As well as serenading fans with an array of hits, Luke Combs shared a heartfelt message of togetherness and inclusivity during his colossal opening night at Wembley Stadium.

As the country megastar introduced his fan-favourite song, ‘My Kinda Folk’, Combs made a point of stressing that everyone is welcome at his shows. After complaining about the common idea that certain people shouldn’t go to certain shows, the ‘1, 2 Many’ hitmaker emphasised that he never wants people to feel this way at his concerts.

The country titan reeled off a list - ‘black, white, fat, skinny…gay, straight’ - before underlining that people from all walks of life should feel like they can be a part of his fanbase.

After reflecting on how some people attempt to sow division, Combs remarked, “That's bull, dude...We're all a whole hell of a lot more alike than we are different. This song's called ‘My Kinda Folk’, and if you're in here tonight, you're my kinda folk”.

It’s a heartening message that, at a Coldplay concert, would simply sound like a standard, run-of-the-mill call to be kind. But given how country music is often accused of not being as welcoming a space as other genres, Combs’ words felt especially pertinent.

Combs’ cri-de-coeur was a touching moment, one that solidified the ‘Going, Going, Gone’ chart-topper’s reputation as one of the most kind-hearted, down-to-earth in the genre.

These comments came amidst a live-wire set that was lit up by soaring anthems such as ‘Cold as You’, ‘Houston, We Got a Problem’, ‘The Kinda Love We Make’ and more.

Fans were also treated to a cameo from ex-England footballer John Terry for Combs’ beer-shotgun moment, with many attendees playfully booing the former player. It all came together to ensure that Combs kicked off his blockbuster run at Wembley with a bang, with the momentum sky-high behind the ‘Fast Car’ crooner.

Featured photography by Laura Halse