On Monday 13 July 2026, Gene Watson reflected on his and Moe Bandy’s ‘Country Legends’ show in Gene’s hometown of Paris, Texas.
‘Our ‘Country Legends’ show in my hometown of Paris, Texas was a huge success on Saturday night, 11 July 2026.
The audience was captivated with hit after hit by my great friend, Moe Bandy (backed by the Farewell Party Band).
I’m grateful to the fans for the extended applause when we came onstage for my part of the show.
It certainly makes us work all the harder when we get that kind of appreciation.
Speaking of appreciation, I wanted to show my gratitude to 3 of my longtime band members by presenting them with special trophies onstage.
Each of my band members are absolutely the best in the business, and make our show extra special.
We hope you can get to one of our shows to hear for yourself!
Here is what was inscribed on each trophy presented:
‘Staley Rogers, in honor of 30 years as our bass player, and being the pulse of the Farewell Party Band, your dedication and rhythm have been the backbone of our journey.
Thank you for three decades of friendship and support’
On Saturday 11 July 2026 in Paris, Texas Gene Watson showed bass player, Staley Rogers, the words inscribed on the trophy.
‘Staley Rogers, in honor of 30 years as our bass player, and being the pulse of the Farewell Party Band.
Your dedication and rhythm have been the backbone of our journey.
Thank you for three decades of friendship and support’
On Saturday 11 July 2026 in Paris, Texas Gene Watson showed drummer, Todd Hines, the words inscribed on the trophy.
‘Todd Hines, in honor of 21 years of ‘keeping the beat’ as our drummer for the Farewell Party Band.
You are the heartbeat of the band and the best sound engineer ever!
Thank you for providing the perfect beat, the perfect mix, and the best laughs on the road.
You make the music better and the miles shorter’
On Saturday 11 July 2026 in Paris, Texas Gene Watson showed guitarist, vocalist & road manager, Chad Philips, the words inscribed on the trophy.
‘Chad Phillips, tour manager, band leader, guitar and vocals, in recognition of your 13 years of excellence and unwavering dedication to the Farewell Party Band.
Whether leading the way, keeping us on schedule, or providing the perfect harmony and lead, you are the glue that holds it all together.
Thank you for your leadership and for all your hard work on and off the road’
Source
Gene Watson on Facebook
Gene Watson recorded ‘Texas Saturday Night’, which was written by Warren D. Robb and Dave Kirby (Sunday 10 July 1938 – Saturday 17 April 2004), and included the track on ‘Heartaches, Love & Stuff‘ (MCA Records, 1984); the track was subsequently included on ‘Best of Gene Watson‘ (Curb Records, 1996).
Moe Bandy recorded ‘Texas Saturday Night’, which was written by Warren D. Robb and Dave Kirby (Sunday 10 July 1938 – Saturday 17 April 2004), and included the track on ‘Motel Matches’ (Columbia Records, 1984).
