A Liverpool musician has described it as a 'dream come true' to be invited on stage to perform alongside Zach Bryan at Anfield. The country star has a tradition of bringing a fan from the audience to perform a duet of his hit song, 'Heading South,' at each live show.
Louis Gibney's campaign
Louis Gibney, 19, from Litherland, has done everything possible to be the lucky fan chosen for the gig at Liverpool FC's home ground on Friday, June 12. For the past 208 days, he has posted a cover version of Zach's songs on his social media channels daily to catch the musician's attention. The campaign has gained significant momentum, and Gibney explained why performing with his music hero in a place he already feels connected to would be so special.
'It would be a dream come true because I'm a massive Liverpool fan as it is. Football and music are the two biggest things in Liverpool, so to put it all together with my favourite artist and my favourite team to sing on that stage would just be unbelievable. It's good enough going as a fan anyway,' he said. 'I sing in Anfield for the matchdays, which I'm lucky enough to do. But to sing in front of 80,000 on one of the biggest stages in the world, including my family and friends, would mean everything.'
How it all began
Louis first discovered Zach Bryan's music three years ago when he began taking his own songwriting more seriously. 'Zach Bryan means a lot to me, I listen to him every day. Two years ago I listened to 'Something In The Orange' and I was like, 'wow, what a song that is.' And then not long after that, 'Pink Skies' came out, which is one of his big songs now. I was just blown away. I was hearing the lyrics he was coming out with and thought, 'that's amazing.' Ever since, I've been obsessed.'
Louis attended Zach's shows at Hyde Park in London last year, where another fan, Ollie Hawkins, had posted cover songs for 23 days before being invited on stage to perform 'Heading South.' This inspired Louis to launch his own ambitious campaign. When he heard Zach would be performing at Anfield, he said his 'head fell off' and resolved to do everything possible to replicate Ollie's success. By Friday, he will have posted 210 consecutive days of covers, far surpassing Ollie's efforts.
Hopes and support
Louis hopes his dedication pays off. 'I'm in the Gold Circle right down at the front. I'm getting a sign printed with the number 210 on it. Hopefully he sees the sign in the crowd if he doesn't comment on my TikTok beforehand,' he said. His campaign has built significant momentum on social media, with thousands of likes on his videos. He was also invited on stage to perform at Liverpool comedian Adam Rowe's Haw-Yee country music event earlier this month.
The support from the city and beyond has blown him away. 'On social media, the numbers are there but you don't see the numbers in person. I was in the lounge at Anfield singing the other week. A couple from South Wales came up and said, 'we're supporting your campaign.' That's the first time when I went 'whoa, there's people starting to see this and it's doing a bit of good.' So I'm made up and really appreciative for everyone who has gotten behind me. Especially my family because they've been a big help as well.'
From The Phoenix to Anfield
If successful, it would be the culmination of a seven-year journey. Louis first picked up a guitar at age 12. 'I'd just started high school. My mate started guitar lessons and my mum said, 'Go and do it too.' It just clicked and I was like, 'I want to do this.'' Initially hesitant about performing in front of an audience, his uncle, who owns pubs around the city, encouraged him to gain experience. 'He said, 'Bring your guitar one night and we'll get you up in The Phoenix' on Foley Street. He got me up and my whole family were all there. Buzzing and bouncing. Since then I've gotten the bug.'
From his first performance in a matchday pub on the way to Anfield, it would be fitting for his biggest moment to occur at the stadium itself. Whatever happens, Louis plans to enjoy the gig with his friends and is excited about what comes next. 'It's been a boss experience doing what you love. For the future, I'd love it to go to the stars.' To support Louis's campaign, visit his social channels @louisgibneymusic and tag @zachlanebryan in the comments.
