2010   Yep, We're Gonna Miss You When You're Gone

For 20 years, Brooks & Dunn spent most every night beneath the light of a neon moon. But after their two-hour concert in downtown Nashville, but on Sept. 2, 2010, they flipped off the switch and called it a career. Brooks & Dunn play their final concert at Nashville's Bridgestone Arena with proceeds earmarked for the Country Music Hall of Fame and for victims of flooding in Tennessee.

The show openned with a rousing rendition of "Play Something Country" followed by "You Can't Take The Honkeytonky Out Of The Girl."  The Show had its ups and downs, including a strange lull, a few moments of dim blue lights, which was definitely noticeable, and Brooks taking a few moments to address the audience, emphasizing his gratitude to the fans who had traveled long distances, especially the ones who had to change their travel plans after the show had been postponed because of Dunn's prescribed vocal rest. He thanked the crowd "for making this last go-round for us really special," but accentuated the fact that "this is not a funeral, we did show up to party!"

But first he decided to talk a little more, saying that everybody kept asking him what it feels like to play their last show. His reply? That he was tired of being asked what it feels like. Still, he graciously thanked the band and crew and he especially noted the loyal fans that "paid our rent for the last 20 years. God bless each and every one of you."

Later in the show, Dunn teased the audience that the reason for the split is because Brooks got to wear the cowboy hat when the guys were initially teamed up by record executives two decades ago. Dunn said the label laid a bunch of "toys" -- like guitars and boots -- on the table, and "the fact that he got the cowboy hat -- that's what broke us up right there."

That anecdote led into "Cowgirls Don't Cry," a touching song that may prove to be a country classic. The duo had hinted in past interviews that they might have special guests for their final concert, however, they brought out only one during their set -- Reba McEntire, who nailed the last verse of "Cowgirls" before putting her arms around her friends and quickly taking off.

Other than that, the show appeared to be evenly divided by hits delivered by Ronnie Dunn and a wide range of material (not always radio hits) sung by Kix Brooks, including a song titled "One Last Ride," which sounded like a cowboy poem set to music. From there, the rest of the night probably felt familiar to longtime Brooks & Dunn fans who have seen their fair share of shows.

The duo finally brought the night, and 20 years to a close, with several U.S. Marines and patriotic confetti arriving precisely on cue for "Only in America." The enduring "My Maria" came next, followed by about two minutes of shaking hands with nearby fans, an awkward pause in the darkness and finally the essential throwback to "Boot Scootin' Boogie," with several girls pulled onto the stage. The duo let the fans sing the last phrase of the song as they pointed the microphones into the crowd, then announced, "We love you!" And they quickly proved it with a strong take on "Brand New Man."

At the song's conclusion, with the crowd cheering its approval, Brooks dramatically tossed his black cowboy hat into the crowd, but Dunn, even though he finally had his chance, didn't go after it. With that, the stage faded to black, the fans went home and Kix & Ronnie went their separate ways.

And yes guys, we've missed you since your gone.

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