HUNTINGTON — Tri-State music fans got a taste of outlaw country Saturday night as the Last of the Breed tour brought legendary performers Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard and Ray Price to the Big Sandy Superstore Arena.
Nelson, 74, is a constant road performer and tours most of the year. He last played West Virginia at a 2004 Labor Day campaign rally in Charleston hosted by the Rev. Jesse Jackson. His last appearance in Huntington was in September of 2003.
Haggard, 70, whose hits include “Mama Tried” and “The Bottle Let me Down,” has enjoyed a career nearly as long as Nelson’s.
Haggard led his band the Strangers through many of his signature songs, before being joined onstage by Nelson at the end of his set during “Okie From Muskogee.”
“How y’all doin’?” Nelson asked the crowd of about 5,000, who responded with thunderous applause. The two proceeded to perform a series of songs together, including “Pancho and Lefty.”
The two were joined by veteran country musician Price. Known as the Cherokee Cowboy, Price, 81, recorded with Haggard and Nelson on his latest work “Last of the Breed.” The trio have been touring to promote the album since it was released in March.