Dustin Lynch on Empire State Building, Performs "Hell of a Night"

Talk about staying cool under pressure!

Dustin Lynch performed his chart-climbing tune “Hell of a Night” from the observation deck of the Empire State Building in New York City on Wednesday and though you’d never know from watching him, he was freaking out the whole time.

“I’m deathly afraid of heights,” the singer, 30, told PEOPLE. “I’m good to go if I’m climbing a tree hunting, but 86 stories up? That’s nerve-wracking!”

Though Lynch admits his fear might be a little irrational – and made worse by his own mind. “I always think of what it would feel like falling off. It seems bizarre, but inside I feel like I’m going to purposely fall or someone is going to push me.”

So was there any good luck shots with the band beforehand to calm the nerves? “Not when I’m up that high!” says Lynch. “I need all my senses about me.”

The Tennessee native has been in N.Y.C. many times before, but this was his first time venturing to the iconic building and he says he couldn’t be prouder.

“What a bucket list moment, right? ” says Lynch. “To sing country music from way up on the Empire State Building – wow!”

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