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JFH Concert Review


Fading West Spring Tour 2014

 

You Matter Tour
for KING & COUNTRY

9/24/14, at Amplify Church in Pittsburgh, PA

for KING & COUNTRY rolled through Pittsburgh on their third stop in the You Matter Tour in support of their sophomore effort, RUN WILD. LIVE FREE. LOVE STRONG. fK&C have become well-known as one of the best live shows in CCM, and this night proved no differently.

The Amplify worship band opened up the night in front of a packed house and proved effective setting the tone for a bombastic, anthemic evening of praise. Standouts among their various covers of contemporary standards were their opener "Alive" by Young & Free, and "The Stand" by Hillsong United.

For KING & COUNTRY then took the stage opening with one of their best songs off the new album, "To The Dreamers." This is the perfect song to open with as it encapsulates much of what the new album is about- perseverance. "Keep on keeping on." The high energy songs continued as we were treated to "Fine Fine Life" and "Light It Up" from fK&C's debut album, Crave. After being given some kind words about the great city of Pittsburgh, the crowd was taught sections to sing for a rendition of "It's Not Over Yet." This was a highlight as this song is arguably one of the most resonant fK&C has penned, and there was definite power behind the crowd shouting "Keep on fighting! Hope is rising!"

Vocalist Joel Smallbone then took the opportunity to address the audience, assuring every person that they matter and are a treasure. He promoted a cause that the band has been championing for a long time in speaking to the ladies about not allowing anyone to treat them as anything less than priceless. "Chivalry is not dead," Joel proclaimed. The band then launched into "Matter," which encompasses the same themes and proclamations that Joel had just spoken about. The first half of the set was rounded out by the mega hit "The Proof Of Your Love."

The band exited and Luke Smallbone took center stage to speak a few words about Compassion International. The band felt so strongly about the cause that they gave away copies of their new CD (only a week old) to anyone who signed up as a sponsor.

After a short intermission, and many, many children finding sponsors, for KING & COUNTRY retook the stage with the opening track from their new album, "Run Wild." Unfortunately, Andy Mineo was not present to perform with the band, so Joel spoke a modified version of his monologue from the end of "Oh God Forgive Us" in place of the missing rap. "No Turning Back" saw the entire band venture out into the audience with their instruments for an intimate performance, with Joel making his way up to the balcony area, simultaneously singing and taking selfies with many fans along the way.

After a few Crave standards, we were treated to Luke's most personal song, "Without You." Vocally, he did a tremendous job with this stripped down gem, being completely backlit, casting a beautiful silhouette while he sang. Brother Joel assisted with the parts that Luke's wife Courtney sings on the album.

The night ended with perhaps the most beautiful performance of the night, "Oh God Forgive Us." It stood out in every way from all other songs (with perhaps the exception of "Without You") in how minimalistic it is in its approach. All band members were spaced out and lit from below, casting an almost "heavenly" visage. It was a gorgeous and warm way to end a percussion-heavy night, and perhaps the performance that is most lasting in my memory.

If for KING & COUNTY rolls near your city on this tour, I implore you to check them out! They have perhaps the most fun and elegant show in Christian music right now, and seem to have everything down to a science. You will leave the show uplifted and inspired; there are far worse ways to spend a few bucks!

-- B.J. Smith, 9/26/14
for KING & COUNTRY Set List

01. To The Dreamers
02. Fine Fine Life
03. Light It Up
04. It's Not Over Yet
05. Baby Boy
06. Matter
07. Middle Of Your Heart
08. The Proof Of Your Love
09. Run Wild
10. No Turning Back
11. Busted Heart
12. Crave
13. Without You
14. Shoulders
15. Fix My Eyes
16. Oh God Forgive Us

 


 

You Matter Tour 2014 Photo Gallery
click on an image for a bigger size
**vertical images cropped for thumbnails**

Amplify Worship Band

for KING & COUNTRY:

*all photos by B.J. Smith and are the property of B.J. Smith and Jesusfreakhideout.com

 

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This Friday, June 27, 2025
ALBUMS
7eventh Time Down We Praise You [BEC]
The Browns 25th Anniversary: Better Days Ahead [StowTown]
Franni Cash Wild Child - EP [Capitol CMG]
Matt Crocker interlude [Anotherland]
Jimmy Fortune Songs of an American Dreamer [Gaither]
Roxanne Grace Road Trip - EP [DREAM]
JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise The Live Reunion: Washington, DC [James Town]
Kutless The Seventh Seal - EP [BEC]
Evvie McKinney It Ain't Over - EP (independent)
Rusty Shipp Capsized Empire (independent)
SEU Worship A Forgiving God [Provident]
The Shimmering Carnelians The Doorway (Version 2.0) (independent)
We Are Messengers A Thousand Times - EP [Curb]

SINGLES
Anchor & Braille Rattlesnake - Single [Equal Vision]
ANTHNY imposter syndrome - Single [Provident]
Blanca Right On Time - Single [Curb]
Landry Cantrell & Elenee sunshine & rainbows - Single [DREAM]
Eddie Clark Never Content - Single [Syntax]
Colony House Atomic - Single [Roon]
Megan Danielle Preachin' To The Choir - Single [Provident]
Drea LP & OnBeatMusic Don't Try Me (DTM) - Single [Syntax]
Joseph Habedank Running to Me - Single [Daywind]
Lonnie Hunter Flow (Like A River) - Single [Uncle G]
Kashh Kade HELP - Single [Syntax]
KB x KEANU Keanu's Song - Single [Provident]
Tasha Layton Singing In the Dark - Single [BEC]
Tasha Cobbs Leonard The Hand That Keeps Holding - Single [Motown Gospel]
Tim Lovelace Celebration of America Medley (feat. Charlie McCoy) - Single [StowTown]
Lecrae Tell No Lie (feat. Jackie Hill Perry) - Single [Reach]
LO Worship The Perfect Love of Jesus - Single [Integrity]
Patrick Mayberry Thank The Lord - Single [Provident]
Michael Monroe John The Baptist (feat. Chris Renzema) - Single [Provident]
Alexander Pappas A Great Awakening / Un Nuevo Despertar - Single [Integrity]
PEABOD Summer in Seattle - Single [RMG Amplify]
Rave Jesus Walk On The Water Remix (From The Chosen) - Single [Provident]
The Rocky Valentines Nat Song - Single [Velvet Blue]
Saints In Exile & Cutright My Dead End (ft. Jeannie Ortega, Luc DiMarzio, Jericko) - Single [Syntax]
Emilie Weiss Take Care (Studio Sessions) - Single [BEC]

DVD
Jimmy Fortune Songs Of An American Dreamer DVD [Gaither]

Next Friday, July 4, 2025
ALBUMS
Chad Cory America [DREAM]
Tenielle Neda The Way Of Love [Wings]

SINGLES
Christian Back Now - Single [DREAM]



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