Brantley Gilbert’s “Tattoo Tour” Ignites WesBanco Arena in Wheeling, WV

By Dave Parsons

In the heart of the Ohio Valley, where the echoes of steel mills and the hum of the Ohio River intertwine, WesBanco Arena stands as a testament to the region’s rich history and vibrant community spirit. Since its inception in 1977, originally known as the Wheeling Civic Center, the arena has hosted a myriad of events, from hockey games to concerts, becoming a cherished landmark in Wheeling’s downtown landscape.

On the evening of May 22, 2025, the arena buzzed with anticipation as country music sensation Brantley Gilbert brought his Tattoo Tour to town. With the arena’s seating capacity of 5,600 filled to the brim, the stage was set for a night of high-octane performances and heartfelt melodies.

As the lights dimmed, opening act Colt Ford took the stage, setting the tone for the evening with his signature blend of country and hip-hop. Ford’s energetic performance had the crowd on their feet from the outset. His stage presence was commanding, and his rapport with the audience felt personal, as if he were an old friend reconnecting with familiar faces.

Ford, who had some serious health conditions last year, has obviously fully recovered as he worked every inch of the stage with swagger, delivering everything from hard-hitting country-rap to more introspective ballads. His set resonated with the audience and further deepened the connection he has cultivated with his fans over the years.

Brantley Gilbert’s entrance electrified the arena. Opening with It’s About to Get Dirty, he immediately set the tone for the night—unapologetically bold and brimming with energy. His setlist was a journey through Gilbert’s discography, each song resonating with the audience’s shared experiences and emotions. From the anthemic Kick It in the Sticks to the introspective Modern Day Prodigal Son, Gilbert showcased his range as an artist. The crowd sang along to every word, their voices harmonizing with his in a powerful display of unity.

A standout moment came during Dirt Road Anthem, where Colt Ford joined Gilbert on stage for a duet that had the audience roaring with approval. Their chemistry was of friends having fun, and it felt like they were just partying with 5,000 of their closest friends.

The night continued with hits like Bottoms Up, One Hell of an Amen, and a tribute to the late Toby Keith with Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American), Gilbert’s ability to blend rock-infused country with heartfelt storytelling kept the audience captivated throughout the evening.

As the night drew to a close, Gilbert performed Read Me My Rights, a fitting conclusion that left the crowd yearning for more. Beyond the performances, what stood out was the sense of community that permeated the evening. The crowd, a mix of long-time fans and newcomers, shared in the collective experience of live music—a reminder of the power of song to bring people together.

Brantley Gilbert Setlist:

It’s About to Get Dirty

Kick It in the Sticks

The Weekend

Dirty Money

Small Town Throwdown

My Kinda Party

You Don’t Know Her Like I Do

Dirt Road Anthem (Colt Ford duet)

Country Must Be Country Wide

Modern Day Prodigal Son

My Kind of Crazy

Me and My House

Off the Rails

Son of the Dirty South

Tattoos

Bottoms Up

One Hell of an Amen

Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American)

Top Gun Anthem

Higher

Sugar, We’re Goin Down

Take It Outside

Read Me My Rights