Riley Green’s Country Swagger Packs Railbird Festival 2025 Day 2

The Kentucky night was buzzing on June 1, 2025, when Riley Green hit the Elkhorn Stage at Railbird Festival. His 8:15 p.m. set brought rowdy, modern country to Lexington’s Red Mile, igniting the crowd. Consequently, fans, now shoulder-to-shoulder, sang every word of his hits. For an hour, this Alabama star delivered a high-energy show, rocking Day 2’s close.

His performance was a mix of party anthems and heartfelt ballads. For instance, he opened with “I Wish Grandpas Never Died,” its nostalgic strum sparking cheers. Meanwhile, Green’s vocals carried a smooth, Southern drawl, like a backroad storyteller. His band—tight and loud—kept the vibe electric, with Mark Hill’s bass thumping hard. Moreover, “There Was This Girl” had fans dancing, its catchy hook filling the air. By the end, with “Dixieland Delight,” the crowd roared, lost in Alabama pride.

From Small-Town Alabama to Country Fame

Riley Green, born October 18, 1988, in Jacksonville, Alabama, grew up hunting and fishing in the rural South. Music wasn’t his first plan; he played college football at Jacksonville State University. At 22, he picked up guitar, inspired by his granddad’s Hank Williams records. Consequently, he started gigging in local bars, trading gridiron for stages. His small-town roots shape his relatable sound.

Green’s 2018 EP, In a Truck Right Now, caught attention, with “There Was This Girl” hitting country radio. His 2019 debut album, Different ’Round Here, went gold, boosted by “I Wish Grandpas Never Died.” For example, he’s headlined festivals like Tortuga and toured with Jason Aldean. Now based in Nashville, he blends traditional and modern country, often compared to Luke Bryan for his charm and hooks.

Bands and Bandmates

Green performs under his own name, backed by a touring band, with no other major band affiliations noted. His current lineup includes:

• Riley Green – vocals, guitar
• Chris Powell – drums
• Mark Hill – bass
• Brad Warren – guitar
• Justin Richards – keys

He’s collaborated with Luke Combs and Thomas Rhett, sharing stages on tours. Meanwhile, his personal life draws occasional buzz; he’s been linked to model Sophia Sansone since 2022, but keeps it low-key. For instance, Green’s focus stays on music and hunting, not tabloid drama. His everyman persona drives his appeal, connecting with fans.

Television, Film, and Awards

Green’s media presence is strong, tied to his chart-topping status. He performed “I Wish Grandpas Never Died” on The Tonight Show in 2019. Additionally, his song “There Was This Girl” was featured in a 2020 episode of Nashville, boosting streams. For awards, he won the 2020 Academy of Country Music (ACM) New Male Artist of the Year. Moreover, he nabbed the 2021 Country Music Association (CMA) Musical Event of the Year for “Half of Me” with Thomas Rhett. Hall of fame talks are early, but his trajectory points there.

Biggest Songs

Green’s tracks dominate country radio and streaming, with a few standouts:

• “I Wish Grandpas Never Died” – Written by Riley Green, Lainey Wilson, and others, this 2019 hit went platinum.
• “There Was This Girl” – Penned by Green and Erik Dylan, this 2018 single topped country charts.
• “Half of Me” – Written by Green, Thomas Rhett, and others, this 2022 duet hit radio hard.

Controversies

Green’s career hasn’t been drama-free. In 2021, he faced backlash after old tweets with racial slurs surfaced from 2010. He apologized, calling them youthful mistakes, and pledged to learn. Consequently, some fans forgave him, while others stayed wary, though radio play held strong. Additionally, in 2020, he drew flak for playing a packed concert during COVID restrictions, sparking online debate. He defended it as a livelihood need, and the issue faded. Moreover, his hunting posts on social media occasionally rile animal rights activists, but he shrugs it off. His focus on music keeps major trouble at bay, though his outspokenness courts flak.

The Railbird Honky-Tonk

At Railbird, Green turned the Elkhorn Stage into an Alabama barroom. His set felt like a tailgate singalong. For instance, “I Wish Grandpas Never Died” opened with his warm drawl, pulling fans to their feet. Meanwhile, his banter—about hunting and granddads—drew hollers from the crowd. Hill’s bass in “There Was This Girl” thumped deep, sparking couples to dance.

The stage setup was bold—guitars, bass, keys, and a big screen flashing rural scenes. As a result, the crowd, a mix of country fans and festivalgoers, got wild, snapping photos. During “Half of Me,” Green’s duet vibe resonated, with fans singing Rhett’s parts. Moreover, his cover of Alabama’s “Dixieland Delight” was a showstopper, turning the infield into a sea of raised beers.

Yet, the set had a small hitch. A guitar string snapped during “There Was This Girl,” but Green swapped instruments fast, joking about “cheap strings.” Additionally, sound bleed from the Limestone Stage muddled quieter moments, annoying some fans. Nevertheless, the crowd stayed glued, belting lyrics by the end. The Elkhorn Stage buzzed with party vibes, fans raving about his energy.

Green’s performance was a Day 2 highlight, blending country heart with festival fire. For example, his story about writing “I Wish Grandpas Never Died” for his granddad felt real, hitting home with fans. Meanwhile, his music carried a broad appeal, from ballads to bangers. Consequently, he proved he’s a festival headliner, commanding the stage with ease. His set was a nod to Railbird’s love for modern country stars.

As he left the stage, fans lingered, swapping tales of his hooks and hunting for merch. His performance showed why Railbird books big names. Green brought swagger, soul, and a touch of Alabama dirt, making the Elkhorn Stage his own. As a result, his music echoed across the infield, a rowdy cap to Day 2’s night. The Kentucky air seemed to pulse with his twang as his notes faded.

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