A Double-Header in Nashville

>This is a belated post because I wondered if a review of Keith's part in last weekend’s Grand Ole Opry shows was needed or not. So many of you may have watched a good part of the show, or perhaps listened to both shows on the radio, so I worried that I’d be writing about things that you already knew. Oh well, since these reviews serve sort of as a diary for me, I'll go ahead and hope it won't all be "old hat" for some of you!

I got up at 4:30 AM to catch a 6:00 AM flight to Nashville. It was a lovely day in Tennessee when I arrived. Since I doubted I could check into my hotel at 10:30 AM, I headed to the southwest part of town to check out Starbucks, Bread & More, and shop at the Green Hills Mall. Then on to the patio of the Cheesecake Factory for a leisurely lunch and people watching. No sightings but it was a perfect way to spend a few hours.

I was starting to feel that 4:30 am wakeup so headed up to Music Valley Drive to check into my hotel and take a little snooze. I had arranged to meet some fellow fans at the Opryland Mall for a quick food court supper before we headed to the show. Parking was already crazy so I had to park at the end of the mall farthest from the theatre. It was great meeting some very sweet friends from the board and to reunite with others like Gaetane who I periodically run into at different concerts!

I had never seen Keith perform at the Opry so I wasn't quite sure what to expect. It is such a different environment and different crowd than any of the other concerts. Several hundred of the audience were on bus tours to Nashville, many many in the audience were elderly, and there were some international visitors (from Sweden and Germany and maybe elsewhere). Although there was definitely a "Keith contingent", we were somewhat scattered throughout the audience, but I also overheard several conversations of people unfamiliar with Keith and his music.

The program indicated that Keith would not appear until the third half hour segment and that he would follow Marty. I waited somewhat impatiently through that first hour but then was delighted when Keith actually opened the third act of the show! A wave of excited screams went through the auditorium when he walked out on stage. Oh Lordy he looked luscious in that black button down shirt we all love, sleeves rolled up, a little bit of chest showing, and black jeans, hair shining and trimmed, big grin on his face. He broke into YLGIMS with a great big “Whooo yeah!!” and rocked the house with perhaps a tad more twang than usual for the Opry’s sake and a “How about that Nashville?” and “Oh you look mighty cute in the morning” thrown in. But you could tell that many of us fans, scattered in the audience, felt constrained not to stand or dance (at least most of the main floor fans) in this rather staid audience. So we bounced in our pews and shrieked, cheered and clapped loudly at the end (in fact probably a bit too much for their strict radio show timetable!). After the last verse Keith kept it a little more modest than some shows with “ you’re looking mighty fine walking around in my little teeshirt” and when he was counting off “ 1... 2….” he left the 3 and 4 for the audience to fill in and wasn’t disappointed.

After his first song there was "a pause for a word from our sponsors". While the announcer delivered the commercial multiple stagehands talked intently to Keith. I kept the camera on him and was curious about what all was being discussed during that break, but I couldn't connect their gestures to the show that followed. That black shirt was quite a tease because it seemed to have extra long shirttails, reaching all the way to the bottom of those handsome buns, making us wish for a glimpse when he moved this way or that! The announcer reminded us tonight the Opry was celebrating Mary’s birthday and they showed a short video about his career. Then the lights were on Keith again. He asked “Are we in a singing mood Nashville? And then he wagged his finger at us like a schoolteacher as he reminded us “We all know why we are here! Let’s bring him out” and led us in the singing of happy birthday to Marty. I was happy to see and sing to Marty but that’s not the reason I flew in from Iowa!!!

After our birthday song Marty invited us over to the house afterwards for a piece of cake. Keith asked “Is everyone feeling good tonight? It is such a huge honor to be playing at the Opry and playing for my good friend Marty’s birthday. Happy birthday Marty!! A special thank you to everyone who traveled a long way to get here. And at what the gas prices are, that’s an amazing thing you guys did!” Keith received the usual "I love you!" shouts from the audience (which Marty remarked on multiple times) and gave his usual "I love you too and I don't even know you" response, but added "but the night is young" the first time this happened. But I think he was a bit embarrassed by the fan attention in this environment and more than once focused the attention back on Marty as best he could.

