Tracy Byrd Keeps Country Tradition Alive at Country Thunder Florida 2023

By Dave Parsons

On Sunday, October 22, 2023, country music fans gathered at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, Florida, for the final day of Country Thunder Florida. While the festival had already seen some of the biggest names in the genre take the stage over the weekend, Tracy Byrd brought a much-needed dose of traditional country to the closing lineup.

With a career spanning over three decades, Byrd has maintained a reputation as one of the most reliable torchbearers of 1990s country, delivering honky-tonk anthems, heartfelt ballads, and good-time party songs with equal charisma. His Sunday evening set was no exception, serving as a highlight for fans who longed for pure, unfiltered country music.

Byrd, clad in his signature cowboy hat, took the stage with his band and wasted no time getting the crowd going. The opening number, Don’t Love Make a Diamond Shine, set the tone for what would be a set of timeless hits, transporting longtime fans back to the golden era of ‘90s country.

Byrd launched into I’m From the Country, an anthem for small-town pride that had the crowd singing along with every word. It was clear that Byrd’s music still resonated deeply with fans who cherish the traditional country sound.  Byrd followed up with a classic cover, Don’t Take Her She’s All I Got, a song originally made famous by Johnny Paycheck.

As the set continued, Byrd brought his hits including Holdin’ Heaven, The First Step, and the iconic Ten Rounds with Jose Cuervo.  The party vibe continued with the Jimmy Buffett classic, Margaritaville, and the surprise highlight of the set was Byrd’s rendition of Pancho & Lefty, the classic tale made famous by Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard.

As the set neared its end, Byrd delivered his most beloved songs, Lifestyles of the Not So Rich and Famous, The Keeper of the Stars, and to close out the night, Byrd brought the energy back up with Drinkin’ Bone, and the ultimate party anthem, Watermelon Crawl.

Tracy Byrd’s performance at Country Thunder Florida 2023 was a testament to his staying power in country music. From honky-tonk anthems, heartfelt ballads and classic covers, Byrd delivered a well-rounded set that showcased his talents as both a vocalist and entertainer. His performance was a reminder that true country music—music that tells a story, makes you feel, and gets you moving—never goes out of style.

Tracy Byrd Setlist

  1.)     Don’t Love Make a Diamond Shine

  2.)     I’m From the Country

  3.)     Don’t Take Her She’s All I Got

  4.)     Holdin’ Heaven

  5.)     Someone to Give My Love To

  6.)     I Wanna Feel That Way Again

  7.)     The First Step

  8.)     Love Lessons

  9.)     Big Love

10.)     Back to Texas

11.)      Walking to Jerusalem

12.)     Ten Rounds with Jose Cuervo

13.)     Margaritaville

14.)     Heaven in My Woman’s Eyes

15.)     Pancho & Lefty

16.)     Just Let Me Be in Love

17.)     Highway 40 Blues

18.)     Once You’ve Had the Best

19.)     Lovebug

20.)     Lifestyles of the Not So Rich and Famous

21.)     The Keeper of the Stars

22.)     Drinkin’ Bone

23.)     Watermelon Crawl