From that moment on, the show shifted into its joyful final third, a celebration of everything modern‑day Squeeze can do. The hits landed with renewed vitality, and the band's expanded sonic palette gave familiar songs fresh color. During "Goodbye Girl", the group took on an almost Americana quality, complete with accordion, pedal steel and mandolin breaks. It was a surprising and delightful transformation - one that hinted at a direction the band could easily explore further. With producer and Nashville‑based bassist Owen Biddle helping shape the sound of Trixies, it's not hard to imagine Squeeze leaning into this roots‑inflected vibe on future projects. In fact, Sunday's performance made a compelling case for Squeeze to appear at AmericanaFest next September, where their blend of craftsmanship, storytelling and genre‑bending experimentation would fit right in. And while we're at it, someone should call the Nashville Songwriter Awards and the Musicians Hall of Fame - because Squeeze, still thriving and still evolving, deserves every accolade the industry can muster. Their longevity isn't just impressive; it's instructive. This is how a band grows without losing its identity.

Ahead of Squeeze came Adam Ant, whose rarity of appearance had his devoted Ant People on their feet from the moment he walked out. His set was packed with crowd‑pleasers - "Desperate But Not Serious", "Prince Charming", "Kings of the Wild Frontier", "Goody Two Shoes", "Antmusic" - delivered with the precision of a veteran performer. Yet his demeanor remained cool, aloof, almost statuesque, as if he were holding the audience at arm's length. Only near the end did a sly smile slip through the veneer, a brief crack in the armor. Then, just as quickly, he exited stage left, making way for Squeeze's grand unveiling.

Leon Tilbrook, Owen Biddle, Danica Dora and Stephen Large are all big parts of the current lineup.

Opening the night was the charismatic Leon Tilbrook, who brought charm, humor and resilience to his set. Switching between electric and acoustic guitars, he navigated a gear mishap with grace, turning it into a moment of crowd interaction rather than frustration. By the end of his performance, he had the audience fully engaged - and proudly reminded them that he has now played the revered Ryman stage three times in the decade and was also recently announced as the official ninth member of Squeeze. He jokingly added they're lucky to have him before saying it's been an amazing educational opportunity to be a component in such a legendary organization. His continued poise, confidence and ease on the hallowed Ryman stage made him the perfect ringmaster to start the evening.

By the time the final notes of "Take Me I'm Yours" rang out, complete with band introductions and a wave of applause, it was clear that Squeeze had done something rare: they had honored their past, challenged their present, and expanded their future - all in one night. The Nashville opener wasn't just a tour kickoff; it was a statement of intent. And as the "Tried, Tested and Trixies" tour heads south and then across the continent, Sunday's show will stand as the moment the band opened the club doors, stepped into the next chapter, and invited everyone willing to listen to come along.

It was a tight Squeeze who packed it in to fit onto the Ryman stage.

Related Links: For more information on SQUEEZE and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links - Squeeze | Adam Ant | Leon Tilbrook | UK Legends Squeeze Have Several Reasons to Celebrate at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville | Ryman Auditorium