The ‘yeehaw agenda’ was alive and thriving during weekend two of ACL with country singer, Orville Peck.

Story by Cruz Rendon

Orville Peck proved a force to be reckoned with when his debut album Pony was released earlier this year. The 12-track album sits at 42 minutes and will have you missing your lover. His fringed mask makes him easily recognizable and the juxtaposition of an openly gay country singer begs for a listen.

His live performance did not disappoint. A shivering crowd formed at ACL’s Honda stage half an hour before his set, some asking their friends who Orville Peck was. “Just wait and see,” replied one festival goer wearing a leather jacket lined with fringe.

Peck’s band elicited cheers as they set up for the singer’s arrival. The band’s outfits were immaculate: cowboy boots, western shirts and bold sunglasses. Orville Peck stepped out in a western, embezzled suit, the same used in his GQ photoshoot. His left hand, filled with rings except on the ring finger, gripped his guitar. His face, covered by his fringed mask, drew close to the mic as his deep voice crooned “Big Sky.”

He made it a point to connect with the audience in between songs. “I can’t wait to see Megan Thee Stallion,” Orville announced in a country accent. The crowd cheered. “And Tierra Whack… Billie Eilish, so many talented artists.”

Some of the most memorable moments included his powerful tone when singing, “Kansas (Remembers Me Now),” a song about the Clutter family murders committed by Perry Smith and Dick Hicock, and his dance breaks which relied heavily on the band’s instrumentals in songs like “Turn to Hate” and “Roses are Falling.”

Keyboardist, Bria Salmena, joined to duet a stellar cover of Gram Parsons and Emmylou Harris’ “Ooh Las Vegas.” They had the audience swaying and cheering as Peck crescendoed the final line, paused, cleared his throat dramatically, then hit the last note.

Orville Peck ended the show with “Take You Back,” also dubbed, “The Iron Hoof Cattle Call.” He asked festival goers to whistle along with him then abruptly paused halfway through the song, “I missed an opportunity. I should’ve whistled Patience,” he alluded to Guns N’ Roses’ ACL performance the night before. “Duff looks good,” he said as the band immediately picked up and Orville sprung into a backbend.

Although filled with vulnerability, Peck demonstrated his range with songs of energy and liveliness. If the audience was made up of new listeners, the masked singer made sure his set was unforgettable.