Tucker Carlson kicks off cross-country tour in Phoenix with prayers and Russell Brand

PHOENIX — Right-wing personality Tucker Carlson kicked off his live tour Wednesday night in battleground Arizona to a packed arena.

But instead of delivering his usual fiery political rhetoric, Carlson focused opening night of his 16-date tour on his faith and mentioned Donald Trump by name only a handful of times.

“I just couldn’t wait to see other people who I’m on the same page with,” he said as the crowd roared with approval.

Joining him on stage was a barefoot Russell Brand, the British comedian and actor who recently converted to Christianity and was spotted at the Republican National Convention in July. In 2023 British media reported allegations that Brand had sexually and emotionally abused four women, which he denies.

Together, Carlson and Brand mostly delivered a Bible sermon surrounding their shared Christian identity and only tangentially touched on the presidential race.

“After this election, you are going to be the inheritors of the new United States of America,” Brand said. “I suppose, in particular, I’m encouraged by the joining of Trump’s Republican MAGA movement by Robert Kennedy.”

Carlson entered the Footprint Center to thunderous applause and a standing ovation following a video compilation that showed dystopian images of smash-and-grab robberies and excerpts of interviews with Democrat lawmakers, including Vice President Kamala Harris.

Carlson closed the night by dropping to his knees and leading the crowd in prayer.

Outside, Phoenix resident Deirdre Mischelle Scanlan said the two were a natural fit on stage.

"They're free media," she said. "We share the apprehension about the deep state and how it seems like we're not getting the truth."

For North Carolina resident Alexandrea Iverson, who