ORANGE PARK – County music legend Clint Black visited the Thrasher Horne last week, and to say the show was highly anticipated was an understatement.
Parking was completely packed, and the lobby was standing room only. Even walking up to the theater was exciting. With the number of cowboy hats, you would think you were waiting to see a rodeo. The energy of the crowd was no less excited. Many attendees were talking and laughing with their friends and strangers as we filed into our seats.
Even as the crowd waited for the show to start, we were treated to Black’s music, and as the songs changed to videos showing the fun side of going on tour, whenever the titular artist appeared, the crowd met him with cheers. As the lights dimmed, you could hardly hear the band adjusting their instruments. When Black appeared, the cheers became a roar. The singer launched immediately into “The Shoes You’re Wearing,” and I doubt I would have missed much if the microphone cut out. It seemed like everyone knew the words and was singing along with the band, and many people were already up and dancing. When Black paused between songs, he himself noted the energy saying, “We’re glad to be here. We’re glad that you’re here!”
It seemed like the ever-present tension about COVID-19 lightened for many fans in attendance. Black said he wasn’t quite used to performing yet.
“We’re still not used to the whole being in front of people thing, or having people be together. We haven’t performed for a year. We started working on the tour- learned all the material, and then went home,” he said.
Black’s humor was on full display as he told jokes and stories in between songs. As the show was starting, the singer called out to Jacksonville attendees only to be met with a chorus of cheers and heckling.
“That’s some rivalry! Y’all must not like big city stuff. Guess you’ll like some of my more hardcore country then,” he said.
To introduce his hit song “When My Ship Comes In” Black recounted the origin story.
“I was staying in a cabin with Nathan [Black’s longtime songwriting partner] and we ended up getting snowed in. Now I’m sure you’ve all dealt with a lot of that down here, but the storm snowed in us with nothing to eat. Well, nothing but some steaks and a couple racks of ribs. You can imagine the sort of song that would be born out of those kinds of hardship.”
Black also told a story about meeting Willie Nelson.
“Well, of course I was a little nervous,” he said. “He’s this big star, so I knocked on the trailer door and no one answered. No one was coming in or out, and it looked empty, so I tried the door. It was unlocked and as I went in, there was this gigantic cloud of smoke.”
Black let the laughter die down before continuing, holding back his own laugh. “And here comes Willie through the cloud like some kind of firefighter. He said hello and offered me some toast, and I told him, ‘Willie, I have to be on stage and present an award, I can’t take your toast.’ Now I don’t remember much after that, but I remember that when I got on stage, I was toast. That’s a true story as far as you know!”
Black’s friendship with other country stars is reflected in his setlist, with tributes to Merle Haggard and Nelson, as well as Waylon Jennings. Stories and jokes were just as riveting as the music, and Black’s showmanship was undeniable. The performance of his newest song really brought the house down. “America (I’m Still in Love With You)” received a standing ovation, and set the tone for the encore and the rest of the performance.
It’s no doubt that Clint Black’s fans are proud to be country music fans and thrilled that live music has made a return to the country.