Then Keith began to sing ROS and for a second there was a hush in the crowd, followed by screams and shouts. . It was so great to hear him perform ROS in an auditorium that was built for musical performances!! I almost wished everyone would be quiet for a bit so that I could just sink into that wonderful resonant voice. He did a slight head back and to the side pause at the end of the first verse but didn’t stretch it way out as he had been doing at concerts. As he did, a tiny smile played at the corners of his lips because he knew he was torturing us as we longed for the sweet pleasure of his singing to continue. When he left it up to us to sing the last “When its raining on Sunday” of the chorus and we all chimed in, he was tickled to death and shouted “I love you guys!”, sending chills washing down my body. It was a wonderful performance of ROS from the very start, through a double “sweet baby sweet baby” to the final “Just you and me waking up on a Sunday morning with the rain coming down….”

“Now That’s Country” with Marty was just great!! Keith ‘s guitar work was so hot, playing that bluesy beat and a little solo in the middle. And I just love it when he does his own lyrics to a song!

Got me a pickup

Got a little Franklin farm

Got no horse Marty

But I got a Mustang in the barn

I used to be a drinker

If it wasn’t for my wife

And the gift of country music

I just might be doing time….

They played the heck out of that song!!! Keith alternated between grinning at Marty and pressing his lips together and bobbing his head in serious sexy rocker mode. And as they finished, Marty threw in “That’s country Keith!” and said “Give me five Brother Keith Urban!” and they gripped each others hands, then Marty did a Keith-ish “1, 2, 3, 4” to close the song– so cute!

Again some “I love yous” from the crowd for Keith and Marty teased him “She loves you Keith.” Then he said “I love you too. Thank you for coming to do my birthday party - you’re my buddy. You know what I want? What I really want? I saw your car sittin’ back there (wonder which one Keith was driving?) “You can have mine” he continued. “Can I have the John Deere license plate too?” asked Keith. They are really fun together. Marty said that it was an honor to have Keith there for his birthday – that Keith was “one of his favorites!”

Then Marty, with a little stumbling, said that, since they were here in the “Mother Church” they were going to do one of the classics of country music. He said “Play somethin’ pretty” to Keith, and with a lovely little guitar run they began to sing “I’m So Lonesome” They were both terrific and I love Marty’s mandolin playing, but it was Keith’s sweet sweet voice that really grabbed my heart. Although I tried to capture both of them with my video, my camera kept drifting off to Keith’s side (sorry Marty!). I thoroughly enjoyed Keith singing the harmony to Marty’s lead.

I could see a spotlight light up offstage – I guess that must have been when they briefly interviewed Keith, but we weren’t privy to the interview. Several acts later the announcer was still busy doing his commercial when you knew Keith must be coming back on stage by the sudden onset of squealing in the audience J . My oh my those guitar techs may be handy during the usual long concert, but there was something especially pleasing about watching Keith carrying his guitar on and off stage, even when he was just silhouetted in the stage lights.

A few acts later they announced Keith again and he came out commenting that “This is quite a party. Who wouldn’t want to be you, Marty? And went into WWWBM with Marty accompanying him on the mandolin!! Keith threw in a “I’m talking about Nashville Tennessee” after Georgia to Tennessee and “Who wouldn’t want to be Marty!” and then Marty sang Jerry’s usual part during the closing of the song.

Second Show of the Night

Marty began by sharing this story: My wife Connie came home from the Grand Ole Opry one night and said that she "had just heard a young singer who just sat there on a stool and it was just him and his guitar and he completely stole the house and he was magic." "And he loves you?" asked Marty. "No, he dearly loves me" Connie replied. "And I got to know him," continued Marty "and he is one of my favorite people.I love him like a brother! How about a hand for Mr. Keith Urban!!

I think Keith changed clothes for the second show. He still had on a black long sleeved shirt but it was cut shorter and he was wearing his favorite blue jeans with the pocket flaps. Keith thanked Marty and wished him a happy birthday (no song for the second show) and Marty wished him a happy birthday in return. I wonder if Keith will have an “Opry Birthday Party” in 9 years?

Another rousing round of YLGIMS, with one of Keith’s rrrr-rolling ululating bird-like calls for emphasis at one point. He got a huge round of applause, thanked every one so much and said it was “such an honor to be playing at the Opry for Marty’s birthday.” And he said that they wanted Marty to come out and “ pick a little with us” – “Welcome back Mr Marty Stuart, my brother, a fine gentleman” and Marty replied “Back at you!” (a mutual admiration society!).

