OneRepublic loves rotating Rodeo stage
Although they may not seem typical fare, ‘Apologize’ band makes forceful, triumphant debut
OneRepublic initially seemed like the odd band out this year at RodeoHouston.
Not yet a legend. Not yet retro. No current hits. (The band’s last Top 40 single was 2014’s “I Lived.”)
But all it took was a few familiar songs to lock into a forceful performance.
The pounding groove of “Love Runs Out” was a perfect kickoff. Frontman Ryan Tedder, in a backwards ball cap, denim jacket and ripped jeans, pounded on an illuminated piano and danced furiously around the stage.
And once they moved into the cello intro to bracing ballad “Secrets,” the crowd was theirs completely.
“This is the absolute coolest rotating stage I’ve ever seen or been on in my entire life,” Tedder told the Wednesday night crowd of 70,929.
“I think the Grammys need to take note of this.”
It’s actually a surprise that Tedder and crew are just making their RodeoHouston debut this year. The band’s pop anthems are perfect for stadium singalongs.
“I think you might know this one,” Tedder said before launching into “Good Life,” a top 10 hit from 2012.
When he localized the lyrics — “To my friends in Houston, I say hello” — the stadium erupted in cheers.
And, of course, they answered back when he called out a quick line of “Deep in the Heart of Texas.”