The rope should be retired. Ceremoniously. With full honors. Packed off to the Hemp Hall of Fame. Gone, but not fogotten, especially by the frontliners, whose bodies bear the imprints of its twisted strands. The rope was all that separated the crowd from the stage and it soldiered on bravely throughout the show, surviving even the final"Achy Breaky Heart" frenzy.

At country music venues like the Grizzly Rose, with general admission policies, spectators may be offered a choice of viewing locations. At the Rose, one can chose seating on the perimeter of the dancefloor or near the bar, or one can chose to stand on the dancefloor within breathing distance of the performers.

When Billy Ray Cyrus hit the stage Saturday night, the standing area became a no man’s land where jungle rules applied. It was survival of the fittest and no place to be for the old, the tired, the weak of will, or the faint of heart. Though audience members were variously engulfed, jostled, battered and whacked by the errant arm or hand, there was no viciousness in evidence. People were simply carried away by the moment, their unrelenting push towards the stage a reflection of their fervor for and admiration of the man in front of them.

Cyrus appeared on stage in a silk shirt and black leather pants (how does he appear to keep cool under all those lights?). He opened with "Under the Hood," a song from his new CD, Shot Full of Love and the rollicking tune served to crank up an already high-flying crowd. He performed numerous favorites from his debut CD, Some Gave All, including the title cut, "Where’m I Gonna Live?" (during which he asked the crowd, “Has anybody got any good ideas?”) and" Could’ve Been Me."

Taking a trip through numerous musical genres, Cyrus performed covers of such disparate pieces as the Stones’ "Honky Tonk Woman," Lynrd Skynrd’s "They Call Me the Breeze," Jeannie C. Riley’s "Harper Valley PTA," Willie Nelson’s "Good-Hearted Woman" and The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s 1983 tune "Shot Full of Love." For good measure, he mixed in a gospel number and the bluegrass classic (Flatt & Scruggs and others) "Rollin’ in My Sweet Baby’s Arms."

One of Cyrus’ best numbers, written by the performer, is "Trail of Tears." This beautiful, haunting number recalls a sad chapter in Native American history and was one of the most original and well-crafted songs of the mid-'90s. The song won an award for top country single at the 1997 TNN/Music City News Awards show (a fan-voted event). The fact that it was virtually ignored by country radio and the other major awards shows is shameful and a strong indication that it isn’t just “song quality” that counts.

Throughout the evening there was an undercurrent of anticipation. The crowd enjoyed Cyrus’ newer numbers, especially "Busy Man" which finally gave him new life on the charts (it was a top ten hit). But... "Achy Breaky Heart" was the one song that, well, he just HAD to play or the disappointment would have been palpable.

The song was wildly enjoyable when it came out, and it still is today. "Achy Breaky Heart" was the only time in the show when Cyrus seemed to easily slip back into the performer he used to be (or was perceived to be). You know..the hunk who was said to be all style and no substance.

Cyrus has indicated that his latest CD is a new start for him, and he seems to be aware that showing too much of the old Billy Ray could cause negative repercussions. But I’m here to tell you, when Cyrus began unbuttoning his shirt, letting it slip off his shoulders, and then put on some fancy dance moves, the resulting euphoria was electrifying. It was a good piece of showmanship and entertaining to boot. There’s nothing wrong with playing to your audience.

Cyrus has stunning good looks and sometimes it’s hard to get past that. But he has much more to offer. While he may not have the deepest or strongest vocals in country music, his is certainly a pleasant voice. In concert there’s a rawness and power to his singing that isn’t always captured on recordings. He is a gifted songwriter as well as a polished performer.

Country music is well-known for it’s stars’ charitable acts but Cyrus’ heart is bigger than almost anyone’s. He is renowned, rightfully so, for his empathy and compassion. On this night in Denver, Cyrus invited the the local teenage Cohen brothers to present the music they’d composed in the aftermath of the Columbine school shootings. Their rendition of "Columbine, Friend of Mine," was extremely moving and uplifting, unifying concert-goers in remembrance of what had happened in their community.

Cyrus seems to have matured over the last several years and it suits him well. There’s a noticeable peace and wisdom in his eyes. Maybe it’s marriage and children. Maybe it’s looking into the eyes of too many of the sick and the hurt. Maybe it’s the endless battles fought against the doubters and naysayers.

I remember the first time I heard" Busy Man" on the radio. I didn’t recognize the voice but when the DJ announced it was Billy Ray Cyrus, a smile came across my face. I had to admire the man for sticking with it - for persisting in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. Cyrus has paid his dues. Let’s hope the respect and support his fans have shown him will soon extend to others within the country music industry.

Billy Ray Cyrus Photo Album

Mountain West Music 2002