Tim McBride’s Unforgettable Experience with Toby Keith
In 2017, Tim McBride, a Special Olympian who had always lived with his parents, had a life-changing experience with country music star Toby Keith. McBride’s brother, Kelly, had been trying to convince him to move to Florida, and when they discovered that Toby Keith was performing nearby, they saw an opportunity to make it happen.
A Perfect Match
Ever since Toby Keith’s breakout song “Shoulda Been a Cowboy” was released in 1993, Tim McBride had been a devoted fan. Keith’s larger-than-life personality resonated with McBride’s own approach to life. McBride believed that everyone he encountered was excited to see him, and Keith’s swagger and bombast mirrored that belief.
A VIP Meet-and-Greet
Kelly purchased tickets to Toby Keith’s concert and managed to secure a VIP meet-and-greet through a friend of a friend. Toby Keith was known for his generosity towards his fans, often hosting veterans and other working-class heroes as special guests. McBride donned his “Shoulda Been a Cowboy” T-shirt and brought along his tambourine, ready to meet his idol.
A Memorable Encounter
Despite the noticeable height difference between Tim McBride, who stood at just under 5 feet tall, and the 6-foot-tall Toby Keith, McBride approached Keith as if they were old friends. He shook Keith’s hand, posed for a photo, and enthusiastically declared, “Toby Keith rules!” Keith handled the encounter with grace, unaware of McBride’s cognitive impairment.
A Surprise Invitation
Impressed by McBride’s enthusiasm, Toby Keith decided to invite him on stage during the concert. McBride joined Keith for “Red Solo Cup,” although it wasn’t his favorite song. However, a few songs later, when Keith began playing the iconic chords of “Shoulda Been a Cowboy,” he motioned for McBride to join him once again.
A Star is Born
Tim McBride ran onto the center stage with his tambourine, completely at ease in the spotlight. Toby Keith let him stay on stage for the rest of the concert, even allowing him to upstage him at times. McBride flirted with fans, including Keith’s daughter and backup singer, Krystal, and even had a tambourine solo. The crowd loved him, and he felt an overwhelming sense of love and appreciation.
A Life-Changing Experience
That night, as Tim McBride walked back to the car, he was mobbed by fans who wanted to take selfies with him. He felt seen, loved, and valued. The experience had a profound impact on him, and the following year, he made the decision to move to Florida to live with his brother.
A Lasting Tribute
Years later, when Toby Keith passed away, Tim McBride and his brother reminisced about their unforgettable encounter. They watched the video of McBride’s guest appearance and sang along to Toby Keith’s duet with Willie Nelson. McBride even pulled out his tambourine, keeping the memory alive.
Today, Tim McBride lives in an apartment just off his brother’s living room, cherishing the memories of that special night with Toby Keith.