About three fourths of the way through Orville Peck’s July 12^th headlining slot on the Coke Stage at the Stampede, he was telling the audience about how his duet with the iconic Willie Nelson on Cowboy’s Are Frequently Secretly Fond Of Each Other – a song about gay cowboys – came about. He casually mentioned that he is, in fact, a gay cowboy. Standing on a stage in front of thousands of people, gay, straight, and everything in between, it was one of those moments that fans of live music live for. While the Stampede has progressed so far, to the point that pride day is an official event instead of just an organized gay takeover – cowboy culture and country music still struggles to embrace its gay history, and gay artists. Peck is the first openly gay artist to be signed to a major label after several independent recordings and breaks down barriers not only for the LGBTQ community but in being open about his mental health struggles, which lead to the cancelation of his 2023 tour that was scheduled to include the Coke Stage that a year later, he stood triumphantly upon.

Since the release of Pony in 2019 the man in the mask has crafted a catalogue of songs that are beautiful, heartbreaking, and uplifting like show opener Big Sky from the first album. Decked out in white and gold, Peck was a captivating presence through 90 minutes that focused primarily on tracks from 2022’s Bronco -the tour that didn’t happen. His most recent release, the ironically named Stampede was sparsely featured, however he did bring Noah Cyrus, who kicked off the evening earlier, back to the stage for How Far Will We Take It – one of the best songs on the new album.

Songs like Daytona Sand and C’mon Baby Cry painted stories from the stage. Peck has never shied away lyrically from being gay, no gender-neutral vagueness in lyrics like I can tell you're a sad boy just like me. Baby, don't deny what your poor heart needs. Been so long since he called your name, on the run from a losing game. Just bat your eyes, baby, let me feel the pain is both universal but also allows for gay fans to connect and feel seen.

That in part is the magic of Orville Peck. He is an incredible performer – he has grown so much since he last played the Coke Stage in 2019 opening for Feist– and songwriter. His sexuality isn’t the core focus of his songs, but he doesn’t shy away from it and that is important. On that night, he made people feel seen, feel empowered, and stole the hears of everyone lucky enough to be in attendance.

Continue to blaze trails, cowboy.

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Contributor Jason Clevett |

Person Orville Peck |

Topic Concert Review | Calgary Stampede |