4 Takeaways From Hank Williams Jr.’s ‘Iconic’ Performance in Charlotte

Country music legend Hank Williams Jr. came to Charlotte on Aug. 9, 2024, with Americana outfit Old Crow Medicine Show and up-and-coming country artist Sadie Bass in tow. The artists provided plenty of music to get the crowd moving on a hot and steamy summer night. Here’s a handful of takeaways from the night:

1. Does an icon need to announce that he’s an icon?

Let’s take away all the terrible (racist and homophobic) things that Hank Williams Jr. has said over the years and remove all political leanings for just one moment. The son of legendary country musician Hank Williams is definitely a country music icon in his own right. He’s earned the title of icon. But did he need both a guitar strap and a black and gold hat with the word “ICON” on them? The strap, which also had his name on the back, was warranted. The hat was kinda cheesy.

2. Nobody retires anymore.

At 75 years old, Hank Jr. doesn’t really need to tour any more. He could kick back and leave the touring life behind. Instead, he played roughly 25 songs in a quick set that lasted less than 90 minutes. It was an odd balance of smiling and looking like he was having fun combined with almost choreographed moments that looked like he was just going through the motions to cash a check.

3. Old Crow brought a new energy

It’s been quite a while since I had seen Old Crow Medicine Show live, and the group had a renewed energy that I don’t recall from the last time I saw them. Dancing around the stage, upbeat and raucous songs, doing their best to get the crowd involved – it was far beyond the more subtle performance by artists who focused on instrumentation and presentation of Americana music that I witnessed years ago.

4. Sadie Bass has plenty of potential

With songs about life on a lake and the enjoyment of smoking weed, country artist Sadie Bass fit right into Charlotte’s surrounding lake vibes. She’s been on a few festival lineups and has the stage presence to gain attention and get the crowd interested – a Gretchen Wilson cover helped. I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s an artist that sticks around for a while.

Hank Williams Jr. setlist
Are You Ready for the Country?
O.D.’d in Denver
The Blues Man
Whiskey Bent and Hell Bound
Move It On Over / Mind Your Own Business
The Conversation
Just Call Me Hank
All My Rowdy Friends Are Coming Over Tonight / I Like Girls
On The Hunt / Gimme Three Steps / Waitin’ for the Bus / La Grange
Kaw-Liga
Your Cheatin’ Heart / Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On
Outlaw Women / Dinosaur
There’s a Tear in My Beer
All My Rowdy Friends (Have Settled Down / I Walk the Line
A Country Boy Can Survive
Born to Boogie
Rich White Honky Blues
Family Tradition / Hey Good Lookin’ / If You Don’t Like Hank Williams

Be sure to check out Queen City Nerve’s Soundwave, Charlotte’s most comprehensive live music listing, so you don’t miss out on any shows or concerts coming up. And hell, if you’re looking for something else to do, you can check out our events page as well, which runs the gamut of things to do in Charlotte. You don’t ever have to be bored again. You can check out more of Jeff’s pics and live reviews here.