Chesney's fans describe their devotion

You don't sell 41,000 tickets in a matter of hours without a seriously rabid crop of fans. And that's definitely the case for Kenny Chesney, who plays the first of two sold-out-to-the-gills shows at Raleigh's Alltel Pavilion at Walnut Creek tonight.

With tickets a hot commodity, some people have shown their willingness to do anything -- anything -- to get into the show. Like the folks participating in country radio station WQDR's "Koo Koo For Kenny" festivities this week, earning tickets with stunts such as having "I love Kenny" waxed on a hairy chest or eating a banana split (with no hands) off someone else's belly.

So why are folks willing to do this? Chesney's appeal comes down to a combination of showmanship and a just-folks demeanor. Here are some testimonials from fans about when Chesney cemented his status in their eyes:

Ken Vrana, Cary:

About a year and a half ago, I interviewed Kenny in Nashville for a documentary I'm doing on Elvis. Kenny never met Elvis, but he grew up listening to the King, courtesy of his parents' huge record collection. When I asked Kenny where he was when he learned Elvis died, he suddenly dropped his voice. His dad had picked Kenny up from football practice, dirty and sweaty, and they heard on the radio that Elvis had died. Kenny and his father looked at each other in disbelief. Minutes later they pulled up to the house and Kenny saw his mom, standing on the lawn, crying. Because she was such an Elvis fan he assumed she'd heard the news. But that was not the case. Kenny's pet dog had been killed by a car a few hours earlier. "I'll never forget it," Kenny said, tears streaming down his face. "My dog died and Elvis died, both on the same day."

Hanna Comer, Raleigh:

Last year, Kenny did a Tsunami Relief mini-tour, where he announced the concert a few days in advance and tickets were only $12. I was a student at Wake Forest, and the mini-tour came to Ziggy's in Winston-Salem. The concert was amazing -- an intimate setting and lively atmosphere, and a four-hour show! Throughout the show, Kenny would invite people on stage. I was close to the stage and singing along the entire night. While singing a slower ballad toward the end, Kenny made eye contact and made a "come here" motion with his finger. He didn't have to ask twice! The people in front of me moved aside and he pulled me up on stage. He held my hand and I sang the entire song along with him (though for the benefit of the others listening, he kept the microphone). He hugged me and I nearly floated off stage. It was the best Kenny experience of my life!

Betsy Blackley, Franklinton:

In July 2000, my sister and I bought all of us -- our mother and father, her husband and two young sons, Noah and Nathan -- tickets to see Kenny Chesney at the Alabama Theater in Myrtle Beach. This was my nephews' first concert. Before it started, 3-year-old Nathan asked why people were going to the right of the stage and being taken backstage. We said they were probably in Kenny's fan club and getting to meet him. Nathan said, "Well, I want to meet him." Try explaining to a 3-year-old that you can't go backstage. But Nathan and his older brother Noah loved the show and loved Kenny. When we got home, Nathan found his brother's cowboy boots and cowboy hat, both black like Kenny's, and he put them on ... It was so cute!

Larry E. Smith, Cary:

I enjoy the excitement that Kenny Chesney concerts generate. There's always a lot of excitement generated with the opening, and it continues throughout his very energetic show. He seems to be really into performing and sincerely wants to give his fans a great show. Bringing his opening acts back out (Gretchen Wilson, Uncle Kracker) to perform with him during his set pumps up the crowd even more. Seeing this type of energetic show and energetic young crowd really enjoying themselves keeps me feeling younger than my 61 years (at least for a few hours). I'm looking forward to another great one.