Keith said he had been sitting with Marty’s mom during Connie’s song and that his mom had said that he and Marty “had the prettiest women.” And mothers are always right” Marty added and” we always look better when we’re standin’ near our girls!” “That’s right” said Keith – “you gonna pick a little with us?”And with that Keith and Marty and Jerry started in on WWWBM. Keith fooled us though – this time he relied on the audience for “I’ve gotta hole in my jeans” and there was an instant of stunned silent before we jumped in with what he wanted. (Sorry Keith - we just weren’t in full concert mode at the Opry!

Once again more “I love yous” for Keith with Marty ribbing him by pointing them out “ She loves you. And she loves you.” Heehee. Keith said we were “ a lively bunch” but again I think he was a little embarrassed to be getting more attention than the birthday boy.Marty thanked Keith and the boys for playing before they went into the final song of the night.

Now That’s Country once again was smoking’ hot with a little bit different guitar improv than the first show’s rendition and another little guitar solo. Keith sang a few more of the real lyrics but still changed some:

Got me a pickup, got a piece of nothin’ farm

Got me a hound-dog and a shotgun in the barn

I used to be a drinker, if it wasn’t for my wife

I tell you Marty I wouldn’t be here tonight

As they closed the song Marty said to Keith:

“Play me a little guitar brother Keith Urban” and Keith played a little riff for him

“Say it again, say it again” said Marty

And Keith obliged with a little bit longer riff : )

So it was a terrific evening. I’m sorry the second show people missed out on ROS and I’m So Lonesome – they were definite highlights. Keith did not seem to have any of the nervousness that he complained about in his last Opry performance, maybe because he was playing with a buddy and also had some of the band with him.

The only problem of the evening was that sinking feeling I had as I left the shows. Sort of like a man stranded in the desert who has taken the very last sip of water in his canteen and realizes it is going to be a long dry spell before he enjoys a cool drink of water again. I was already feeling thirsty for my “cool (hot?) drink of water”!!! Hey Keith – how about trying out the new music at a couple small fan club concerts sometime REAL soon!!??

Idyllic Indy

>Those gusty gulf winds blew all the bad weather north of Indy, foiling the weather forecasters, so our concert day happily was sunny and warm. Incredible winds kept everyone comfortable during the tailgating hours outside the stadium, although many had to forsake their cowboy hats, pirate hats, posters, balloons and the like to that tropical breeze. I went over to Lucas Oil Stadium early to find any performance stages outside the stadium because there had been rumors of a “pre-show” for the early crowd. I found the XM stage (XM Radio was promoting their all Kenny “No Shoes” channel by broadcasting live from Indy) and the staff said that there would be multiple performers and “Kenny would be there sometimes after 1:00.” The national winners of Kenny’s Big Star contest played a few songs, then the XM folks said that they didn’t know if Keith would make an appearance like he did in Boston. I figured that must mean a pretty definite “no” or they would have strung us along all day. I went back to the hotel to meet my daughter Sara who drove in from Champaign-Urbana. After a quick lunch we headed back, hoping we might still catch Kenny’s pre-show appearance. Well we didn’t have to hurry – the stadium gates had already opened and it was about 3:30 when Kenny showed up in his baseball cap and gave a short interview, then sang 3 or 4 songs. The parking lot was packed with people on all sides of the stage but Sara and I got reasonably close spots for this acoustic performance. Then Kenny was whisked off and everyone headed into the Lucas Oil Stadium.

It is a beautiful new stadium and they did a good job on their very first concert (although they are still working out a few bugs with the sound systems and field level porta-potties). We had thought that the sunny weather would mean the roof would be open, but no – the stadium roof was closed and the entire place was air-conditioned for our comfort until Keith and Kenny’s performances. So Luke Bryan, Gary Allan and Leann played “inside” a slightly echo-y but not bad stadium environment. After Leann finished her great set we all watched in amazement as the center panels of the roof slowly parted and slid out of view over the stands revealing the early evening skies! Very fancy!! This did mean that the acoustics were much better for Keith and Kenny.

At first it looked like they were only setting up Kenny’s video screens during the break, but finally Keith’s video wall moved out and I breathed a sigh of relief. We were on the aisle in the very last row of the B front floor section so I knew I would be needing that screen to see any detail. The near-capacity crowd had responded well to Luke, Gary and Leann but really started to come to life when the brightly colored audience shots came into view on the video wall. Then the wall went dark for a few seconds of anxious anticipation before the audience was positively electrified by that video of Keith walking towards us and the introductory notes of Days Go By!! It was finally the time that so many of us had been waiting for!!!

