Oliver Anthony, the breakout star behind the viral hit “Rich Men North of Richmond,” is kicking off 2025 with a surprise performance that has left fans talking. In an unexpected move, the country singer took to the depths of a coal mine in Laeger, West Virginia, to perform for a group of underground coal miners.
Sharing the experience on YouTube, Anthony explained that he and his band wanted to “pay our respects to a great crew of underground coal miners.” The intimate performance, recorded in the mines, may be featured in a future release, adding a unique chapter to his rapidly rising career.
Joining Anthony in the mine was renowned fiddle player Billy Contreras, whose impressive resume includes collaborations with legends such as Béla Fleck and Crystal Gayle. Together, they delivered a live rendition of Blake Shelton’s 2001 hit “Ol’ Red,” a story song about love, murder, and a daring prison escape.
Anthony, known primarily for his original music, typically covers older classic country songs, such as his well-loved version of John Denver’s “Country Roads.” Given his outspoken criticism of the modern country music scene, his choice to cover Shelton—one of the genre’s most prominent mainstream stars—caught many by surprise.
However, the coal mine performance was a fitting tribute to Anthony’s roots and his connection to the working class, making it a memorable start to the new year. Fans will be eagerly awaiting whether the raw, emotional concert finds its way into a future release.
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