Parker McCollum Opens the Closing Concert at Highmark

As originally published in the Niagara Gazette and Lockport Union Sun & Journal on 05/29/25

Singer-songwriter Parker McCollum is about to make history when he opens for Chris Stapleton and George Strait on June 14 at Highmark Stadium. The country music triple bill will likely be the last major concert at the "old" Highmark Stadium, which is closing down after over 60 years of hosting shows dating back to July 6, 1974, when Eric Clapton headlined the inaugural show.

""I did not realize that it was going to be the last concert. That makes it really special. That's awesome," McCollum noted during a recent phone interview.

McCollum was born on June 15, 1992, so he will be performing a day before his 33rd birthday. Back in 1992, the stadium hosted a summer concert with Guns N' Roses and Metallica, George Strait released his 13th consecutive Platinum selling album, "Holding My Own,"

The singer-songwriter already has a handful of hits to his name, including three within the last few years that topped the Billboard Country charts, "Pretty Heart," "To Be Loved by You," and "Burn it Down."

There is an art to being an opener for two legends, and McCollum is humbled by the opportunity. "Every night, I think back 20 years ago to when I was a little kid, and I used to dream about performing with George Strait."

There is a unique energy at a stadium show, especially for the performers that will hit the stage around 5:45 PM as fans shuffle into the venue. In addition to the sentimentality surrounding the evening and Parker celebrating a birthday the next day, he will be releasing a self-titled album at the end of June. If the lead singles are any indication, it represents another positive step in his growth as an artist.

There is an authenticity to McCullum's songwriting that makes him a perfect fit for this tour. His approach to his newest single, "Hope That I'm Enough," is minimalist. It's not flashy; it's just a great song with a moving chorus and soulful vocals.

"I'm glad you like that one,: McCollum noted. "Sometimes I just literally sit down with a guitar and start making things up, and that has its own way of being a really honest approach to songwriting."

There are some readily apparent influences on McCollum's music, including Steve Earle and George Strait. McCollum is also a fan of John Mayer. If you take a deep dive into his catalog, you can hear his influence on McCollum.

"He's just that kind of genius that keeps it simple because he knows what feels the best musically. John Mayer is one of the greatest of all time."

McCollum also shows a lot of diversity in his vocal performances. There are some songs where he sounds like a different singer. "You are the first person to mention that. When I sing, it just comes out the way it comes out. I have imitated other singers since I was a little kid, so I imagine that is where that comes from."

In addition to his musical pursuits, McCollum is a sports nut and an excellent golfer. He joked that he likes "any sport that has a ball in it. When asked if he would like to shoot a round of golf with Josh Allen, he said, "That would be very cool, but I don't think he knows who I am."

Even though it's unlikely he will be shooting a round of golf with Josh when he is performing in Buffalo, Parker can say that he and Josh Allen played at Highmark Stadium during its final year.