Charlie Daniels Band thrills crowd

FORT HUACHUCA — It’s not likely that one fan will be washing his right hand anytime soon. Not after Charlie Daniels shook it.

“He just strolled off that burgundy bus wearing a Hawaiian shirt, walked right over to me and shook my hand,” Rick Hawkins said, holding it up for

The Charlie Daniels Band performed Wednesday evening on Fort Huachuca, delivering an energized concert that opened with a string of hits, kicking off with, “Drinkin’ My Baby Goodbye” (Sitting on a bar stool, actin’ like a dern fool), then rolling into “The South’s Gonna Do It Again.”

Despite threatening skies earlier in the afternoon, Mother Nature relented, providing a perfect night with the Huachuca Mountains as a backdrop.

“It’s an honor to be with you folks tonight,” Daniels called out to the men and women in uniform who were sitting in a special section close to the stage. He went on to say that wherever the band goes around the world, it’s always an honor to perform for troops.

Known for his patriotism and strong support for the military, Daniels and his band have performed in Iraq, Afghanistan and other venues where military personnel are stationed.

Early in the concert, Daniels sang one of his newer selections, a “bluesy” sounding song that he wrote after visiting Iraq, in honor of the soldiers.

“When I get back from Iraq, I’m going to stop by the local convenience store. I’m gonna’ pick up a six pack and when that’s gone, I’m gonna go back and pick me up some more,” Daniels sang, launching into the song.

Three young privates in uniform, recently out of basic training, all from the South, were enjoying the concert with a group of friends. They had nothing but praise for the longtime entertainer and his band.

“I love Charlie Daniels,” said Pvt. Austin Monroe, who is from Texas. “I’ve listened to Charlie Daniels my whole life. I really liked the Iraq song. I know all his hits, but it’s good to hear some of his newer stuff.”

Pvt. Shawn Chandler of Alabama said, “I’m a lifelong fan. And I want to give a big shout-out to Alabama.”

Pvt. Walt Clark of Jackson, Miss., said, “I think this is great. We just got out of basic training and I want to thank the band for doing this for us. We’d all be dancing if we could, but we’re in uniform, so we have to act proper.”

One of the concert’s highlights came toward the end of the evening, when the lights went out and Daniels played the National Anthem on his fiddle. Members of the crowd were completely silent and on their feet.

“That was just amazing,” said Heather Coffelt, who attended the concert with her 5-year-old son, Laven. “Not one person said a word. It was very moving.”

The night concluded with the song that everyone seems to relate to Charlie Daniels, bringing the crowd to its feet with “When the Devil Went Down to Georgia.”

Daniels, a renowned singer, guitarist and fiddler, now 72, has been performing for 51 years.

“I’ve been performing since 1948,” he said during a pre-concert interview.

The band is on the road touring a big part of the year, doing upwards of 90 concerts. Daniels says performing before military crowds is one of his favorite venues. When he’s not working, he enjoys hunting, horseback riding, fishing and other outdoor activities.

“I don’t have much time for hunting and fishing, but they’re things I really enjoy,” Daniels said.

Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Roberts, the senior noncommissioned officer with the 111th Military Intelligence Brigade, said, “I listened to Charlie Daniels all through high school.” Roberts attended the concert with his wife, Lindy.

“I think it’s great he’s supporting the military and doing this for the soldiers,” he said. “This is exciting for Fort Huachuca, and I think it’s important that we all get out and support him. All of my young soldiers were planning to get to the concert early. MWR is putting them up close to the stage.”

Screwed up.

Al Gore Went Down to Florida(to the tune of "The Devil Went Down to Georgia" by Charlie Daniels)

Al Gore went down to Florida He was lookin' for an election to steal.

He was in a bind Cause he was way behind, And he was willin' to cut a deal.

When he came across a Gov'ner Knawin' on a victory and chewin' hard

Veep Gore jumped up on a hickory stump and said, "Gov, let me tell you what"

"I bet you didn't know it but I'm a contender in Florida too,

and if you care to take a dare, I'll make a bet with you. Now you ran a good campaign down here, but give Al Gore his due.

I'll bet a nation of gold and the white house it holds, that I got more votes than you!"

The gov'ner said, "My names Dubya and it might be a sin....

But I'll take that bet, your gonna regret, cause this Texan always wins"

(Chorus)

Dubya rally up your troops and fight for that vote hard. Cause Al Gores loose in Florida and Bill Daley holds the cards.

If you win you get that shiny nation, made of gold, but if you lose, then Al Gore gets con-trol.

Al Gore opened up his mouth and said "I'll start this show"

And fire burned in the eyes of lawyers, who knew they'd make some dough.

And he pulled his hand across his lips, and he made an evil grin.

Then in walked all the Palm Beach voters, Dubya's chances were lookin' thin.

(Guitar/bass solo)

When Al Gore finished, Dubya said... "Well, your pretty good ol' son

Now plant your but in that chair right there and let me show you how it's done!"

(Chorus II)

Dems in the orange groves, Run George, Run.You can't lose now in the land of the sun.

Your dad's on your side and your brothers' in tow, Gore in the White House, God, Please NO!

(Fast Fiddle/Guitar solo)

Al Gore bowed his head because he knew that he'd been beat.

He conceded that golden nation on the Ground at Dubya's feet.

Dubya said, "Gore, just come on back if ya ever wanna try again,

cause I told you once you tree huggin' dunce, this Texan always wins!"

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