MOYOCK, NC — An estimated 4,000 people showed up to Eagle Creek Golf Club & Grill in Moyock, NC on Saturday afternoon to watch viral sensation Oliver Anthony perform a free concert.
Anthony stepped into the national spotlight this week after an accident YouTube video of him performing “Rich Men North of Richmond” It has more than 24 million views.
Thousands attend Oliver Anthony’s concert
Since then, the song seemingly aimed at politicians has skyrocketed no. 1 on iTunesAnd no. 41 on SpotifyAs of Saturday afternoon.
He recently played a show in Currituck County at the Morris Farm Market, according to A.JYouTube video by Outer Banks Adventures.
“Oliver Anthony was amazing, the best thing that has ever happened to this county,” said one person who attended the show.
Those attending the parade held banners and wore Oliver Anthony T-shirts as American flags flew in the wind.
The small-town singer stepped into the national spotlight recently after he released his new single, “Rich Men North of Richmond.”
The song seems to target politicians.
“I have to say it’s all about the words and the music. He’s telling the truth,” said Trisha Fish.
Along the way, he turned some music fans into country fans who traveled from Richmond to North Carolina just to see him.
“The timing was right. The originality was right. I thought the lyrics were great,” said Patrick Willard, who traveled from Richmond to North Carolina to see Anthony.
Several families say they are connected to the song as Anthony describes the struggles of a working man.
“It sure can get controversial,” Willard said. “I hate how things are made, especially music these days. Everything becomes political and that’s not a political message.”
Anthony was even joined in the front row by some of his closest friends, who said he scrapped a few million dollar record deals to stay true to his music.
“He’s what he is, he’s a humble guy and it’s not about the money. It’s about getting the message across,” said Rich Young, one of Anthony’s friends.
The live show on Saturday was originally slated for a waterfront venue at the Currituck Trading Post in Maple, but was moved to the golf club to accommodate a larger crowd, according to wobx.
Anthony’s performance ended just before 5:00 p.m.
. “Professional creator. Lifelong thinker. Reader. Beer buff. Troublemaker. Evil problem solver.”