Next up was an acoustic performance of "But For The Grace Of God," and then a very heartfelt thank you to all the fans that drive in from so far away to attend the shows. He then gave a brief introduction to his incredible band members. Being a member of Keith's fan club and a huge fan myself, I've been to a lot of shows. Keith usually introduces each band member and tells from what part of the world their from. Has anyone ever noticed that Chris McHugh, the drummer, is always from whichever town it is that they are playing in? Keith, we are on to ya mate!
Next was a string of Keith's No. 1 hits, "Making Memories of Us," "You'll Think Of Me," "Better Life" and finally, "Who Wouldn't Want To Be Me." Keith thanked the crowd and left the stage briefly before coming back with a piano for the encore. Slowing things down for one song, Keith gave a memorable performance of "Tonight I Wanna Cry" on the crowd and more than just a few had tears in their eyes. The lyrics to this song have a way of reaching any one that's ever faced the loneliness a broken heart creates.
Even though the night was almost over, Keith had more surprises in store for us. Sharing lead vocals with his band mates Jerry Flowers and Chris Rodriguez, we heard Steve Miller's legendary song, "The Joker." We also got some incredible solo's from Steve King on Keyboards and keith's new guitar player, Jedd Hughes. Sending the crowd into an unbelievable burst of applause, Keith also asked Little Big Town back to the stage to give him a little help. I couldn't believe the crowd could get any louder but they did. Keith finished his set with yet another No. 1 hit off his Golden Road CD, "Somebody Like You." I don't know who was giving off the most energy, the crowd or Keith. With thanks given, the stage went dark and even after it was apparent the show was over, fans lingered on pleading for one more song. I'm sure Crawford County has one of those evil ordinances that won't allow the show to play on past a certain time or the guys would have come back.
With an aching back, blistered feet, sore throat and an excitement level somewhere near the moon, I made my way through the crowd to find my friend Kim. We spent a few minutes talking about how incredible the show was but knowing each of us had a long drive back to wherever for the night, we had to say goodbye. With lots of hugs and a few tears, we parted, both us walking away with more incredible memories of old and new friends, a fantastic concert and the knowledge that we'd be doing the whole thing over again when Keith's touring schedule allowed.
Set List:
- Once In A Lifetime
- Days Go By
- Raining On Sunday
- You're My Better Half
- You Look Good In My Shirt
- But For The Grace Of God
- Jeans On
- Making Memories Of Us
- You'll Think Of Me
- Better Life
- Who Wouldn't Wanna Be Me
- Encore
- Tonight I Wanna Cry
- The Joker
- Somebody Like You
