Cody Johnson & cowboy hats: a sold-out night at Anaheim’s Honda Center

When it comes to a country fan base, it doesn’t get much bigger than the ‘COJO Nation’. Cody Johnson played to a sold-out crowd at the Honda Center in Anaheim during the second show of The Leather Tour, which is also the title of his newest album. The “The Painter” singer, with the hit that landed number one on The Highway’s Hot 30 countdown at its release, brought a high-energy country show to the Los Angeles area.

The show was an emotional journey, like a roller coaster ride with highs and lows, all for the right reasons.

Cody Johnson, along with his seven-piece Texas band, made sure to point out to fans that they play real live music with no “tracks” as backup — unlike other artists. From running around onstage, jumping off platforms, and singing up on the catwalk to performing some tear-jerking songs, fans of all ages were making memories. Johnson likes to take a moment in his show to thank those who have served in the armed forces and those who are first responders, rallying the crowd together as humans united.

A young fan in the crowd caught Cody’s attention with a sign that said, “I survived my bone marrow transplant to see COJO. Your biggest fan.” Cody took off his guitar, stepped out to the crowd, and gave the fan a hug and a guitar pick, telling the fan, “You don’t ever give up.” After composing himself (seemingly holding back tears), the show went on, leaving the sold-out arena with a night to remember.

The Texas entertainer had a set list full of older hits and many songs off the new album, such as “People In the Back”, “Dirt Cheap”, and, of course, “The Painter”. As the tour has just kicked off, you’ll have just enough time to get a ticket to see this artist as he quickly continues to rise in the country scene.

Cody Johnson and his band do not disappoint — join COJO Nation at a show!

The tour also featured another name on the bill, Justin Moore. Justin, with a handful of hits himself, put on a set list full of his work from the early 2010s and the crowd was there for him just as much as for the headliner. The arena was full by the time Moore started. Up-and-comer Dillon Carmichael was the opener — an artist to add to your list! The singer-songwriter has a traditional style to his sound.

Photography by Tre Torres

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