Rascal Flatts, Simpson energize fans in Salt Lake

RASCAL FLATTS, JESSICA SIMPSON, EnergySolutions Arena, Feb. 26

Right from the start, the men of Rascal Flatts gave an energizing and tireless performance Thursday night to a crowd of screaming fans at EnergySolutions Arena.

The show was intimate and friendly, despite the large arena venue. Opener Jessica Simpson helped kick off the mood with a 45-minute set filled with spirited and uplifting songs from her debut country album, "Do You Know."

She seemed to be enjoying herself, despite forgetting the words to her single, "Come on Over." Simpson laughed her way through the hiccup, saying, "I always do that right there. Sorry."

After ending with the title track to her album, Simpson opened the stage for Rascal Flatts, which came on with a bang, literally, with a loud explosion and some pyrotechnics for a grand entrance. The group opened with "Still Feels Good," then transitioned into "Life is a Highway," a cover from Tom Cochrane, that the group sang for the movie, "Cars."

One of the unique parts of their performance was the stage, which extended into the arena in a circle that spanned much of the lower level. Lead vocalist Gary LeVox, bassist Jay DeMarcus and lead guitarist Joe Don Rooney used the stage to their advantage to flirt with fans and really sell their show to the fans.

Toward the middle of their performance, the group transitioned into a set of its popular ballads, including "Stand," "These Days" and "My Wish."

Toward the end of their show, the men sang "Here Comes Goodbye," the first single from their album "Unstoppable," which is slated to be released in April. They ended with a rousing version of "Me and My Gang," and "Bob That Head."

All in all, it was a rousing, energetic and seemingly effortless performance by a group of veteran country stars.E-MAIL: nwarburton@desnews.com