The Charlie Daniels Band rocked the grandstands of the SEMO District Fair Wednesday night, Sept. 13.

The 79-year-old country legend brought fans from all over the Southeast Missouri region with his fiddle- and guitar-driven brand of Southern rock. He and his band of seasoned Nashville musicians played hits such as “Drinkin’ My Baby Goodbye,” “Legend of Wooley Swamp” and “The Devil Went Down to Georgia.”

Daniels’ high level of experience was evident in his performance. With more than 50 years’ as a touring musician, Daniels and his band know how to captivate audiences. Running onstage to the tune of “Hell Raisin’ Crowd,” the North Carolina native scorched his silver fiddle, swinging the bow and stamping his boots in rhythm.

Walter and Carole Gustafson of Scott City said they’ve seen Daniels in concert more than 30 times. This show was unique though because the couple had the opportunity to meet the artist and his band for the first time.

“He’s just like he is onstage, entertaining and down to earth.” Walter Gustafson also talked about the recent loss of country greats like Don Williams, Glen Campbell and the young Troy Gentry, who died earlier this month in a helicopter crash.

“With our old country folks starting to leave us, I just hope the younger generation preserves the heart of this music,” Gustafson said. “Because once country is gone, it’s gone forever.”

Daniels and his band are certainly doing their part to keep the genre alive with 100 concert dates this year, including a performance at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry.

Jimmy Erlbacher, a lifelong enthusiast of live music, said this was his first time seeing Charlie Daniels Band, but he’s been to hundreds of concerts including George Strait, KISS and many others. Erlbacher said artists like Daniels “keep country cool.”

Travis Reed of Cape Girardeau, like many others, was most excited for Daniel’s smash hit “Long Haired Country Boy.” The song has become an anthem for an entire generation of fans, and Daniel’s live performance did not disappoint.

Daniels recently released a book entitled “Never Look at Empty Seats,” which discusses his opinions on the current state of government, military and foreign policy along with other life lessons.

In the words of the country legend in a public statement, “I love my country, I love my family. I love the way it is now, and anybody that tries to change it has to come through me.”