As part of our on-going “Local Superstars” series, NCN recently spent some time with well-known local resident and country music aficionado Jerry Smythe as he reminisced about the history of country music in the city during his 80th birthday celebration.

Jerry let us know that he has been a massive country music fan since he can remember. “When I look back over the many years that I have been a country music fan, I always think about all the great concerts that have come to North City that I have passed out at. I have managed to attend performances by some of the greatest artists of all time even though I don’t remember much about any of them. The little I do remember is so precious to me”

“I can remember my first concert. I can remember getting together with a bunch of the boys to have a few drinks before going to see the great Bobbie-Lou Tramp Stamp at the North City Arena. What a great show! I kind of passed out during the warm up act but I do remember some of the rest of that amazing night. They told me I had a great time and I believe them.”

“Then there was the time I had.few drinks with the boys before going to see The Big Pants Boys, one of the biggest names in country music, at The Hayseed Club in Westbank in 1994. I was throwing up on my friend’s shoes and passing out by the stage before the second song. Such good memories. What a concert.”

”Then there was even the time I went to see the immortal Hank ‘R Chief and the Belt Buckles at the North City Arena in 2010. What a great show! I was having so much fun that I passed out in the parking lot waiting to go in. That’s the kind of concert you kind of remember for a lifetime.”

Jerry truly does have a lifetime of concert stories to tell.

But for now, Jerry says he still enjoys country music and live concerts. Even though he has started having some hearing and mobility issues, he still finds the time to have a few drinks with the boys and falling pass out on his couch while streaming country music concert videos in his basement. Yes, even at 80 years old, the passion is still there.