Who’s cutting onions?
Lately, I have found myself crying more often than not when writing, especially when writing emotional stories involving family. Granted, getting the waterworks flowing from me does not take much, but folks have been sharing stories that tug at your heartstrings.
Randy Houser is the most recent artist to open up on social media, sharing the emotional importance of being able to share the stage with his son at Red Rocks. During night one of his two-night run at the historic outdoor amphitheater, Houser brought out his son, Huckleberry, on stage to sing a little bit of “I Won’t Back Down” by Tom Petty.
Released in 1989 as the lead single from Petty’s killer Full Moon Fever record, “I Won’t Back Down” is a staple in his illustrious catalog. Co-written by Petty and writing partner Jeff Lynne, the song was nearly a top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the rock charts for five weeks. The recording also features Beatles legend George Harrison on acoustic guitar and background vocals.
The video is emotional. Watching alone as Houser is a beaming, proud father and his boy walk onto the stage like he’s had a career in music for 30 years, he’s beyond comfortable on stage and wastes no time addressing the crowd before diving into the song. Huck knocks the lyrical delivery out of the part, and it chokes up viewers, showing how strong Houser’s bond is to his son through music.
As someone who carries the same tie with their father, it is a bond unlike any other.
But for Houser, sharing the stage with his son at Red Rocks carries a much more significant meaning. Aside from being a proud dad, watching his son rock the stage, he also feels like a proud son, making conversations he and his father had come to life.
“Red Rocks was the last day trip my daddy and I took together the day before I took him to the hospital in Denver. I was 21 years old and could only dream of getting to play here someday. He knew I would and told me I would.
He wanted me to see it so badly. He had just seen Pink Floyd there and it was important to share such a beautiful place for musicians and fans alike. I know he was smiling down as I got to share it with his grandson last night.”
What a full-circle moment. Houser dreamed of taking on the stage nestled in the mountains with his father, and while he might not have physically been there, Houser is confident that he was there in spirit.
Knowing the emotional backstory of this moment and its importance makes it even more beautiful.
P.S. Huck is going places and definitely inherited his father’s musical genes.
Randy Houser Tour Dates
Aug. 31 | William A. Floyd Amphitheater | Anderson, SC
Sept. 12 | Mississippi State University | Starkville MI*
Sept. 14 | Festival Park | Nacogdoches, TX
Oct. 20 | Red Rocks Amphitheatre | Morrison, CO*
Oct. 21 | Red Rocks Amphitheatre | Morrison, CO*
Nov. 10 | Seminole Hard Rock Tampa Event Center | Tampa, FL
*HARDY QUIT!! Tour
