Toby Keith brings his hits and patriotism to Darien Lake

Tour poster (courtesy Toby Keith/Show Dog Universal)

On a picture perfect Friday night out at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center, country music's biggest and loudest patriot stood center-stage to a rowdy and ready Toby Keith crowd.
Keith opened the show with a tune that by his 9 p.m. start time was a fib from the start-"Haven't Had A Drink All Day". If anyone keeps up with country music you might remember back in 2014 when fans complained that Keith was "too drunk" during one of his shows in Noblesville, a suburb of Indianapolis, Indiana. Keith does in fact own a chain of 'grill and bar' restaurants along with his own liquor.

Keith is also known for his drinking tunes that also kept the crowd cheering and drinking. "Whiskey Girl", "I Love This Bar", "Beer For My Horses" (accompanied with Willie Nelson on a large video screen) and the infamous "Red Solo Cup", were all songs that everyone drank up to. But, unlike his 2014 show in Noblesville, Keith was far from drunk. He did indeed have a red solo cup on stage with him, but he was collected and content.
But isn't that what country music and more-so Keith's music is all about? Relaxing, having a good time and drinking a beer...or two.

Toby Keith's Interstates and Tailgates tour truck backstage (photo courtesy of Michael Read)

A shining moment came about half-way through the set when Keith showed us his appreciation and gave a salute to the late country legend Merle Haggard who passed away earlier this year. And this is what separates country music from any other genre, the stars of today know their roots and honor those who have paved the way for them to rise and be successful. Tip of the cowboy hat to you Toby.
But the night wouldn't be complete without Keith's signature songs. Songs about American pride. This is where the fans connect the most and Keith sings the loudest and proudest.
The way the world is today and what has happened within the past couple weeks, Darien Lake soaked it all in and it was a moment, courtesy of the red, white and blue.

Opener Eric Paslay helped the crowd ease their way into the night with a great set. For those that don't know much about Paslay, he has co-written some of today country's hits. "Barefoot Blue Jean Night" by Jake Owen and "Even If It Breaks Your Heart" by the Eli Young Band were on the set before he and Darien Lake jammed out to his 2013 hit, "Friday Night"-suitable for the evening.

Michael Read with show opener Eric Paslay (photo courtesy of Michael Read)

Other noteworthy hits by Keith included "I Wanna Talk About Me", "Who's Your Daddy", "As Good As I Once Was" and "How Do You Like Me Now?!"

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