Toby Keith finds refuge on the road with satellite TV, ‘cold one’
“Bob Seger in Oklahoma City, ‘Against the Wind’ tour. Two and a half hours of sing-along and over-the-top rockin’,” Keith recalled when asked to name his favorite concert of all time.
These days Keith does most of his rockin’ from the stage instead of the audience. His “Big Throwdown II” tour in support of his new album, “Honkytonk University,” starts June 10 in Charlotte, N.C.; Lee Ann Womack and Shooter Jennings are opening the shows.
We recently asked Keith questions about life on the road. The outspoken Oklahoman was uncharacteristically taciturn in his e-mailed responses. But then no one ever claimed Keith predictable.
AP: What do you take with you on tour that you can’t do without?
Keith: Satellite TV and a cold one.
AP: Favorite ways to unwind after a show?
Keith: Basketball and golf.
AP: Any favorite DVDs? What are you watching?
Keith: Latest movies. “Sopranos,” “Band of Brothers.”
AP: How often do you get to hang out with other singers and musicians when you’re on the road? I’ve heard you and Sammy Hagar are buddies and have shown up at each others’ concerts. How much of that goes on?
Keith: As much as you want it to. It depends on logistics and whether we’re both in the same town. I can about go see anybody and anybody can about go see me.
AP: What’s the last show by another performer you attended for pleasure?
Keith: Either Hall & Oates or the Eagles.
AP: Is it hard to balance touring with family life? How do you do it?
Keith: It’s not bad. A baseball player does 162 games a year and 81 are on the road. I only do 60 to 75 shows a year.
AP: Do you write many songs on the road?
Keith: Most of them.
AP: What are the best and the worst things about going on tour?
Keith: The travel would be the worst. The best thing would just be the audience.
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On the Net:
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