I'm no country music fan (I find it boring) but my wife is a HUGE country music fan, so when an email from the USO - offering free tickets to Kenny Chesney's "Poets and Pirates" tour that took place at Lincoln Financial Field in Philly yesterday - hit my work computer Friday afternoon it was her who I had in mind when I called the USO and got a couple of tickets for us.
The concert included five pretty big name acts which included: some guy I can't remember his name, Lean Rines, Sammy Hagar, Keith Urban, and of course Kenny Chesney.
I think its no secret that I am what you would call a guitarist conisuere - particularly to anyone who has read this fine blog in the past. And as someone who has an ear for solid guitar playing I was completely blown away by Keith Urban's performance last night. I guess its because of the venue of music genre that he plays under that I never noticed him before - but I saw a guy who played incredibly well and did some pretty unique things with a guitar that pretty much blew me away. I was so impressed with him that I became an instant fan. I really don't care that its country music - I really liked his stuff. Thankfully my wife already has all of his CD's so no need to run out and buy any!
I must mention Sammy Hagar - since he was childhood favorite of mine. And by "childhood" I make no exaggeration. I was listening to Sammy Hagar and playing his songs (perhaps "trying to play" is more accurate) when I was 13 and 14 years old. I have no idea what he was doing playing at a country venue - but when I saw his name on the artist list I knew that the day wouldn't be a total yawner! He played some of his classics last night and when he announced that he recorded "Three Lock Box" in 1983 I instantly felt old! It was a nice trip down memory lane listening to all of his classics and one Van Halen tune as well. I actually say Sammy in concert four times back in the 80's. It was funny watching some of the older country fans wincing in pain and getting up to leave during Sammy's performance!
One thing about Kenny Chesney and the tour. I am flabbergasted that they were giving all of us local military free tickets. The price tag on ours were $80 a piece and I must say I greatly appreciate that Kenny and the folks at Lincoln Financial Field thought enough of us to let us come and watch for free. I truly felt priviledged to be there. And oh yea - Kenny puts on a heck of a show too!