Review: Brooks & Dunn finale a lively, spectacular show

Seeing Brooks & Dunn's final concert in the Pittsburgh area was about the only thing that would make Friday night's horrendous traffic backups at the First Niagara Pavilion worth it. The "Last Rodeo" concert was lively and spectacular, as Brooks & Dunn's concerts always are, and yet it was also emotional, because audience members and the duo knew it was goodbye.

Kix Brooks, ever the comedian, and Ronnie Dunn, with his rich voice, told the story of their 20-year career in both words and video images throughout the concert, in between singing their best hit songs. They reminisced about their yearly trips to the Burgettstown pavilion.

"I want to thank you for paying our rent for the last 20 years, by the way," Brooks told the audience.

Some of the most memorable songs included "Only in America," during which members of the Armed Forces came onstage and the audience was sprayed with red, white and blue ribbons. Brooks & Dunn saved what is likely their most famous song, "Boot Scootin' Boogie," for last, ending the evening with a fun dance.

I got choked up after the final song, and hoped -- like everyone else in the audience -- that maybe Brooks & Dunn will change their minds and return for a comeback.