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For over half a century Merle Haggard has been a champion of the misunderstood, the outcasts, and yes, even the outlaws. Forging a new path because the one Nashville had charted was too polished and removed from real life for his liking, Haggard and his Bakersfield brethren (including Buck Owens) were the forefathers of the alt country movement that took root in the '90s. In fact, fans inclined to buy tickets to Wilco or Ryan Adams would find themselves right at home alongside fans of more traditional country at a Merle Haggard concert, connecting with the man who once described himself as an "Okie from Muskogee" - an uncompromising truth teller who never turned his mind or heart away from the working class. While the last of the Country Music Hall of Famer's staggering 37 No. 1 hits may have been in 1986, his recent albums prove that while time marches on his talent and vision remain steadfast. As he's shown on tour as well as in 2010's aptly titled album I Am What I Am, Haggard is as sharp a social critic as ever. Meanwhile his 2012 album Working In Tennessee proved that despite the title, his heart is still firmly in Bakersfield - and fans are all the better for it.
What a well produced show. You'll never see a better line up, anywhere. Great artists, old and new. Shows what the new country ones are capable of, when they sing "true" country music. I really hate the extortionate prices Ticketmaster charges for the privilege of buying tickets.
It was an awesome concert!!!! We loved it!!!! First-time I have ever seen a major country line up like that.
The line up for this event was amazing. So many special guests and the music was great. What a wonderful tribute to the great Merle Haggard.
All star lineup honoring the legendary Merle Haggard!!!! Hank Jr and Alabama were great.
Soooo many great artists singing Merle's songs, can't wait for the DVD realease!
Amazing lineup and atmosphere! We could see and hear well even up there. 3 hours went by sooooo fast!
The show was awesome. No where else did so much talent perform under one roof
Great show. Great music. Good seats. Loved it. Would love to see more shows like this.
Great show. The stars they brought to the stage were amazing.
An amazing lineup of stars and a whole night of Merle Haggard music. What could be better?
What a collection of artists that came out at Bridgestone Arena on Thursday night Apr. 6th to honor one of the all-time greats of country music, Merle Haggard!
Wonderful review of Merle Haggard's songs by an amazing line-up of stars made this a memorable evening of music and love.
Incredible! One of the best concerts I've ever seen!
Love watching him! great performer, great songs - been a favorite of mine forever!
Saw Merle Haggard along with Willie Nelson. There were no disappointments. Both sounded good, considering the fact that I was seeing two aging stars with lots and lots of miles under their belts. Merle played first, and was very entertaining. Willie came on and did several of his hits, and was his usual charismatic self. Then, the two played together for the remainder of the show. During this time, Merle didn't sing a lot, mostly just played guitar (which he still had the ability to do quite well), and it was mostly Willie's songs for the remainder of the show. I now know that this was probably because of Merle's health problems, and I'd say he just ran out of gas during longer sets. I'm glad I went, as we all know Merle won't be displaying his talents any more. I didn't know I was seeing him within just months of his death. Apparently, he was a gifted performer right up until the end because I thought he sounded good. If you Haven't seen Willie, you'd better do it. He's no spring chicken, and you don't want to miss out on one of the all-time greats!
He always puts on a great show. He played about 1.5 hours. He is getting over being sick and was a little winded and let us know it. He played some new music and most of his classic's. For someone 78 years young he did a great job. Every year when he comes around the bay area, I always say we better go see him, you just never know.
The venue was so beautiful . At first it seemed a bit odd to have Merle Haggard at such an elegant place but it was rather pleasing to hear him perform there. He was recovering from double pneumonia so he mentioned his voice was a bit raw in spite of that he sounded good. Fun selection of songs and he seemed to rather enjoy himself. It was good that he did not have an opening act so we could get directly to his music.
Haggard delivered an outstanding show. His voice was probably 85% of normal and that was just fine. It was way more than I expected given his lung problems including double pneumonia. The audience gave him a well-deserved standing ovation when he walked onstage and offstage. What a legend he is. The Strangers were fine. His sons Noel and Benny were great. The fiddle duet between Merle and Scotty was phenomenal. His dry sense of humor is still spot on too. He's an inspirational figure on many levels.
Merle has been battling health issues and deserves a lot of respect for his determination and resolve to play. His set is bit more down tempo compared to years past, but his band is tight and songs are magic. To see a legend, shining bright on the stage, doing what he loves, is a great way to spend a night.
His performance was great! He struggled with his voice / lack of breath a bit. That's understandable, as he's had double pneumonia recently and was still recovering. The sound man couldn't get the mix right for the first few songs (with Merle's son singing). But, it was good by the time that the Man came on stage. The band was excellent, well rehearsed and great support for the Man's voice.
