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Preview: Sugarland’s “Ride or Die Tour” Hits North Charleston Coliseum with Special Guest Payton Sullivan

When country music powerhouse Sugarland rolls into the North Charleston Coliseum on Friday, October 2, for their Ride or Die Tour, the arena won't just be celebrating 20 years of iconic hits—it will also witness the kickoff of a major career milestone. Opening the night as sole direct support is fast-rising "Coastal Cowgirl" Payton Sullivan, fresh off the release of her road-ready new single “F150.” From singing Sugarland’s "Something More" at karaoke as a little girl to having Kristian Bush produce her debut project, Sullivan’s journey to the Coliseum stage is a full-circle moment built on big dreams, island resets, and pure Lowcountry excitement.

The Lowcountry is gearing up for one of the biggest country music events of the fall as Grammy Award-winning duo Sugarland brings their 20th Anniversary Ride or Die Tour to the North Charleston Coliseum on Friday, October 2. Celebrating two decades since their multi-platinum album Enjoy the Ride, Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush are reuniting to deliver arena-sized anthems like "Want To," "Settlin'," and "Stay."

Joining them as sole direct support for the entire 21-date run is fast-rising "Coastal Cowgirl" Payton Sullivan—fresh off the release of her high-energy new single, “F150” (out September 29). (Read Press Release)

"What in the World?!" – A Full-Circle Moment Built on Sugarland

For Sullivan, stepping onto the arena stage on Friday night isn't just another tour stop—it is a life-changing, full-circle milestone. Raised on Sugarland by her mother, Sullivan’s very first karaoke song as a little girl was their hit "Something More." Fast forward to today, and she is opening for the legendary duo while Kristian Bush himself produces her upcoming debut 12-track album.

"Even hearing you say that back, I'm like, 'What in the world?!' When I tell you this is the craziest thing of my life... it really has not hit me yet," Sullivan laughed during our interview. "I'm like, okay, maybe when I get on that bus or when I get on that stage, it is going to absolutely wreck me. I'm a sensitive little Sally, so I'm just going to bust out in tears! It's crazy to think about that little girl singing 'Something More' at a karaoke spot out in the country."

Her connection with Bush sparkled in 2024 at the Hawai‘i Songwriting Festival, where a chance class assignment turned into a deep mentorship. "Kristian Bush is just a gem of a human," Sullivan shared. "In the studio, he pulls out the best in people—songwriting, singing, on stage, off stage. What started as recording two songs turned into six, and now we are sitting on a 12-song album that we're going to be teasing on tour."

Payton Sullivan

"F150": The Ultimate Road-Trip Anthem Meets the Coliseum Stage

Just days before the tour kickoff, Sullivan dropped “F150,” an infectious track that blends country finger-picking with pop-disco beats.

"F150 is one of those super fun, get-on-the-road-and-drive songs. It's the iconic pump-up song for me," Sullivan explained. "Sugarland broke all the rules of country while still making it work and so much fun. With 'F150,' it's about riding the line—staying true to your country roots while having so much fun with a really cool beat."

Sullivan also revealed that fans at Friday’s show will hear a special tribute to the late, great Dolly Parton, an artist whose mindset and faith heavily influenced her career. "We lost Dolly recently, and she played a huge role in how I carry myself as an artist," Sullivan noted. "We're going to do a little tribute for her during our set—it's going to make all of us emotional, but we come in hot with a banger right afterwards!"

Pink Outfits, Charleston Memories, and Aloha Spirit

Having rebuilt her life and musical identity on an island ranch in Hawaii after a difficult breakup, Sullivan brings a rare warmth and "Aloha spirit" to mainland arenas.

"Aloha is love," she reflected. "I want to take that spirit of love with me everywhere I go—with every fan, every interview, every crew member. This whole thing is such a blessing."

Charleston holds a particularly fond spot in her heart. "My sister had her bachelorette party in Charleston, and we had the most fun. Growing up with three girls, going back there reminds me of my sisters," Sullivan shared, teasing that she wrote a song inspired by that memory to test out on tour.

And as for her show outfit on Friday night at the Coliseum? She let Charleston Live Music cast the final vote: "We're going with the pink skirt for Charleston! Done. It's packed!"

See You at the Show!

The Charleston Live Music team will be on-site at the North Charleston Coliseum on Friday night enjoying the show. Don't miss out on what promises to be an unforgettable night of country hits, nostalgia, and brand-new music—grab your tickets today and come join us!

Event & Ticket Info



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Country Spitfire Payton Sullivan Hits the Gas With “F150”
Country Spitfire Payton Sullivan Hits the Gas With “F150”

Country spitfire Payton Sullivan is officially hitting the gas on a massive new chapter. Fresh off the release of her high-energy single “F150” on September 29, the rising artist is gearing up to take her sun-drenched “Coastal Cowgirl” sound nationwide as the sole direct support for Sugarland’s 20th Anniversary Ride or Die Tour. From singing Sugarland at country karaoke spots as a kid to having Kristian Bush produce her debut project, Sullivan’s latest release sets the stage for a full-circle arena run that kicks off this week—bringing her genre-bending pop-country anthem straight to North Charleston on October 2.