The Queen City got a taste of West Texas with Aaron Watson on Saturday night…
These Old Boots Have Roots was a fitting opener for Aaron Watson as he took the stage at Coyote Joe’s on Saturday night. The upbeat anthem not only makes a promise of being committed in a relationship but also to remember where you come from. Watson has remained true to those words over his 17-year career, forging a path in his own way while bringing numerous fans along for the ride.
Not only did Watson make it a point to continuously highlight the mothers in attendance on Mother’s Day Eve but he also took the time to listen as fans shouted requests, making his best efforts to connect with the crowd and entertain with his music.
At one point Watson even pulled his own phone from his pocket attempting to take a selfie with the audience but eventually passed off the responsibility to his drummer for a better shot. The roughly 90-minute set started off fast but slowed in the middle as Watson shared the story behind July in Cheyenne which concluded with the Lane Frost signature wave.
A bride-to-be celebrating with her friends was invited on stage by Watson and assisted with the band for a brief moment before a unique introduction of each band member and a rollicking finish.
After disclosing there would be no traditional encore, in appreciation for the fans who Watson believes shouldn’t be left to beg for music after having purchased a ticket, the set continued.
As Watson highlighted every member of his band, Orphans of the Brazos, they were each granted a couple of minutes to showcase their own individual talents. From playing the popular Uptown Funk on bass to epic drum and guitar solos, the brief intermission filled with continued music fit nicely into the set.
As the first few notes of Outta Style rang out across the Coyote Joe’s dance floor there was a sense of closure to the evening and everyone in attendance knew this was it. The crowd sang along as the set came full circle before Watson leaped from the stage, shaking hands and passing out guitar picks to fans who were in the first few rows.
It was evident that Watson cares about his fans and their appreciation for his music from the set alone, but an even deeper understanding of this fact became apparent following the show.
After a short break fans lined a few walls of Coyote Joe’s near the merchandise table where Watson would soon reappear. For nearly as long as the Texas native had entertained with his music, Watson stood taking pictures with fans, shaking hands, and extending his own appreciation for them being in attendance.
Watson may not consider himself a star but he is indeed a bright one and someone taking the time to act in such a manor says a lot about their commitment to music, entertainment and understanding that it is the fans who aid in their successes – much like many of the other musicians inside the Red Dirt and Texas Country scene.
FULL SETLIST 05/12/2018
These Old Boots Have Roots
Freight Train
Real Good Time
Raise Your Bottle
That’s Why God Loves Cowboys
Take You Home Tonight
That Look
July in Cheyenne
Wildfire
Getaway Truck
Run Wild Horses
Reckless
Fence Post
Vaquero
Amarillo By Morning
Barbed Wire Halo
Outta Style
Red Dirt NC 