Country star Brad Paisley gets the party started with a little "Mud on the Tires" Saturday night at the Tacoma Dome.
ERNEST JASMIN

So why isn’t Brad Paisley on one of those Guitar Hero, anyway? They could make a special “Guitar Hero: Nashville” or something.

Such were the deep thoughts that sprung to mind as I sat in the Tacoma Dome press box last night, inspired by a funny spoof of the popular video game that popped up on Paisley's video backdrop as he performed his hit, “Celebrity.”

Hey, there's no doubt the guy can shred. Fans knew that well before Paisley put his hot licks front and center on his latest instrumental disc, “Play: The Guitar Album.” And if you haven’t noticed, the guy is kinda popular, as evident from the 12,000 or so folks who showed up at the T-Dome to catch his two-hour set (Paisley’s biggest draw for an indoor show, they were saying behind the scenes.)

I’m just sayin’, Activision. You’re leaving money on the table. Think about it. And I want a cut when you make the game.

The Guitar Hero clip pitted Little Jimmy Dickens against Taylor Swift, the first in a string of celebrity video cameos that included fun flashes of Keith Urban, Alison Krauss and William Shatner, the guy who actually showed up in person last time Paisley played the Puyallup Fair. But it was just one component that went into a pricelessly clever video presentation, one of the slicker multi-media setups I’ve seen at a country show.

Nearly every song got a special treatment, from the Saturday-morning-cartoon-style band avatars that battled diabolical villains during the “Play” medley (Paisley himself was credited with the animation) to the critters-eye view of a tick stalking babes and hounds during encore selection, “Ticks.” Paisley even breathed life into the obligatory band intro during “Letter to Me,” with “Tonight Show” worthy shots from each player’s high school yearbook presented next to their current mugs. That included a not too studly shot of the band leader himself, class of ’91, by the way.

“I think back to high school every time I sing this song, how scared I was with everything,” Paisley said, introducing to that cut. “I was scared I was gonna fail math … scared that my parachute pants were out of style.”

Not that the slick presentation totally overshadowed Paisley’s guitar heroics. During "She's Everything," the guy delivered a soaring solo reminiscent of “Purple Rain” as coronas pulsed from his body (you know, video again.) And it was obvious he's taken notes from some of rock's greats, whether he was dropping snippets of Dire Straits into the early set or delivering a cozy, campfire version of Clapton's "Layla" during a short acoustic set.

Paisley is one talented guy, and his goofy, self-deprecating sense of humor just makes him that much more lovable.

Check out a few scenes, or click here for the full set list.

Paisley and his band performed in front of a vivid, video backdrop. Their early set included "Mud on the Tires," "Better Than This" and "The World."
ERNEST JASMIN

Paisley roamed up and down three catwalks that jutted out into the crowd when he wasn't jamming in front of a giant video screen. Here he pauses to sign a fan's guitar as "The World" comes to a close.
ERNEST JASMIN

Rising country star Dierks Bentley channeled a mostly party vibe during his 40-minute opening set, too, which wound down with his biggest hits "What Was I Thinkin'" (which broke in Seattle) and "Free and Easy (Down the Road I Go)". With time limited, he didn't showcase his introspective side with cuts like "Better Believer" and "Pray" from his new disc "Feel That Fire." Saving it for his next headlining tour? Or maybe tossed those in his private set earlier in the day at the Varsity Grill.
ERNEST JASMIN

Portrait of a country guitar hero: Brad Paisley Saturday night at the Tacoma Dome.
ERNEST JASMIN

Brad Paisley’s show was a gas Saturday night at the Tacoma Dome, thanks in no small part to a slick video presentation that brought us Guitar Hero, Brad Paisley stye, and virtual cameos from the likes of Taylor Swift, Keith Urban and Alison Krauss. Check back later and I’ll have more comments and some pics up. Meanwhile, here are a couple of set lists for you.

Brad Paisley set list
Tacoma Dome
Feb. 28, 2009

Mud on the Tires
Better Than This
The World
Wrapped Around
Waitin’ on a Woman
Celebrity
Mr. Policeman
I’m Still a Guy
Letter to Me
Start a Band
Fishing Song
She’s Everything
Instrumental “Play” medley
Whiskey Lullaby
Acoustic covers medley feat. Roger Miller's “King of the Road,” George Strait's "The Chair" and Clapton’s “Layla”
When I Get Where I'm Going
Online
Alcohol (with Dierks Bentley and Crystal Shawanda)

Encore:
Ticks
Let the Good Times Roll (B.B. King)

Dierks Bentley set list

How Am I Doin'
Feel That Fire
Lot of Leavin' Left to Do
Trying to Stop You Leaving
Sideways
Settle for a Slowdown
Closer
Every Mile a Memory
What Was I Thinkin’
Free and Easy (Down the Road I Go)

Opening act: Crystal Shawanda