Toby Keith to Perform in Saudi Arabia During Donald Trump’s First Visit
A longstanding supporter of Donald Trump, Toby Keith is heading to Saudi Arabia in support of the president's first trip overseas. On Saturday (May 20), the "Beer for My Horses" singer will perform in the Saudi capital of Riyadh during an event celebrating Trump's first official visit to the country.
According to the Associated Press, Keith's performance in honor of Trump will be during a free event that only men can attend. The country adheres to an ultraconservative interpretation of Islamic law, which bans alcohol and prohibits the integration of men and women in public. Just recently, the country lightened up on their strict entertainment laws, now allowing some musical performances that had perviously been banned for decades.
This is not the first time Keith has stepped out in support for Trump and his presidency. In January, the "Drunk Americans" singer performed at Trump's official inauguration concert, Make America Great Again! Welcome Celebration. His performance sparked backlash, but the singer stated that he would not apologize "for performing for our country or military."
“In the end, it just makes you stronger,” he says of his decision to perform despite criticism. “If you don’t succumb to that kind of pressure, you’ll always come out stronger: Your fans will love you more, your friends will love you more, and at the end of the day, you just get another notch on your gun belt.”
In Saudi Arabia, Keith will appear on the bill alongside an Arabian lute player, during an impressive schedule of events that the country has set up for Trump during his visit. Known for hits like "Get Drunk and Be Somebody" and "Get My Drink On," Keith has also built a strong reputation in the country music world as well as on an international level with feisty patriotic anthems like "Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American)” and “American Soldier."
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