MOYOCK, N.C. — An estimated 4,000 showed up to the Eagle Creek Golf Club & Grill in Moyock, N.C. Saturday afternoon to see viral sensation Oliver Anthony perform a free concert.
Anthony soared into the national spotlight this week after a YouTube video of him performing "Rich Men North of Richmond" racked up more than 24 million views.
Since then, the song, which appears to take aim at politicians, has climbed to no. 1 on iTunes, and no. 41 on Spotifyas of Saturday afternoon.
He recently played a show in Currituck County at Morris Farm Market, according to aYoutube video by Outer Banks Adventures.
"Oliver Anthony was awesome, he's the best thing that ever happened to this county," said one person attending the show.
Those attending the show held signs and wore Oliver Anthony t-shirts as American flags blew in the wind.
The small town singer climbed into the national spotlight recently after he released his new single "Rich Men North of Richmond."
The song appears to take an aim at politicians.
"I have to say it's all about the words and the music. He speaks the truth," said Trisha Fish.
Along the way, he turned some music fans into country lovers who traveled from Richmond to North Carolina just to see him.
"The timing was right. The authenticity was right. I thought the lyrics were great" said Patrick Willard, who traveled from Richmond to North Carolina to see Anthony.
Many families say they relate to the song as Anthony describes a working man's struggles.
"It definitely can be controversial. I hate how things get made, especially music these days. Everything becomes political and this isn't a political message," said Willard.
Anthony was even joined by some of his closest friends that had a front row seat, who says he brushed off a few-million-dollar record deals just to stay true to his music.
"That's just the way he is, he's a humble guy and it's not about the money. It's about getting the message out," said Rich Young, one of Anthony's friends.
Saturday's live performance was originally slated for the waterfront venue at Currituck Trading Post in Maple, but was moved to the golf club to accommodate a larger crowd, according to WOBX.
Anthony's performance ended a little before 5 p.m. Saturday.
