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Hardy Heats Up Glen Helen: Country Rock Thunder Rolls Through San Bernardino

Musicians perform on stage at the Glen Helen Amphitheater on May 24
The whole stage came alive with a huge house and impressive lighting during Hardy's set at the Glen Helen Amphitheater in San Bernardino CA on May 24 Stephen Day

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On Saturday, May 24, 2025, the hills of San Bernardino came alive with the sounds of roaring guitars, Southern grit, and unapologetic swagger as country-rock sensation HARDY brought his "Jim Bob World Tour" to the Glen Helen Amphitheater, delivering a high-octane performance that left the massive crowd roaring for more. Supported by rising stars McCoy Moore and Stephen Wilson Jr., the evening was a testament to the evolving landscape of country music, blending traditional roots with modern flair.

Musicians perform on stage at the Glen Helen Amphitheater on May 24
The whole stage came alive with a huge house and impressive lighting during Hardy's set at the Glen Helen Amphitheater in San Bernardino CA on May 24 an icon of a camera Stephen Day

Nestled in the scenic hills of Glen Helen Regional Park, the Glen Helen Amphitheater boasts a staggering capacity of 65,000, making it the largest outdoor music venue in the United States . Since its opening in 1993, the amphitheater has hosted a myriad of iconic performances, offering attendees a unique blend of natural beauty and top-tier acoustics. Its expansive lawn and seating areas provide an unparalleled concert experience, drawing fans from across the nation.

Musicians perform on stage at the Glen Helen Amphitheater on May 24
Mccoy Moore opens up for HARDY during their set at the Glen Helen Amphitheater in San Bernardino CA on May 24 an icon of a camera Stephen Day

The evening kicked off with McCoy Moore, a rising singer-songwriter with deep Southern roots and a voice to match. Though early in his career, Moore carried himself with the confidence of a veteran, delivering tracks like “Something to You” and “Saltwater Gospel” with sincerity and soul. His stripped-down sound and warm stage presence made an immediate connection with the early crowd, who gathered under the California sun and welcomed his heartfelt ballads with appreciative applause.

Musicians perform on stage at the Glen Helen Amphitheater on May 24
Stephen Wilson Jr get personal with the crowd during their set at the Glen Helen Amphitheater in San Bernardino CA on May 24 an icon of a camera Stephen Day

As the sun dipped behind the surrounding hills, Stephen Wilson Jr. took the stage—bringing with him a darker, moodier edge to the night’s progression. His set began in golden-hour light but gradually shifted as the sun set, giving way to dramatic stage lighting that felt almost cinematic. The transition from natural light to moody reds and blues was seamless, amplifying the emotional weight of songs like “Holler from the Holler” and “Father's Søn.” Between songs, Wilson spoke candidly about growing up on grunge music and how its raw honesty shaped his sound. That influence came through loud and clear during a haunting cover of Nirvana’s “Something in the Way,” which held the crowd in captivated silence. Wilson’s raw vocal delivery and brooding instrumentation brought an intensity that perfectly matched the deepening night.

Musicians perform on stage at the Glen Helen Amphitheater on May 24
Stephen Wilson Jr performs during their set at the Glen Helen Amphitheater in San Bernardino CA on May 24 an icon of a camera Stephen Day

By the time HARDY hit the stage, darkness had fully taken over, and the Glen Helen Amphitheater was a sea of cheers, flannel, and phone lights. Blazing out of the gate with "SOLD OUT" and "KILL SH!T TILL I DIE," he wasted no time proving why he’s one of the most exciting names in modern country rock. HARDY delivered a relentless set filled with fan favorites like “BOOTS,” “REDNECKER,” and “ONE BEER,” each one backed by a wall of thunderous instrumentation and pyrotechnic flair.

Musicians perform on stage at the Glen Helen Amphitheater on May 24
HARDY performs during their set at the Glen Helen Amphitheater in San Bernardino CA on May 24 an icon of a camera Stephen Day

HARDY’s signature blend of country storytelling and rock bravado hit especially hard live. Tracks from his 2023 album the mockingbird & THE CROW showed off his range—from vulnerable confessionals to full-on mosh-ready bangers. The crowd, a mix of longtime fans and new converts, stayed locked in throughout, raising fists and beers in equal measure.

Musicians perform on stage at the Glen Helen Amphitheater on May 24
HARDY performs during their set at the Glen Helen Amphitheater in San Bernardino CA on May 24 an icon of a camera Stephen Day

With the warm night air, glowing hills in the distance, and a venue built for this kind of musical magnitude, the May 24 show at Glen Helen wasn't just a concert—it was an unapologetically country concert! From McCoy Moore’s earnest opening to Stephen Wilson Jr.’s atmospheric twilight set, and finally HARDY’s commanding headline performance, the night flowed like a well-poured whiskey: smooth, strong, and unforgettable.

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Stephen Day
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