Classic Country Spotlight is a weekly series covering legendary artists from country music’s past. Whether you still listen to the timeless hits or hope to become better acquainted with an older sound, classic country will never die. Brought to you by Val Turgeon.
First Concerts
Let’s forget about my early childhood obsession with Nick Carter and Britney Spears (but I was a kid of the 90’s, can you blame me?). My parents weren’t country fans but my dad had the biggest crush on Shania Twain. It all started when he saw her sing with Elton John on her CBS special in 1999. My dad recorded the special and played their duet of “Still The One” and “Something About The Way You Look Tonight” over, and over, and over, and OVER again.
Finally my dad and I went to see Shania Twain at her “Up! Tour” in 2004 at the Xcel Energy Center. It was my first country concert at 12-years old (my first concert ever was Backstreet Boys—Nick Carter waved at me so I have no regrets). Thankfully after seeing Shania, I then forgot about the 90’s pop bands and turned my radio to the country stations. So thank you to my dad and Shania Twain. Who knows what my life would be like if it weren’t for that single concert.
This post was inspired by the t-shirt I recently found during some spring cleaning. It’s the shirt I got at that Shania Twain show in 2004. I didn’t wear it much because I thought it was too special. It’s actually starting to yellow a bit.
What was your first concert? Do you still have an old tour t-shirt complete with holes and stains? Those are the best. Let us know in the comments below, or on Facebook and Twitter!
And because it exists, here’s Shania Twain performing WITH the Backstreet Boys. 90’s girls, brace yourselves. Dreams really do come true. (OMG Nick Carter at 2:31.)
Be sure to check out last weeks Classic Country Spotlight by clicking HERE.