History of Sorts

On February 10, 1993, the University of Limerick Concert Hall hosted an unforgettable night of music history. Four of country music’s greatest legends—Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, and Kris Kristofferson—took the stage together as The Highwaymen. This concert was a special event for Irish audiences, allowing them to witness the magic of these iconic artists in a uniquely intimate setting. Coming off a successful European tour, this performance left an indelible mark on those lucky enough to be in attendance, blending timeless music, legendary personas, and an intimate venue to create an evening of unforgettable artistry.

A Supergroup of Legends

The Highwaymen had formed in 1985 as a country supergroup, uniting four distinct but complementary artists who each brought decades of experience and stardom to the group. Individually, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Kris Kristofferson had already shaped the genre of country music and established themselves as musical icons. Their collaboration, however, brought an added dimension to their legacies, blending their solo hits with new songs that spoke to their collective experiences as outlaws and rebels in both life and music.

Johnny Cash, known as the “Man in Black,” carried with him an aura of gravitas, drawing from his deep voice and a career defined by songs about redemption, struggle, and humanity. Willie Nelson brought a more laid-back, soulful style, his unique voice and outlaw spirit long cementing him as a legend of country and folk. Waylon Jennings, with his powerful baritone and hard-edged persona, was the epitome of outlaw country, having famously rejected the Nashville sound to craft his own rebellious style. Kris Kristofferson, the poet of the group, contributed his deep, introspective lyrics that had redefined country songwriting. Together, they formed The Highwaymen, a group whose music was both reflective of their individual styles and a celebration of their shared spirit of independence.

The University of Limerick Concert Hall: A Perfect Venue

The decision to perform at the University of Limerick Concert Hall on February 10, 1993, was a significant one. Unlike the larger arenas and stadiums often associated with major concerts, this venue offered a more intimate setting, seating around 1,000 people. For those attending, this meant an opportunity to see four of the biggest stars in music up close, in an environment where every note, lyric, and interaction on stage felt personal. The venue’s excellent acoustics amplified the experience, ensuring that every word sung and every instrument played was crystal clear, enveloping the audience in the sound of legends.

This setting allowed the performers to connect directly with the audience in ways that were less possible in larger, less personal venues. Fans in attendance were treated to more than just music—they experienced the camaraderie and chemistry between the artists on stage. The interactions, the shared jokes, and the visible respect these men had for each other deepened the emotional impact of the evening. The University Concert Hall provided the ideal setting for a performance that was as much about the personalities of the musicians as it was about their iconic songs.

A Setlist for the Ages

The Highwaymen concert at the University of Limerick was structured to balance both group performances and individual sets, giving the audience the best of both worlds. The concert opened with The Highwaymen’s signature song, “Highwayman”, a haunting ballad about reincarnation, featuring each member singing a verse about different lives lived and lost. The song epitomized their individual talents while highlighting their collective magic, setting the tone for the rest of the evening.

Each artist also performed solo hits from their vast catalog, reminding the audience of their unparalleled contributions to music. Johnny Cash delivered powerful renditions of his classics, including “Folsom Prison Blues”, “I Walk the Line”, and the always crowd-pleasing “Ring of Fire.” Waylon Jennings’ deep, resonant voice filled the hall as he performed hits like “Good Hearted Woman” and “Luckenbach, Texas”, reminding the audience of his pivotal role in defining outlaw country. Kris Kristofferson, the philosopher-poet of the group, captivated the crowd with heartfelt performances of “Me and Bobby McGee” and “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down.” His raw, emotional delivery was a reminder of his talent for capturing the human condition in song.

Throughout the night, The Highwaymen came together for additional group performances, blending their distinct voices into beautiful harmonies. The audience was treated to a unique blend of the personal and the collective, as each artist shone individually while also enhancing the performances of the others.

The Spirit of the Evening: Camaraderie and Connection

What made the concert at the University of Limerick so special was not just the music, but the visible camaraderie between Cash, Jennings, and Kristofferson. Each artist had a distinct personality, but on stage, they came together as friends who respected and admired each other. The banter between songs, the shared smiles, and the spontaneous moments of laughter gave the concert a warm, personal feel. It was clear to the audience that these were not just four musicians sharing the stage—they were old friends enjoying the chance to make music together.

For the Irish audience, many of whom had a deep appreciation for American country music, this connection was palpable. The themes explored in the music—freedom, rebellion, hardship, and redemption—resonated deeply with the audience, and the Highwaymen’s rebellious spirits found common ground with Irish cultural values of independence and resilience.

The Highwaymen’s concert at the University of Limerick Concert Hall in 1993 is remembered as a defining moment in the history of country music in Ireland. It provided a rare opportunity for Irish fans to see four of the genre’s greatest legends in an intimate setting, a setting that amplified both the power of the music and the bond between the artists. The performance was more than just a concert—it was a celebration of four remarkable careers and the music they had created, both individually and together.

For those who attended, the memories of that night remain vivid. The Highwaymen brought their music to life in a way that only legends can, leaving an indelible mark on the audience and on the legacy of country music in Ireland. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of their songs and the unique magic that happens when four legends share the stage.

sources

https://digitallibrary.ul.ie/johnny-cash-and-kris-kristofferson-university-concert-hall-1

https://jenikirbyhistory.getarchive.net/media/kris-kristofferson-and-johnny-cash-at-the-university-concert-hall-limerick-dc4b6c

https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/johnny-cash/1993/university-concert-hall-limerick-ireland-1bceb584.html