Why country music is booming in Britain
TikTok, tattoos and dreams of Texas
“All aboard the freight train,” Rattlesnake Johnny announces from the DJ booth, as he plays Alan Jackson’s “Freight Train”. A large crowd, sporting cowboy hats and boots, obediently falls into a Conga line and belts out “wish I was a freight train, baby”. They are led by “Memo the Hero”, a Turkish man from Newcastle, who waves an American flag as dancers gyrate on tables.
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This article appeared in the Britain section of the print edition under the headline “What ho, y’all”
Britain August 31st 2024
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From the August 31st 2024 edition
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