I always enjoy hearing about country stars who do well overseas, especially in non-English speaking countries. I was surprised to learn that Toby Keith, as huge as he is in the U.S., had never done a proper European tour until very recently. Of course, his USO touring schedule is legendary, and he's been to the Middle East and Africa many times, but the jury was still out on what kind of a reception he'd receive on a real European tour.
Well, the verdict is in, and by all accounts, Toby blew the roof off of all venues he played on his recent two-week sold out tour. All nine shows in six different countries were completely sold out before Toby ever set foot in Glasgow, Scotland for his first gig.
"The accents are a little different and the food sure isn't what you get in Oklahoma," Toby said shortly after playing his last concert in Oslo, Norway. "But they say music's a universal language, and the folks we saw sure seemed to be having a good time. And so did we."
After opening in Glasgow, Toby and his band moved on to London to play the famed Hammersmith Apollo. Next up was Dublin's Olympia Theater, then on to Denmark, Sweden and Finland before finishing up in Norway.
Country music has always had a surprisingly strong fan base overseas. The great Jim Reeves was one of country's earliest world-wide pioneers. Johnny Cash had a huge international following, as did the Gentle Giant, Don Williams, who was legendary in places like Brazil and Zimbabwe.
Quick question for you: Who was the first major country artist you ever saw in concert. My first big country show was Merle Haggard back in 1981 in Dallas. Feel free to share your story in the comment section below.
Photo © Getty Images - Frank Micelotta
Comments
http://blog.newsok.com/bamsblog/2009/11/30/toby-keith-wraps-sold-out-european-tour/#comment-21713
We have a facebook group to promote Toby Keith music outside of the US.
http://blog.newsok.com/bamsblog/2009/11/30/toby-keith-wraps-sold-out-european-tour/#comment-21713
We have a facebook group to promote the playing of Toby Keith music outside of the US
I can’t remember the name of the star of the first country show I ever went to but I’ll never forget the opening act. It was a little known singer who was just getting started as a singer. He stole the show and brought down the house. Not only could he sing he was absolutely hysterical. His iimpression of a 90 year old Elvis Presley is one of the funniest thing I’ve ever seen. The guy went on to have a “modest” career – you may have heard of him – Glen Campbell.
Actually, the first major country artist that I paid to see was….none other than TOBY KEITH!
Bring Toby Keith to Australia………..
I agree, bring Toby Keith to Australia. We love the American artists here but we don’t get to see nearly enough of them.
I saw Marty Robbins at Gwyn Oak Park in MD when I was a teenager. He was on a tiny outdoor stage and my friend and I were standing right in front of it. He was great and I never forgot it.
My first time attending a country concert was with JIM REEVES IN 1964, a short time before his tragically death. It was in The Hague (the Netherlands). The next great country concert I went to was in 1996 in Vancouver (canada) that was Dwight Yoakam and I stayed a fan forever!
New Years Eve 1981, Waylon Jennings in Dallas, Texas. Sadly there’s no more Waylon or Reunion Arena.