a show that celebrates the talent, the spirit and the legacy of one of the greatest singers of our time.

Grade: A+

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