Keith looked absolutely stunning! His hair looked freshly trimmed and was shiny and soft, the stage lights showing off the few blond highlights. And that smile – he was obviously happy to be there and was totally spot on in his performance throughout his show. He wore a dark tee which probably some of you would recognize – sort of looks like a crescent moon with an atomic or astronomic pattern in the center of that crescent shape.

For “Blacktop” and 3 or 4 other songs Keith played a rather striking looking avocado and light green guitar – quite good looking. I didn’t see a single sign of “back problems” all night. He had his usual sashaying, prowling saunter across the stage, he crouched by the fans for his guitar solos, did more than one exciting backbend (which made me worry and also not worry about him!) and bent low to slap hands at every point of the catwalk for the longest time at the close of his set. I greatly appreciated that the camera persons last night treated us to many rear-views : ) during several of Keith’s songs (which was one vantage point that was often missing from the great camera work during the LPATWCT tour, except when Keith was down on the small stage) and Keith treated us to several “front views” as well! Good thing that the crowd was roaring because I may have whimpered or moaned a few times!

Although Keith’s time on stage is far too short for too much conversation, he did thank Kenny more than once, thanked those who traveled far to the show and those who were sitting was up high (REALLY high in this new stadium!), and thanked those who could only get to one concert a year and chose this show as the one to go to. He also commented on the stadium and the beautiful night we could see through the now open roof. He introduced all the band members and their individual solos really resounded throughout the venue. A couple little sound glitches – a high pitch guitar tone when he was about to start Who Wouldn’t Wanna Be Me which made Keith laugh at himself (wrong guitar setting I think) before he and Jerry did their guitar jousting. And some deep base rumbling vibrations at the start of You’ll Think Of Me that may have been due to the stadium sound system. YTOM was particularly passionate last night. I don’t know how he hits that mark time after time!! For some reason I was especially drawn to the appearance of the cords in his long sweat slick neck during that song last night. Not quite sure if I wanted to lick, nuzzle, kiss, or plant a big hickey on it, but I was definitely drawn! : )

During Better Half he threw in an extra “You better believe it” after “I’d rather have you by my side”. A fan presented him, at just the right moment in Better Life, with a tiny pink onesie which I think was embroidered with Sunday Rose’s name. Keith tried to hang it on the mike stand without luck but did sing out “ as big as a Sunday Rose sky”. He later had the pink onesie flapping out of his back pocket as he strolled from stage left to stage right J During a very participatory Raining On Sunday I noticed what looked like a crack in his little guitar. Bet he has a new one on order since he seems to love that little one.

You Look Good In My Shirt was a highlight (in a performance that was almost ALL highlights!) of the evening. First, a new guitar play beginning – some very fancy fingerwork that I did not recognize as any of the riffs he has played before, followed by some big swooping arm extensions of the guitar to create some nifty electronic effects. Then two huge “kangaroos” showed up while Keith was singing the first verse on stage! One played the guitar and the other big fat one danced around with some kind of Down-under flag. Keith totally cracked up and could not sing for several seconds (even more so than in the YLGIMS video!). Love that laugh!! Finally Keith sauntered down to the end of the runway and sat down with his legs dangling into the sandpit for the end of the song. He didn’t actually jump off stage (but looked sorely tempted to do so) but had a big crowd of sandpitters gathered at his feet as he sang. I think this must have been pre-arranged because I did not see any anxious security worrying that he was going to go out into the crowd. A very fun song!

The band seemed very animated and emotional during their final bows. They walked , arm in arm, all the way to the end of the runway (something I don’t think they have done at the other stadium shows) – clearly a special “last concert” for them too. The other guys then retreated to the stage, throwing out picks and drumsticks, but Keith slapped hands for as long as he could. What a sweetie pie!

Kenny’s “closing show” was special in many ways. He (and his friends) played over 3 hours, changed up the set list, did many covers (even U2’s With or Without You!), had special solos and guest appearances (a bit much for me with 4 or 5 songs by Uncle Cracker), began to party with the crew while on stage, but somehow it still did not have the “heart” of Keith’s closing show in Lexington. The most moving part of it, for me, was (no surprise) Keith’s reappearance to sing Take It to the Limit with Kenny. They did a great job, but Keith’s voice in particular was just as clear and soulful as a bell when he sang his closing verse – the best I have heard him on that song. And the long hug that Kenny gave him before Keith left the stage was very touching – country brothers they are!