Country star Keith Urban stunned fans with a last-minute, free concert at a Buc-ee’s in north Alabama on Friday night. With just a few hours’ notice, hundreds of fans flocked to the parking lot of the popular convenience store and gas station in Athens, about 100 miles south of Nashville.
Urban, known for his spontaneous spirit, explained his inspiration for the unique venue choice. “I visited this Buc-ee’s about a month ago and thought, ‘It’d be kind of fun to do a show here,’” he told the crowd. His idea, sparked by what he called his “cave man brain,” was to set up a small stage for an intimate audience.
However, the turnout far exceeded his expectations. “I thought maybe 100, 200 people,” Urban said, as footage showed a much larger crowd that had gathered well before the concert began.
Local resident Cindy Wilson was one of the many fans who made it to the surprise event. “I was at work when I heard on the radio about a surprise concert at Buc-ee’s in Athens,” she shared. “I couldn’t believe it—it was on my way home and just 15 minutes from my house!”
Adding to the fun, Urban even donned a Buc-ee’s T-shirt and apron, working behind the food counter where he was seen pouring barbecue sauce and chopping brisket. The impromptu performance and Urban’s down-to-earth interactions made for a memorable night in Athens.
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