Toby Keith's "Hammer Down Tour" rocks First Niagara

By Hayley Martin

In Pittsburgh, Toby Keith has become synonymous with summer at First Niagara Pavilion.

With the wild party atmosphere, beer flowing and the American Patriot, Toby, himself – it’s hard not to have a good time at his shows. This year’s “Hammer Down” show was no exception Saturday night at First Niagara Pavilion featuring a wide array of recent hits like “God Love Her,” “Whiskey Girl” and “Beer For My Horses,” but also featured many redneck numbers and Drinking Songs like “Red Solo Cup,” “I Love This Bar” and a new crowd favorite bus song – “Get Out of My Car.”

The show also featured his new single, “Drinks After Work” which was recorded while checking out the tornado damage to his hometown – Moore, Okla. There’s no denying the pure energy that emanates from the stage when the set list contains popular party numbers and drinking songs; however, what left a void in this fans heart was the abandonment of some of the early tracks (like “Does That Blue Moon Ever Shine On You,” “My List” or “Dream Walkin”) in favor of just the popular drinking and party tunes year after year.

Though he did make some girls dreams come true on “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” when he threw the microphone into the crowd. The fact is, this year’s set list sounded pretty much the same as last year – maybe with a few tweaks to the order. While I’m not disputing it’s a great night of music, for those who come for the music – it’s a bit lacking in the variety category and unique qualities. For this fan, who’s seen Toby religiously every year he’s toured for as long as I can remember – it might be time for the “Big Dog Daddy” to change things up a little.

Bring a few early numbers to the set or do something different. Perhaps Keith is just a little too comfortable with what he’s been doing year after year with success to rock the boat. Still, for most people the show was fantastic. He hit most of the fan favorites (he has a lot so it’s hard to get them all), but overall it was a fairly typical Toby Keith show.

Finally, in true Toby tradition – the final two numbers included “American Soldier” and “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (the Angry American)” which has been the closing songs pretty much since their release. He also pulled up several veterans from the audience bearing flags, colors and uniforms to give them a few moments of fame on the stage – a much deserved reward for their sacrifice.

Opening for Toby Keith was one of country’s hottest new stars – Kip Moore. Moore is no stranger to sharing the stage with big names after his appearance in Pittsburgh just this September with Eric Church.

This year has been a banner year after landing on the People magazine’s Country’s Hottest Guys list this month and then having “Beer Money” nominated as breakthrough video of the year at the Country music Television Music Awards. Moore’s first rise to the top came with his first hit in 2011 – “Somethin’ ‘Bout a Truck” – which he followed with two more high-charting songs, “Beer Money” in 2012 and “Hey Pretty Girl” in 2013. Moore’s performance at First Niagara was simply flawless – just as he was on stage in September.

With his energy and charisma, it’s hard not to love this country boy. Moore’s entire band was energetic on stage. Jumping on top of speakers and flashing grins. He had the crowd moving and grooving – especially when hits like “Somethin’ ‘Bout a Truck” came on.

The entire amphitheater erupted into a sing-a-long. Kicking off the show was newcomer Drake White, an aspiring singer/songwriter from Nashville, Tenn. White has more traditional country flair with a whole lot of energy (and silly facial expressions).

According to his bio, White is known for ad-libbing throughout a show – something you wouldn’t know sitting in the audience. White’s performance gave me great hope for his music career. I’m a sucker for traditional country and his twist made me want more. It was also quite refreshing to see him out signing autographs the minute he walked off the stage. He headed straight to the tent and started meeting with fans – that’s what this industry is all about.

 If you missed the “Hammer Down” tour this year, odds are Toby and an eclectic crew will be back again next year. You just don’t mess with tradition here in Pittsburgh!