Anderson rocks Chadron State
Roaring crowd, kicking bass, and jamming guitars rang out as country recording artist Keith Anderson took the stage Thursday night in the NPAC arena at Chadron State College. Not only did Anderson feature his old hits “Every Time I Hear Your Name” and “Pickin’ Wildflowers,” but he also performed some of his new songs that he has just recently recorded.
In December of 2004, with his debut of “Pickin’ Wildflowers,” the song that launched him to virtual stardom on the country scene, Keith Anderson quickly became a name that everyone knew. Over the next three years, the country artist Toured America, playing shows, and even performing at the CMT Music Awards in 2005. However, from 2008 to the present, Anderson dropped off the country music scene, and due to his large success, it left a lot of people wondering why.
The Eagle interviewed Anderson prior to him taking the stage at last night’s concert.
THE EAGLE: What happened [from 2008 to the present]?
ANDERSON: “We exploded in 2005 and my mom died in 2008. I got off the road to start a family. When my mom died, it made me put a lot into perspective. Like, what did I want to leave behind one day, music, or a family that loves me?
THE EAGLE: Who was the one person who inspired you to do this as a profession?
ANDERSON: “My brother would have to be my biggest inspiration. My brother took the stage in the senior talent show with a rinky dink introduction, but when he sang, everyone shut up. And when he was done, all the girls were screaming. This made me think. I could continue to be a quarterback, and getting hurt to impress girls, or I could just be a singer. Singing is a less painful way to get chicks.”
THE EAGLE: What keeps you going? As in, what makes you want to keep singing and touring?
ANDERSON: “It’s the fans. To hold out the microphone and people know the lyrics to your song, it’s an awesome feeling.There’s a lot that goes into it, good and bad. Not only do we travel somewhere different every night, but sleeping on the bus sucks. You’re always up late, and you can never sleep well seeing as the bus is always rocking back and forth on the road. I’ve always loved music, and who wouldn’t want to do what they loved for a livin’?”
So not only did Keith Anderson rock the stage Thursday night, but he also rocked as a person. I’ve met celebrities before, but sometimes, they know they’re famous, so it makes them stuck up with a pompous attitude. Keith Anderson however, is just a normal guy with everyday problems like you and I, except for the country music stardom. But beneath that, he is just a guy in love with his job and in love with his life. And that’s something that anyone would want to strive to have.