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She started the day off early in Indianapolis. Before she could go on stage and do what she does best she was busy being a co-host. That’s right Gretchen Wilson was the celebrity co-host on the Wank & O’Brien Morning Show on 97.1 HANK FM. Indiana’s First Lady, Cheri Daniels, was also in studio more than likely to meet Gretchen. Mrs. Daniels hasn’t been shy to admit she likes country music especially  Keith Urban.

Gretchen arrived back at 8 Seconds Saloon to get things ready for her show. At 11:30 a.m. Gretchen had already cracked open a few beers. This was only twelve hours from when she was about to take the stage and leave the audience with something to remember.

A big burgundy banner with an American Eagle logo holding a bright blue ribbon graced the stage with the words, “I Got Your Country Right Here.” When the lights hit those words Gretchen appeared out of the shadows. She didn’t have to sing a word and the sold out crowd went wild. Gretchen sang her country hits but not before she belted out Led Zeppelins “Rock & Roll” and Foreigner’s song “Hot Blooded.” After Foreigner’s cover she told the crowd, “I know that was made for a man to sing but when a woman sings it, it makes the song kind of fun.”

Before the night was over everyone was expecting to hear her first single, “Redneck Woman.” Her band played with the great talent they have and even teased her on stage a bit. The lead guitars wouldn’t let her sing before they had some fun playing a few solos over and over again. She brought the crowd on their feet asking, “Are you feeling rowdy? Are you feeling crazy? Are you feeling Jacked Up?” Gretchen drank some Jack Daniels straight out of the bottle onstage just in time to bring out a surprise.

Cherie Oakley, formally Carrie Underwood’s back up singer, recently married Carrie’s former guitar player, Mark Oakley. Gretchen introduced her but not before she had something to say about Nashville’s way of handling country music. “In Nashville they don’t have to fit in that little box they think they got to be in.” She continued saying, “I stole Carrie’s backup vocalist and her guitar player too. “ Cherie was introduced and sang one of her own songs. Gretchen came back out on stage applauding Cherie, “She sang higher than Carrie could sing. Eat your heart out Carrie.” Though there might have been some bashing she made the crowd forget about that moment after doing an encore singing, “Redneck Woman.”

Gretchen signed autographs after the show and actually had a moment with her fans. She proceeded to the bar afterwards where the Jack Daniel’s was stocked up. After enjoying the night and hanging with her band members it seems she had a very successful long day. The sold out concert was well worth attending for those rowdy country music fans.

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