Many fans believe the days of classic country music are behind us. Their favorite artists rose to fame in the ’70s and have seemingly faded from the public eye. For those fans, paying money to go to concerts just isn’t worth it anymore. However, they might be surprised to learn that plenty of classic country artists are still playing live all over the United States. They’re just not drawing huge crowds or spending tens of thousands of dollars on advertising.
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Today, we’re going to look at four classic country aritsts you can still see live. Some have limited shows while others are still putting on large-scale national and international tours. Iu short, it’s still possible to get your classic country fix.
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1. Willie Nelson
Willie Nelson is an obvious addition to this list. He got his start in the ’50s, rose to fame in the ’70s, and is still making music today. So, the Red-Headed Stranger is both a legend and one of many classic country artists who you can still see live in concert. His annual Outlaw Music Festival tour travels the nation, his Fourth of July Picnic is a huge event every year, and he’s one of the founders of Farm Aid. There is really no shortage of chances to catch Nelson in concert.
2. Tony Booth
Tony Booth got his start in country music with his 1970 debut single “Irma Jackson.” A torchbearer of the Bakersfield Sound, Booth went on to release classic country hits like “The Key’s in the Mailbox,” “Lonesome 7-7203,” and “Cinderella.”
Booth is still making music today. He dropped his most recent album, Something ‘bout You Baby I Like, in 2020. Additionally, he regularly performs in Texas and throughout the Midwest. His Facebook page lists several upcoming tour dates, including a cruise featuring plenty of live classic country.
3. Gene Watson
Gene Watson has been making great country music since the ’60s, releasing his debut self-titled album in 1969. He rose to prominence in the mid-’70s with tracks like “Love in the Hot Afternoon” and his signature tune “Farewell Party.”
Watson is still going strong. He released his most recent album, Outside the Box, in 2022. He also continues to play live around the country. His website shows a packed touring schedule for 2025 that includes multiple stops at the Grand Ole Opry.
4. Moe Bandy
Moe Bandy made a name for himself in the ’70s with songs like “I’m Sorry for You, My Friend,” “Hank Williams, You Wrote My Life,” and many more. While he isn’t topping the country charts today like he did with “I Cheated Me Right Out of You,” he retains a passionate fanbase. He’s also one of many artists who still play classic country music live in concert all across the nation.
If you’d like to see Bandy live, you’re in luck. His website lists several tour dates later this year including several stops in Kansas and Texas. He’ll also be performing at the Grand Ole Opry in August.
Featured Image by Jason Davis/Getty Images
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