Cory Marks-Lincoln-12.3.25

Cory Marks at The Bourbon Theatre in Lincoln, Nebraska on December 3, 2025.

Photos and Review by The Pit Magazine Contributor, Bob DeHart Photography

If you know me, you know that country music isn’t my usual first choice when it comes to my listening choices. I’m not hater, just my tastes are definitely more along the lines of the rock/metal scene. Which brings me to Cory Marks. Cory is not your normal country artist. He’s no doubt a country artist. But, how many country artists do you know that collaborate with members of Godsmack, Five Finger Death Punch, Bad Wolves, and Mick Mars. So, it was easy for me to be open to what Mr. Marks had to offer.

This was my second time in covering Cory Marks. Once last spring as he was the opener for one of my all-time favorite artists, Dorothy, and then on this night opening for Sevendust. This time was a little different because it was an all acoustic set for Cory and Sevendust. For Cory that meant him, by himself with an acoustic guitar on the stage all alone. He did not disappoint. It was a great set, with some great songs and a few laughs along the way too. It’s fun to watch an artist in this type of setting. There is no hiding. Either you have it, or you don’t. And I can tell you for sure, Cory Marks has it. He is very talented and kept the crowd engaged throughout the set.

Cory Marks played some of his standards that got the crowd going, opening with (Make My) Country Rock and Outlaws and Outsiders. But he also took it back a bit and played a Bryan Adams cover, Cuts Like a Knife. Which definitely had a country flavor to it. It sounded great and had the crowd singing along. Cory Marks is worth the effort to see. He definitely has that cross over appeal. I had a chance to meet him after the set as he spent some time at his merch booth greeting fans. Turns out, he’s also a pretty nice guy too. If you get the chance to see him, do it. I’ve been lucky twice now to catch him opening for some of the best touring rock acts out there.