The Shocking Backstage Moment With Craig Morgan At TOC 2009

In the 25 years that we've held the Taste of Country in Buffalo, we've had some incredible moments on stage. In 2009, one of the wildest moments I can remember, no one else saw. It happened backstage with Craig Morgan, and it's a memory that I will never forget.

The Lineup For The Taste of Country 2009

In 2009, the lineup was set up for shenanigans. As always, we had some of the biggest stars of their time. Some were bona fide stars, and others were just starting their way in country music, but every name was well-known. Here was the lineup that year:

Blake Shelton

Craig Morgan

Randy Owen

Julianne Hough

We were so excited to have Randy Owen, the voice of the legendary group Alabama as he started his own solo career, and we got our money's worth with him. Not only did he do some of his own original music, but he gave us a lot of Alabama music. It was amazing.

Julianne Hough was still riding her fame from "Dancing With The Stars" as she began her own solo career, too. What a way to start the show!

Of course, Blake Shelton and Craig Morgan in the same place at the same time is always trouble. Not to mention it was right around Blake's birthday, so they were celebrating that too.

But it was Craig Morgan who earned his way into the memory bank that day.

Craig Morgan Got Physical With One Of His Bandmates

For those who don't know, Craig Morgan is a certified badass. Before becoming a singer, he also worked in law enforcement and was an Army Ranger. He's done some of the craziest things you can imagine.

We used to broadcast live well after the show had begun. So even though I was still working the night shift, I was still on the air while the first acts hit the stage. While I was waiting for my next break, I suddenly heard something on Craig Morgan's bus. It was right next to the area where we were broadcasting. I heard some yelling and commotion and saw the bus shaking.

I immediately thought someone had found their way backstage and wandered up onto Craig's bus. What should I do? Should I go help him? Was someone assaulting our artist?!

That's when I saw Craig and one of his bandmates come tumbling out of the bus together. They were essentially sparring with each other. It wasn't fighting. No one was in danger, and the last thing Craig Morgan needed was help. It wasn't long before he had taken his bandmate's back and had him in a rear-naked choke.

While I was in complete shock and confused about how serious it was, I also realized in that moment that Craig Morgan was not to be messed with! It was pretty impressive. (And no...there wasn't anything serious about it. They were both just having fun.)

He went on to put on an awesome show that night and even came out afterward to hang out with us after the show. It's a memory that I'll never forget!

Tickets are on sale for this year's Towne Auto Taste Of Country

A lot has changed over 25 years, but what hasn't is that we are still doing this show, year after year, for you. Every year, we look forward to a chance to get together with you and enjoy some great music. If you'd like to join us this year and make some new memories with us, get your tickets now.