Drake Milligan – Tumbleweed World Tour 2026 at Carlswerk Victoria in Cologne
The Drake Milligan show Is Deeply Rooted in Traditional Country
Drake Milligan is one of modern country’s strongest traditionalists. There’s no denying that he is a true entertainer in every sense of the word. On Monday night at Carlswerk Victoria in Cologne, he transported the audience from the industrial venue to the honky-tonks of Texas. His rich, twangy baritone, vocal power and unmistakable Elvis Presley-influenced stage swagger were all on full display.
The speakers blasted Roy Orbison’s “Oh, Pretty Woman” as the final warm-up, with stage lights flashing. Then, as “Tumbling Tumbleweeds” by The Sons of the Pioneers filled the room, the six-piece band walked onto the stage and kicked off the set with arguably Milligan’s biggest hit, “Sounds Like Something I’d Do.” After just a few chords, Milligan himself ran onto the stage with his Rickenbacker strapped on, immediately setting an energetic tone that showcased his range as a performer.
The opening song put the night into high gear, and the energy never really dropped, even during the slower numbers. His vocals were consistently powerful yet effortless, moving comfortably between classic country crooning and rock-infused anthems.
He followed with “Bad Day to Be a Beer” and “Tipping Point,” front-loading the set with some of his best-known songs. It was a smart choice, immediately engaging the audience and presenting Milligan at his very best.
Milligan very much carries an Elvis feel in his persona, with a natural swagger and vocal inflections that wouldn’t feel out of place in Memphis. His self-professed love for classic country is also evident in the way he approaches both his music and his performance. Very few country singers today possess that kind of genuine stage sensibility. Milligan has a presence and style that hark back to the country singers of an earlier era, making him a particularly fascinating performer to watch.
It’s difficult to pinpoint a single high point because the energy remained remarkably consistent throughout the evening. For Monday’s show, the room at Carlswerk Victoria was configured to roughly three-quarters of its 1,600-capacity, but there was no mistaking the significance of the turnout. It was a strong showing for country music in Cologne.
Songs such as “Over Drinkin’ Under Thinkin’,” “Hating Everything She Tries On” and “How Much Beer” kept the mood high. During “She,” Milligan left the stage and performed from the middle of the audience, bringing the singer even closer to his fans.
The nearly two-hour set remained varied and well constructed, constantly keeping the audience engaged. Milligan also included a great cover, with one of the highlights being a rocking rendition of Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5.” He absolutely nailed it, bringing another level of energy to the room while further demonstrating his vocal power and commanding stage presence.
The crowd remained passionate throughout the night and clearly connected with Milligan and his music. More than simply being an entertaining concert, the Cologne show demonstrated what traditional country can still accomplish in a live setting. Without hesitation, Drake Milligan delivered a strong promotion for country music in Germany—and showed why there is still plenty of room for authentic, traditional country in the modern scene.
Review and Photos for: CountryMusicNews.de
Accreditation: Semmel Concerts
