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Review and photos by Frances Sealy Hank Williams Jr. hit the stage hard and loud to a crowd that was as rowdy and raucous as he was. Country Bocephus (as his his legendary father Hank Williams called him when he was young) is country music royalty and his show is a reminder of his late father's huge legacy. This is a legacy that Hank Jr. fought for years to overcome and now in his later years he embraced how important his father really was. Hank strutted the stage with as much attitude as any rock star and the fans lovingly devoured what their 'icon' was willing to give up!Williams started his career more than 55 years ago following in his father's footsteps performing in public by the age of nine. At the age of 15, he sang the vocals to the movie, "Your Cheatin' Heart" in 1964. George Hamilton lip-synced while young Hank sang the sound track. By the seventies, Hank shed his father's persona and evolved into the country superstar he is today. This was the last show of the year for Williams and the seasoned performer was ready to (country) rock. He took the stage wearing his iconic baseball cap, sunglasses, and sporting his trademark beard. It was apparent from the first few moments of the show that he owned the stage and nothing was going to change that. He expertly played both electric and acoustic guitar, piano, and fiddle. It was a "Redneck Paradise" for the crowd that stood and danced for the near 90-minute set. Hank's musical influences throughout his career reigned supreme during the set. He played a literal kick-ass version of Jerry Lee Lewis' "Whole Lotta Shakin Goin On" on piano. ZZ Top's "Waitin' On the Bus" was a rocking mantra. His version of "Kaw-Liga" wouldn't be recognized by his dad, but it was a treat just the same. "Long Gone Lonesome Blues" was given a true raw blues treatment that was superb. He rocked out with "Move It on Over" and "Walk This Way." Hank's versatility was well represented throughout the night. There was no politics mentioned during the show. There was some banter, but not a lot. Old Bocephus still loves the roar of the crowd and being in the spotlight. This was a well paced, good time show. The Brodie Steward Band opened the show and they were a great warm up with their Texas country sounds. |
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1. Are You Ready For The Country 2. I'm For Love 3. Move It On Over / Mind Your Own Business 4. The Conversation 5. Just Call Me Hank 6. Keep the Change 7. All My Rowdy Friends 8. On the Hunt / Waiting on the Bus 9. Kaw-Liga (Hank Williams cover) |
10. Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On
(Big Maybelle cover) 11. Outlaw Women 12. Dinosaur/Tear in My Beer/All My Rowdy Friends Have Settled Down/Good Ole Boys/ I Walk the Line/Redneck Paradise (acoustic) 13. Long Gone Lonesome Blues 14. A Country Boy Can Survive 15. Born To Boogie 16. Walk This Way / Cat Scratch Fever 17. Family Tradition |
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 The Brodie Steward Band |
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