The legendary Charlie Daniels displayed a perfect mixture of his trademark fiddling, guitar playing and singing at the Pueblo Memorial Hall in Pueblo, Colorado. Within minutes the famed Charlie Daniels Band brought the fire that lit up the Steel City that would stay lit throughout the entire show. They played with awe-inspiring energy and precision. They seemed as excited to be performing as the crowd was to be watching them. The band, which Daniels said was the best he's ever had, included his very animated keyboardist Shannon Wickline, whose skills were astonishing; lead guitarist Bruce Brown; guitarist Chris Wormer (who played a double-neck guitar most of the time); an insane drummer Pat McDonald and bassist Charlie Hayward. They all got chances to solo – especially a killer drum solo by Pat McDonald when all the members of the band were highlighted in "Black Ice."
The energy from Charlie and the band was on full blast from start to finish! They attacked each song with a strength and vigor that rivals any band.
The setlist was full of crowd favorites and included
Southern Boy,
Drinkin' My Baby Goodbye,
Tennessee Fiddlin' Man,
Simple Man,
Pledge of Allegiance / In America,
Black Ice,
Long Haired Country Boy,
I Shall Be Released
(Bob Dylan cover),
(What This World Needs Is) A Few More Rednecks,
Folsom Prison Blues
(Johnny Cash cover),
They closed with a flourish, sending the crowd off with thier biggest hit
"The Devil Went Down to Georgia!"
Telling multiple stories and jokes throughout the evening, Daniels engaged the crowd in a way only natural performers can.
He brings passion and ferocious fun to the show. The audience especially appreciated one speech about the United States Armed Forces.
He said, “Only two things protect America: The grace of almighty God and the United States military.” Daniels then dedicated the next song to current and former members of the armed forces. He recited the “Pledge Of Allegiance” right before jumping into the rocking “In America” and it was greeted by a thundering round of applause. He talked about how Bob Dylan was instrumental to his career before doing a Dylan cover. Truth is, every song they played rocked a testament to the showmanship of the band. If you get a chance to see The Charlie Daniels Band perform don't miss it. You won't be dissapointed!