Live Report: Brothers Osborne bring their country charm to the 3Olympia Theatre

Brothers Osborne rocked the 3Olympia Theatre last Friday, alongside supporting act Tyler Braden. The historic, ornate venue was overrun by wide-brimmed country hats and cowboy boots. There was a true sense of community generated by the gathering, and their excitement was palpable.

Taking the stage at around 8 p.m., Braden sported that classic country twang and a beautifully raspy voice. Yellow and blue lights flashed the crowd as booming drums shook the building.

“I’m so glad to be here. This is our best first tour,” said Braden.

“Back home it’s kind of not talked about for men to speak to each other if they’re having a hard time,” he continued, before performing ‘Call Me First.’ “This song is about exactly that.”

His music touched on themes of friendship, family and faith. The audience danced eagerly to the music, and it was clear their spirits were roused for the main act.

Tyler Braden at the 3Olympia Theatre. Copyright Jason Doherty.

Gracing the stage at around 9 p.m., TJ and John Osborne brought the heat.

“How are we feeling tonight?” asked lead vocalist TJ. The audience roared in approval as flashing lights washed over them. He possessed a confident, deep voice– and that southern swagger that thrilled the crowd.

The two men – who are actually brothers – were born in Deale, Maryland before moving to Nashville to pursue country music. The duo, nominated for 10 Grammy Awards, won their first in 2022 for Best Country Duo/Group Performance for their song ‘Younger Me,’ inspired by TJ's coming out. Friday marked the first night of their European/UK Might As Well Be Us tour.

John gave a truly stand-out performance on guitar. Their toe-tapping melodies would frequently descend into gnarly guitar riffs that meant business, practically begging the audience to dance. All it took was for John to raise his cowboy hat in the air for the crowd to go wild. The two brothers, both on guitar, frequently swapped their electric for an acoustic sound. Supported by a third guitarist, the three players created an intense and dynamic effect.

“Are u guys ready to rip it up and have a good time? Now that I've got you nice and revved up let’s play a slow song,” said TJ. “It took many years for this song to get to a spot where it really resonated for me… This isn’t our biggest song but we get requested to play it a lot.”

They began playing ‘I Don’t Remember Me (Before You),’ the third track off their 2018 album Port Saint Joe. Earnest and introspective, the song touched on themes of love, loss and nostalgia.

It didn’t take long for the crowd to churn once more after the slower track was done. Their supporting keyboardist added a lovely dimension, reminiscent of a church oregon.

John would frequently outstretch his arms like Jesus Christ, while TJ would hold his hand to his ear as if he couldn’t hear the roars of approval. The two were clearly masters of performance.

“I did a 23andMe… There was a big fucking dot around Ireland,” said John. “I love coming back here, it feels like home. I feel okay being an alcoholic.”

The audience clapped in rhythm to the music without the brothers even having to ask. A stand-out song of the night was ‘It Ain’t My Fault,’ a groovy, playful track off their 2016 album Pawn Shop. The audience chanted the chorus, bobbing their heads in approval.

As their set came to a close, the crowd shouted, “Three more! Three more!”

“This last one was supposed to be the last one, but fuck that we’re having so much fun,” said John. In total, the brothers performed four encores before they were through.

As truly stellar performers, the Brothers Osborne gave their fans a night they won’t soon forget.