YEEHAW! Country music fans were out in force at the Odyssey Arena, Belfast last Friday (November 13), as American singer-songwriter Toby Keith arrived in the city as part of his first ever European tour.
Toby Keith.
With stetsons and cowboy boots everywhere you looked in the arena, it felt like yo
u'd been transported to Texas rather than Belfast, and that was no bad thing as the country superstar thrilled the crowd in an intimate setting in the arena.
The crowd were warmed up by Keith's protégé Mica Roberts, who proved to be a real star in the making with fantastic vocals and catchy songs that left you wanting to hear more.
The main man began his almost two-hour show at 9pm performing some of his best known hits to delight fans, including 'Who's your Daddy,' 'I Love This Bar,' 'Get Drunk and Be Somebody' and 'I'm Just Talkin' About Tonight.'
From smoking illegal substances with Willie Nelson to the death of a cherished friend, Keith spoke openly with the audience throughout the night, which went down well with the local crowd.
Keith has sold more than 25 million albums in the last decade and has achieved eighteen No.1 hits and seventeen additional Top Ten hits on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts. Whilst he may not be a household name in this part of the world, he has a loyal following and judging on this performance he deserves to be more well known.
Including songs such as new track 'American Ride', 'Whiskey Girl' and the beautiful 'Cryin' for Me (Wayman's Song)', which was written for a friend who passed away from cancer, Keith showed why he is such a well-respected and popular artist.
Whilst this is Keith's first visit to Belfast, local fans will be hoping it is certainly not his last.
