A night to remember: Toby Keith’s emotional tribute concert

An unexpected appearance

In a night filled with heartfelt performances and emotional tributes, the most surprising moment at the “Toby Keith: American Icon” tribute show was an unexpected appearance by Keith himself. Held at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, the event featured a video of Keith during what was described as his final recording session. This poignant moment was a fitting tribute to a country music legend who left an indelible mark on the genre.

A touching farewell

Near the end of the all-star concert, Keith was seen in a recording studio singing a cover of “Ships That Don’t Come In”, a song originally recorded by Joe Diffie in 1992. Diffie, who passed away in 2020 due to complications from COVID-19, was honored through Keith’s rendition. The house band provided live musical accompaniment as Keith, wearing studio headphones, delivered the bittersweet chorus:

“So here’s to all the soldiers / Who have ever died in vain / The insane locked up in themselves / And the homeless down on Main / To those who stand on empty shores / And spit against the wind / And those who wait forever / For ships that don’t come in.”

This footage will be part of a special set to air on NBC on August 28. Fans can watch a fan-captured video of the moment online.

A blend of voices

A version of the song with blended lead vocals had previously been released on Hardy’s tribute to Diffie, “Hixtape: Vol 3: Difftape”, which came out in March, weeks after Keith’s death. This version featured Keith’s lead vocals mixed with Diffie’s original singing and a new part recorded by Luke Combs. However, the unveiling of the footage at the tribute concert marked the first time fans had heard or seen Keith’s unadorned vocals from his final session.

A family affair

Many of the night’s performers gathered on stage for the final stretch of the show, looking on as the footage of Keith in his last months played. This led into another emotional segment: a performance of “Don’t Let the Old Man In” by Keith’s daughter, Krystal Keith. The taping wrapped up with covers of the late singer’s two most patriotic signature songs, “American Soldier”, sung by Trace Adkins, and “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue”, with Parker McCollum leading the full cast in song.

Lighter moments

Despite the emotional weight of the evening, there were lighter moments as well. Famed horsewoman Lainey Wilson brought down the house as she emerged on horseback to sing “Beer for My Horses”, with Jamey Johnson joining her for the duet made famous by Keith and Willie Nelson.

Star-studded lineup

The tribute show featured a star-studded lineup, including appearances by Jelly Roll, Carrie Underwood, Eric Church, Luke Bryan, Ashley McBryde, Jordan Davis, Darius Rucker, and Hardy. The full setlist for the night included:

“A Little Less Talk and a Lot More Action” — Carrie Underwood
“As Good As I Once Was” — Eric Church
“How Do You Like Me Now?!” — Brantley Gilbert, Hardy
“God Love Her” — Darius Rucker
“Who’s Your Daddy?” — Riley Green, Ella Langley
“Wish I Didn’t Know Now” — Ashley McBryde
“Beer for My Horses” — Lainey Wilson and Jamey Johnson
“Should’ve Been a Cowboy” — Luke Bryan
“My List” — Jelly Roll
“I Love This Bar” — Jordan Davis, Clay Walker
“Red Solo Cup” — Tyler Hubbard, Jordan Davis, Hardy, and Jelly Roll
“Ships That Don’t Come In” — Toby Keith (video)
“Don’t Let the Old Man In” — Krystal Keith
“American Soldier” — Trace Adkins
“Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American)” — Parker McCollum and cast

A lasting legacy

Keith gave his final performance wrapping up a three-night stand at Dolby Live at Park MGM in Las Vegas on December 14, 2023. He passed away on February 5 of this year following a battle with gastric cancer. In March, it was revealed that he had been elected into the Country Music Hall of Fame, in voting that took place before his death.

The tribute concert was a fitting celebration of Keith’s life and career, filled with moments of joy, sorrow, and reflection. For fans of country music, it was a night to remember and a testament to the enduring legacy of Toby Keith.

For more information and to watch the trailer, visit Toby Keith: American Icon.