Photos by Andy Argyrakis

For the first time since right before having a stroke in 2013, Randy Travis returned to the road, bringing the “More Life” Tour to the Rialto Square Theatre, the “Jewel of Joliet,” where fans where thrilled to even catch a glimpse of the Country Music Hall of Famer.

Although the superstar is unable to sing at this point, outside of utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) to assist on the new singles “Where That Came From” and “Horses In Heaven,” he was still very much a part of the near two-hour show, smiling, clapping and interacting with everyone while seated next to his wife Mary, who served as the narrator.

Nonetheless, Travis’ catalogue was left in the extremely capable care of James Dupré, his co-star in the movie “The Price” and a favorite from “The Voice,” alongside several longtime band members.

In other words, it was as authentic of an experience as the circumstances could possibly warrant and fans certainly left smiling after hearing no less than 16 chart-toppers and the remaining hugest hits.

They included “Diggin’ Up Bones,” “Deeper Than The Holler,” “This Is Me,” “Look Heart, No Hands,” “Whisper My Name” and “More Life” itself, each finding the guest vocalist respectfully honoring his hero and unpacking considerable personal chops in the process.

The musicians were just as dependable, sounding precisely like the original recordings, since after all, many appeared on them, but the real showstopper was a video clip of Travis trying “Amazing Grace” during a previous Grand Ole Opry appearance.

He continued to be beamed on the screen and engaged from the sidelines as his friends focused on “If I Didn’t Have You,” “On The Other Hand,” “Hard Rock Bottom Of Your Heart” and “I Told You So.”

Dupré and company took the Rialto to church come “Three Wooden Crosses,” while “Forever And Ever, Amen,” complete with Travis confidently tackling the last word, sealed the deal on this unconventional yet thoroughly inspiring comeback.

For additional information on Randy Travis, visit RandyTravis.com.

Upcoming shows at the Rialto Square Theatre include Amy Grant (Apr. 11); BoDeans (Apr. 12); Blippi (Apr. 13); Jim Henson’s “Labyrinth”: In Concert (Apr. 22); Rival Sons (May 1): Toast (May 2); CoComelon (May 4); #IMomSoHard (May 8); Tusk (May 16); Chanté Moore (May 23); Buddy Guy (Jun. 28); The Australian Pink Floyd Show (Aug. 6); Illinois Rock & Roll Museum Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony (Sept. 14); Classic Seger (Oct. 2); Celtic Thunder (Oct. 3); World Ballet Company (Oct. 4); Stayin’ Alive (Oct. 23); Celebrating Meat Loaf (Oct. 26); Steve Hackett (Nov. 6); Brad Williams (Nov. 20) and Dean Z (Dec. 20). For additional details, visit RialtoSquare.com.

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