Five reasons to go and see Kenny Rogers

This article is from 2010.

1 He knows when to hold ‘em, knows when to fold ‘em.
Every country star worth their stetson has had a shot at writing a song about poker, but with ‘The Gambler’, Kenny surpassed all challengers. It might be about gambling, it might be about existential angst. Either way it’s a hell of a tune. It also spawned a series of frankly dreadful American TV movies starring Rogers as a fictional old-west gambler called Brady Hawkes but, hey, nobody’s perfect.

2 He makes Dolly Parton look understated.
There’s no denying that in his day Kenny was a handsome man – he still is if bionic 75-year-old men are your cup of chewing tobacco. A combination of smoke, mirrors, plastic surgery and a hell of a lot of make-up keep the country star looking permanently, er, youthful. If you’re lucky enough to have a front row seat, don’t stare. It’s rude.

3 He’s an optimist
Rogers recently released a box-set of his greatest hits entitled The First 50 Years – the impetus behind this world tour. From ‘Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love to Town’ and ‘Coward of the County’ to ‘Lucille’ and ‘Islands In the Stream’ with Dolly Parton it’s 45 tracks of country gold. A previously unreleased duet with Parton, ‘Tell Me That You Love Me’, is a bit of a corker.

4 He inspired an episode of Seinfeld
Or rather his chain of fast-food chicken chain the Kenny Rogers Roasters inspired an episode of Seinfeld. The chain has dwindled in the US but is big in Asia, where Rogers’ music is hugely popular.

5 To see other men who look like Kenny Rogers
No, really, this is how some people spend their time. Check the wannabes out on www.menwholooklikekennyrogers.com

SECC, Glasgow, Sat 12 Jun