Ronnie Dunn Recalls Performing Emotional Show Just Days After 9/11
Houston Chronicle/Hearst Newspapers via Getty Images / Contributor
Brooks & Dunn’s Ronnie Dunn Remembers Emotions Surrounding Concert Days After The 9/11 Attacks
Just days after the 9/11 attacks, Brooks & Dunn had a show scheduled in Pennsylvania. Much to the duo’s surprise, the show was not canceled.
“From the outside looking in it felt inappropriate but we were bound by contract to follow through so we roll to Pennsylvania,” the duo’s Ronnie Dunn shared in a social media post on the 22nd anniversary of the attacks.
Ronnie added that their show wasn’t far from the location where United Flight 93 had crashed days prior.
While they knew they had to get onstage and perform, Ronnie says he and Kix Brooks didn’t know how to push through. He recalled feeling “the urgent need to come up with some way to put us on stage and get us all through the show.”
Ronnie & Kix Shared A Special Message With The Crowd Before Opening With “Only In America”
With ten minutes to go until showtime, Ronnie got inspired. He remembered quickly writing a note and sending it to Kix.
Ronnie read the note over the sound system before the duo went onstage. He said:
“It is important for us to let you know that we are uncomfortable walking out and throwing a party on this stage tonight…. I believe that we, as Americans, have an obligation to openly rebuke a belief system where the sole goal is to stifle and break our spirit. They expect us to cower… that is not going to happen… so, in defiance tonight, our voices will not be silenced…. we will be heard and the power of our resolve will be heard, not just here tonight but around the world.”
Ronnie said “it was deafening” as the crowd cheered when he finished reading the note. From there, he and Kix came onstage and opened the concert with their patriotic single, “Only In America.”
Ronnie said people remained standing throughout the show. They waved American flags, cried, and chanted “USA! USA!”
After all this time, Ronnie vividly remembers that concert. He said “It was the most emotional show [he] can remember being a part of.”
Look below to see Ronnie’s post about that emotional show.
