Koe Wetzel has built a career on high-energy performances, brutally honest storytelling, and a fiercely dedicated fanbase. His latest release Live from the Damn Near Normal Tour, bottles up the electricity of his live shows and he delivered it straight to fans on February 28, a date that holds special meaning. 

Die-hard fans know that February 28 isn't just another day – it's a full-fledged holiday in his devoted fandom. The date marks the anniversary of Wetzel's 2016 arrest for public intoxication, an incident that went on to inspire one of his most beloved songs "February 28, 2016." The track has become a rowdy,  must-hear anthem at his concerts, proving its lasting impact. It even holds the 10th spot on his live album, cementing its place as a fan favorite. 

Despite the song's success, Wetzel admitted to Fandom Daily that he no longer identifies with the man in the lyrics and often grows tired of performing it. While he has mixed feelings about the old anthem, he has a deep appreciation for what the song has done for his career. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Koe Wetzel (@koe_wetzel)

"I owe a lot to that song," he exclusively told Fandom Daily. "It did so much for me and my family... but I'm not the same person I was back then. I think it was kind of a gateway to people finding out about our other music and it helped me a whole lot. It kind of put me in the position I am today." 

His mentor, Larry Joe Taylor, once pointed out that legends like Jimmy Buffett never skipped "Margaritaville," and Wetzel fully embraces that mindset. During the candid conversation, he reflected on a saying from Ray Wylie Hubbard: "Be careful what you write – you might have to sing it for the rest of your life."

While laughing Wetzel admitted, "That's definitely 'February 28, 2016' for me."

@fandom__daily The perfect day to celebrate Koe Wetzel’s hit, February 28, 2016.  #koewetzel #countrymusic #country ♬ original sound - Fandom Daily

The 13-track album also captures the raw, raucous energy that has become synonymous with Wetzel's concerts – drawing from performances at Austin's Moody Center, South Carolina's Colonial Life Arena, and Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas.

For Wetzel, this live album is more than just a collection of recordings, it's a testament to his growth as an artist and the evolution of his sound. His 2023 album 9 Lives marked a turning point, blending his signature outlaw-country-meets-rock sound with refined storytelling. The live album celebrates the best of this era, featuring Platinum-certified hits like "High Road" and "Sweet Dreams," as well as the Gold-certified title track, "Damn Near Normal."

"We've always talked about doing a live record," said Wetzel. "When people do, they usually pick a favorite venue like Red Rocks or just a special place that they enjoyed performing at. This tour was really special to me because of 9 Lives. It was a little bit different and a step in a different direction for me. It showcases the growth I've made over the last couple years. The songs are a little bit different than whenever we recorded them," he added. 

For those who have never been to a Koe Wetzel show, this live album is the next best thing. The setlist is curated to mirror the highs and lows of a full-fledged concert experience. According to Wetzel, "February 28, 2016" remains the track that best encapsulates the unhinged energy of his performances. Wetzel has always prioritized rowdy, no-holds-barred performances, ensuring that no one in the crowd ever finds themselves yawning or sitting still.

"We don't play a whole lot of slow stuff at the show. I've always liked a rough and rowdy show," he stressed with a giant smile. "I don't want people sitting down and yawning. I don't talk a whole lot during my shows either. We just like to go balls to the wall the whole time – that's the kind of live show it is. It's just chaotic and a whole lot of energy." 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Koe Wetzel (@koe_wetzel)

With Live from the Damn Near Normal Tour, fans new and old will get a front-row seat to the madness, solidifying Wetzel's reputation as one of the most electrifying live performers in country music today.

Wetzel kicked off 2025 strong with a sold-out San Antonio Rodeo performance, and he's not slowing down anytime soon. The chart-topping artist recently performed at SXSW (March 13) and will hit Stagecoach on April 26 before embarking on a major summer tour alongside HARDY and Morgan Wallen. The Texas native said he's itching to get back on the road and perform alongside the hitmakers. 

"We're excited. We've been boys for a while, and to get back on the road with him is gonna be a lot of fun," he pointed out. "We can't wait for what 2025 has in store for us. We get to see a lot of new faces, and we get to play at a bunch of new festivals this year. We've been off for a couple of months, so we're starting to get that cabin fever a little. We're pumped to play new music, play stuff off the last record, and just get back out there." 

Even after the release of his live album, he exclusively told Fandom Daily that he's already working on new music and plans to write even more while on tour. Wetzel also shared that Stephen Wilson Jr. is one of his favorite songwriters, and he's thrilled that Wilson will be joining him as direct support on Wallen's upcoming tour.

In the meantime, the vocalist shared that he's been hard at work in the studio with Gabe Simon, one of the masterminds behind 9 Lives. He opened up about the unique dynamic in the writers' room, emphasizing how well they understand each other – especially after the success of their previous album. With this new collection of songs, he aims to reconnect with his Texas roots and tap into his signature grit. Above all, he remains dedicated to creating music for his loyal fans.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Koe Wetzel Music (@koewetzelmusic)

"I kind of wanted to get back to the Texas rock and roll side of things. We've been in Nashville all week writing. I think the songs are coming together really nice, we're excited. I don't have a timeframe or have any idea of whenever it's gonna be out, but it's going to be great," shared Wetzel. 

When asked about his fans and their tight-knit relationship, he said, "It's why I keep doing what I'm doing. I could have hung it up a couple of years ago and been completely fine. There's something about having people come out and sing every lyric to every song that we have, people crying in the crowd, people coming up and saying that my music helped save their lives or get them out of something traumatic. It's what keeps me in the studio and talking about the things that I talk about because I know that it's out there helping somebody." 

His dedication to his craft and his fans is undeniable, and with each new release, his passionate fandom continues to grow. If you haven't already, now is the perfect time to join Wetzel's passionate fandom and be part of something special. For all tour dates, ticket info, and exclusive updates, visit KoeWetzelMusic.com.

Photo Credit: Trevor Lamb for Motion Theory Media