Long Live Country Music — Country Legends Tribute Show

Long Live Country Music is a full-production country tribute show created and hosted by Ron Keel, paying tribute to the biggest stars in country music and the songs audiences know by heart.

Ron Keel (aka Ronnie Lee Keel) made a lot of noise in the entertainment industry as a hard rocker when his ’80s catalog, produced by Gene Simmons of KISS, sold millions, charted in Billboard’s Hot 100, and took Keel around the world. A 1987 run with Bon Jovi included three sold-out nights at Madison Square Garden on the Slippery When Wet Tour, and additional stadium dates with Van Halen and Aerosmith cemented Keel’s status as a world-class entertainer.

So it was a big surprise when the “Ron Keel Goes Country” special on VH1 (1995) became the highest-rated “Where Are They Now” episode in the show’s history. A working-class kid born in Georgia who moved to Nashville at 17, Keel was never far removed from his country roots — his father was hillbilly to the core and sat in with Hank Williams Sr. on acoustic guitar on occasion.

In 2006, Ronnie created, starred in, and co-produced the longest-running country music casino show in Las Vegas history, “Country Superstars Tribute,” headlining the Golden Nugget for two years plus additional long runs at other casino venues. He has combined all that experience to create Long Live Country Music, the ultimate tribute to this beloved American art form.

It is an energetic mix of current and classic country performed by top-shelf singers and seasoned Las Vegas musicians, paying tribute to the biggest stars and their songs — not exactly an impersonator show, but the cast wears a lot of different hats as they match the looks, voices, and personalities of the singers they portray.

The show also features real up-and-coming national country artists showcasing short headline segments of their new original music, sharing fresh talent with new audiences everywhere. In addition to hosting, Keel adds his voice, music, and presence to every concert.

During the performance there is a brief, intimate sit-down acoustic segment where the cast pays tribute to the legends — Cash, Merle, Willie, Toby, and more — each contributing a piece of musical history to the experience. A patriotic spirit weaves through the show as well; during some powerfully emotional American country anthems, audiences may stand up and cheer, shed a tear, and pump their fists. That is part of the deal.

Book Long Live Country Music through Tribute Brands for casinos, theaters, fairs, and festivals.