While President Donald Trump will be on his first overseas trip to Saudi Arabia, Toby Keith will be coming along to perform a concert on Saturday. Yes, the American country singer will be rocking live in the nation’s capital, Riyadh.
The concert is free, will also feature an Arabian lute player, but it’s exclusive to men. No alcohol and no women will be allowed.
An American singer performing in Saudi Arabia is a big leap for the country. But Saudi Arabia has been opening its doors to entertainment venues in recent years. Only a few years ago the Islamic religious police, known as the Muttawa, would ban music from being played even in restaurants.
But the second man in line to the throne, Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, supports this move.
A major effort is underway to continue expanding entertainment options for Saudi families. Saudi Arabia is also considering opening its doors to a Six Flags theme park.
For now, Saudi men will get to experience American country music, specifically Keith’s “Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue” and “I Love This Bar,” among his beloved hits.
H/T the Cut