Introduction
“Bobbie Sue” Brings Down the House: The Oak Ridge Boys Live in Lynchburg, VA – September 2025
Lynchburg, Virginia, witnessed a night of country music history in September 2025 when The Oak Ridge Boys took the stage, proving once again why their harmonies have stood the test of time. For fans who have followed the legendary quartet across decades, the concert was more than just a performance—it was a homecoming of sound, memory, and celebration.
The anticipation was palpable long before the first chord rang out. As the band stepped onto the stage, the crowd erupted in cheers, eager to see William Lee Golden, Duane Allen, Richard Sterban, and the memory of Joe Bonsall carried on through their music. Their presence alone carried weight, a reminder of how deeply The Oak Ridge Boys are woven into the fabric of American music.
But when the unmistakable opening of “Bobbie Sue” began, the energy reached its peak. Released in 1982, the song became one of the group’s signature hits, showcasing their unique blend of gospel roots and country flair with a dash of rock-and-roll rhythm. More than four decades later, it still has the power to send fans dancing in the aisles, singing every word as if it were brand new.
Duane Allen’s commanding lead carried the verses with ease, while Richard Sterban’s iconic bass lines rumbled through the theatre, drawing cheers every time he dipped into those impossibly low notes. William Lee Golden, with his flowing beard and cowboy presence, delivered harmonies that wrapped around the melody like old friends. Together, they reminded the audience that while time may pass, some sounds remain eternal.
The Lynchburg crowd responded with wild enthusiasm—clapping, stomping, and singing along. Generations of fans stood shoulder to shoulder: grandparents who remembered spinning “Bobbie Sue” on vinyl in the early ’80s, parents who grew up with the group’s songs on the radio, and young listeners discovering the joy of harmony-driven country music for the first time. The moment highlighted what has always made The Oak Ridge Boys special: their ability to unite audiences across ages and backgrounds.
Beyond “Bobbie Sue,” the concert was a carefully curated journey through their catalog. Classics like “Elvira” and “Thank God for Kids” carried the crowd from laughter to tears, while gospel roots shone through in heartfelt renditions of spiritual favorites. Each song was delivered with gratitude, as the group acknowledged their loyal fans and the city of Lynchburg for keeping the music alive.
Yet it was “Bobbie Sue” that lingered in the air even after the final notes faded. Perhaps it was the joy in its playful lyrics, the catchy rhythm, or simply the nostalgia it evoked—but in that moment, it felt like more than a performance. It was a reminder of the simple pleasures of life, love, and music shared in community.
As fans left the theatre that night, still humming the chorus, there was a collective sense that they had witnessed something rare: a band that continues to honor its past while singing into the future. And in Lynchburg, Virginia, September 2025, The Oak Ridge Boys and “Bobbie Sue” made sure that the music still mattered—loud, joyful, and unforgettable.