Review: Post Malone Gave Miami Fans a 'Big Ass' Load of Country

It was a big weekend for music fans at Hard Rock Stadium. As soon as Shakira left town, Post Malone came in and started setting up for his "Big Ass" tour. The name of the tour feels appropriate, given that his shows have grown from arenas to stadium-level spectacles. This shift is thanks, in part, to his recent introduction into the country music scene with his latest album, F-1 Trillion. With this new project, he's leaned even further into the country sound that has been a part of his identity since growing up in Texas. Now, he's pushing this sound to the forefront, collaborating with country stars like Jelly Roll, Morgan Wallen, and Tim McGraw.

Speaking of Jelly Roll, he opened the show, and by the time New Times rolled up at 7:30 p.m., he was already making use of the runway-style stage, moving up and down to interact with the crowd. His stage presence was commanding, backed by a full ensemble of musicians, guitar players, and backup singers. The production design was particularly noteworthy, with sets transitioning between scenes like gas stations and karaoke bars, creating a vibrant backdrop for Jelly Roll's performance.
While Jelly Roll is becoming a significant name in the country music world, some fans were still arriving late during his set. Nevertheless, he delivered a strong performance, playing multiple tracks from his discography, including "Son of a Sinner" and "Liar." He also performed a medley featuring songs like the John Denver chestnut "Take Me Home, Country Roads," "How You Remind Me" by Nickelback, and Wiz Khalifa's "Young, Wild, and Free." It was a fun and engaging performance, made even more enjoyable by his commentary about how grateful he felt to share the stage with Post Malone, a sentiment he expressed multiple times.
When Post Malone finally took the stage to the strains of "Texas Tea," the runway had been transformed into a freeway. The production featured massive monster trucks, road signs, and an LED backdrop that shifted throughout the night to reflect different destinations on this metaphorical road trip through his discography. The crowd's excitement was palpable as Post kicked things off with "Wow." and "Better Now," quickly setting the tone.

Post's first foray into country for the night came with "Wrong Ones," a track that showcases his evolving sound. He followed it up with Go Flex, taking a moment to thank the crowd and reflect on his journey. He spoke about being a decade into his career and the surreal nature of now performing stadium tours. This gratitude became a recurring theme throughout the night, with Post regularly taking breaks to address the audience and share how much their support means to him.
The crowd was notably diverse, ranging from young kids to older fans, reflecting the broad appeal of both Post Malone and the country music genre. At times, this seemed to affect the energy in the stadium, as the older demographic wasn't always as lively during tracks like "White Iverson" and "Psycho." Still, the latter proved to be a highlight, with Post dancing up and down the stage, his stage presence now more polished and confident than ever.

Post's current wardrobe reflects his embrace of country music via cowboy boots, Wrangler jeans, and tight T-shirts, though he retains his signature tattoos. His movements onstage are smoother and more refined, adding to his evolution as a performer. A standout moment came when he performed an acoustic version of "Feeling Whitney." Accompanied by just his voice and a guitar, the stripped-down performance created an intimate atmosphere, with fans lighting up the stadium with their phones.

Jelly Roll later returned for their collaboration, "Losers." The duo spent several minutes praising each other and expressing their gratitude, their genuine bond evident to the crowd. Post's tendency to talk at length during his set was charming, if occasionally excessive, but it added a personal touch that fans appreciated.
The energy picked up significantly after "Circles," entering what could only be described as "banger territory." "Psycho" had the crowd moving, but it was "Candy Paint" that truly reminded everyone that, while Post is in his country era, he still knows how to bring the energy with his earlier hip-hop tracks. Another memorable moment came with "Pour Me Another Drink," a song that leaned into fun, country vibes reminiscent of Toby Keith's "Red Solo Cup." Post joked about how quickly beer gets warm in Florida, a relatable sentiment for anyone who's ever spent time in the Sunshine State's dive bars.

The weather was a significant factor throughout the night. The heat and humidity were intense, with Post visibly sweating at one point. Despite this, nearly 70,000 fans stayed for the duration of the nearly sold-out show, a testament to his drawing power and the commitment of his audience.
One of the night's best performances was "Rockstar." The track received a rock-infused arrangement, complete with fireworks and pyro, as Post belted out the lyrics and even sang 21 Savage's verse, a rare Post position when performing tracks with featured artists. Speaking of collaborations, "Sunflower" was another standout moment. Swae Lee joined Post onstage, and their chemistry brought the song to life. The addition of live instrumentation, including violins and guitars, elevated the performance, creating an unforgettable experience.

As the night began to wind down, Post delivered his biggest country moment with "I Had Some Help." Neon Nashville-style lights adorned the stage, amplifying the atmosphere. For the finale, Post climbed onto a rising platform embedded in the crowd. The platform, initially a simple sign listing tour dates, transformed into a grand stage as he performed "Congratulations." He closed the night with a motivational speech, urging fans to pursue their dreams — a quintessentially Post Malone maneuver.

In summary, the show was a spectacular blend of Post Malone's greatest hits and his evolving country sound. Tracks like "M-E-X-I-C-O" showcased how well his new direction resonates with fans, while older hits received updates that gave them fresh energy. If you're a fan of Post Malone or country music (or both), this tour is not to be missed.
Setlist:
- "Texas Tea"
- "Wow."
- "Better Now"
- "Wrong Ones"
- "Go Flex"
- "Broken Whiskey Glass"
- "Hollywood's Bleeding"
- "I Fall Apart"
- "Losers" (with Jelly Roll)
- "Goodbyes"
- "M-E-X-I-C-O"
- "What Don't Belong to Me"
- "I Ain't Comin' Back" (Morgan Wallen cover)
- "Feeling Whitney" (acoustic)
- "Yours"
- "Circles"
- "White Iverson"
- "Psycho"
- "Candy Paint"
- "Finer Things"
- "Pour Me a Drink"
- "Dead at the Honky Tonk"
- "Rockstar"
- "I Had Some Help"
- "Sunflower (with Swae Lee)"

Encore:
- "Congratulations"