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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.
I loved the show. They played beautifully. Merle sounded his age and Kris sounded ageless. My only complaint was it was only an hour show. They walked off stage, I was sure to return for at least one encore. No dice. The boys must have been tired. God bless them.
I was very impressed with Merle Haggard and his band. Merle for being 78 years old still knows how to entertain. I enjoyed his music and his jokes. His band is FABULOUS!! I love going to the Stiefel as there isn't a bad seat in the house. Merle sang a lot of his old hits.
Merle Haggard was GREAT at 78 years of age. He put on a great show and still has that old "Country" voice! I am a BIG fan of his and this show did not disappoint me!
Merle no longer has it. His voice has lost the range it once had. If you like his music, buy a CD. You'll get your money's worth that way. I didn't understand the saxophone players place, it was contrived and had no place in the scheme of things. I saw Merle with George Strait in Wichita and he couldn't sing then. I thought I'd give him one more chance, a bad decision on my part. A truly Over the Hill Gang Show.
1. Too much Mo. 2. Dark stage for 15-20 minutes after Mo. Boring. 3 .Band was way too loud. Couldn't hear the words of Merle's songs much of the time. 4 .Tn.theater served food and alcohol throughout the performance, Constant flow of people in and out of their seats. Numerous loud, annoying, drunk. Three in the row in front of us were warned twice and then removed from the theater. 5. Could have been a three star show but wasn't. Probably closer to a one.
Great show excellent seats great sound!!! Merle still has it
Mr. Haggard and company put on a great show. Mo Pitney was terrific - a humble young man with a great voice, and a superb musician. Noel Haggard got the crowd warmed up and Merle took over. Still going strong at 78 and a pleasure to see live! Don't miss him if he comes round!
Merle was very late coming on and played a very very short set . Perhaps he wasn't feeling well ? Struggled to get around and was not in good voice . We couldn't make out much of the words . Crackerjack band . I have the upmost respect for Merle Haggard . Just about anyone who didn't know him probably would have been pissed however . No new songs . Just old standards. He did play his instruments well . It saddens me that he at this point is just coasting going through the motions. He is allowed bad nights . But probably shouldn't do the rigors of full performances .
First off, I give this concert a 5 star but TicketMaster keeps switching it to a 4 star.... I've been to many big name concerts and Merle Haggard is hands down the best concert I've ever been too! My husband and I listen to old concerts all the time wishing we grew up in the era of all the country legends. There was a good mix of generations. It's great to see people in their 20's like me who realize good country music still exists. Not many musicians can pull in a crowd with ages ranging from 20's to 80's+. Merle sounded the exact same as all the recordings and had the same energy! He's funny, entertaining and man what a musician! The crowd was really into and it was so fun. He didn't even play half his songs but when you're the Hag there is no way you can play all your hits in one night. I was amazed at his energy and how funny he was. Very mezmering and I'm always captured by his sincerity. We're already checking his tour for 2016 so we can take our parents! Absolutely amazing! They just don't make them Merle anymore. Also, of all the venues I've been too (bars, big arenas/stadiums, outdoors etc.) the sound quality and mix was the best in the Theatre.
What a great night of country music the way country should be. Every country artist of today should go to a similar venue and listen to sounds the expression the true country spirit Change is great and expected but we have lost the true spirit of country music. This exemplified the genre's roots and I wish others would go back to it a little more Merle NEVER disappoints! Excellent show. Wanted more !!!! And Mo Pitney was again th old style country singer that you could listen to for hours
Not being a huge country music fan, I only see the classic country artists and had no idea what to expect. I have always loved Merle's voice and was hoping for the best. What a shocker!! Merle still has it going on-his voice, guitar and even the fiddle (who knew?)were excellent and he and his band put on a fabulous show. If you get a chance to go see Merle DON'T MISS IT!! Mo Pitney also has a really good baritone voice and is very talented. Good songs well sung-would go see him again as well.
Merle always has a good show. I have been going to see him for 25 years and have never been disappointed. The Tennessee Theatre is an awesome place. It's a beautiful smaller venue and there is not a bad seat there. I also enjoyed Mo Pitney. I was not familiar with him and didn't have high expectations but he absolutely did a wonderful job and has a great voice. All around great experience!
Mo pitney opened, he was very good, has a great range in his voice. enjoyed listening to him. I'm not a fan of country music, but I had to see Merle, since he has influenced so many other great musicians. He was very good, played his fiddle also for a few minutes, which was cool. The strangers played great! there are 2 reason I give 3 stars. One, Merles son, Noel played a few songs. He needs to quit riding on daddys back and go sing in a dusty bar. he has no voice for the big time. And what was up with Merles wife acting like she was a back up singer the whole time? She stood behind a microphone and pretended to be somebody, but didnt open her mouth to sing. I would really like to know whos idea that was! Anyway, If you think you can make it through Noels crooning, I would recommend to see Merle.
Merle Haggard was amazing. One of the pioneers of country music. First time I've ever seen him live in concert. He came out played and sang for a solid hour. And for him to be 78 years old that's dedication to his fans.
I got these tickets for my husband's birthday present. He is a HUGE old country fan, so I thought it would be a once in a lifetime opportunity to see Merle Haggard close to PA. The Packard Music Hall had an unbelievable sound! Merle's son, who opened for him, was very impressive. I didn't know what to expect with the age of Merle Haggard, but he was amazing! There were times when he rolled right into the next song without any breather! He was funny, engaging, sounded great, and overall it was just a great experience to say we saw a true country music legend!
Band sounded great. Could do with out Hag's dope smoking comments. Enjoyed the show up until Merle opened his mouth. Luckily, it was towards the end. Will always love the man's music.
Merle is a legend. He sang non-stop for over an hour. Loved the show!
Merle's band played for 15 minutes. Merle came on and played for less than an hour with no encore. Even though he promotes the lyrics of Fightin' Side of Me on most of his concert shirts, he chose not to play this song. Lead up band was his son playing with his band. They played a half hour with several slow paced songs. There was then at least a 45 minute intermission for the same band to come back on. The venue was workable, but the parking was questionable with parking on a lawn and exits onto a two lane road with no police to help smooth the process. The beer choices were limited to Miller Lite and Miller Lite. Your choice.
The man is a legend and it was an honor and a privilege to be able to see him again in my lifetime live. Thank you for bringing him to our area again. Many years ago I seen him when Packard Music Hall had MAJOR PRODUCTIONS (1 popular country act/stars each month and then a big bash on New Year's). Brought back many heart warming memories on those MANY start attractions with season tickets my father bought for the family. THANK YOU Only disappointment was when I was asked not to video my favorite song. The videoing did not begin until after the first verse and cell phone videos are nothing but for a memory. I was disappointed but understand. The place with lit up with taping and poor ushers could not keep up. Man in front row on floor needed to be controlled by the usher. He was rude to the rest of the audience and he thought he was cute. He was intoxicated.
I am a HUGE Merle Haggard fan and have been since about 1965. I've been to countless shows and I can honestly say that I've never seen him do a 'bad' one. He is meticulous about checking his sound before show time and expects perfection from each of his band members. He performs spontaneously - singing whatever comes to mind at the time. I had a good seat at Packard. I was in the balcony on the 2nd row so I was up higher than the stage but able to see real well. Packard is a nice venue - not too big nor too small and most seating is very good. Merle is now 78 years old but you would never know it from hearing his voice. He sings in that same honeyed baritone that I've loved all my life and he did a variety of his well-known tunes, something for everyone. His performance was lively and varied. Go see him if you've never seen him before. You won't regret it! He is one of our remaining American treasures......
