Gary Allan Forges On After Devastating Storm

Gary Allan's performance Wednesday in Davenport, Iowa personified the statement "The show must go on." Gary lost all of his equipment last weekend after a tornado passed through during the Big Valley Jamboree in Alberta, Canada.

Winds clocked at more than 75 miles an hour collapsed the stage at the festival, Canada's biggest annual country music event. It trapped people in the rubble, including Kevin Costner, Billy Currington and members of both their bands. One fan was killed and dozens were injured.

Gary was not at the venue when the storms hit, but his equipment was, including his prized acoustic guitar autographed by George Jones and Waylon Jennings. The Gibson J-200 was an instrument he has played throughout his career. With upcoming shows on the books, Gary put out word that he needed help, and some famous friends came to his rescue. The Quad-City Times reports that LeAnn Rimes sent a semitrailer full of equipment to him, and Rascal Flatts sent a drum kit.

"I feel blessed to be here," Gary told the crowd that gathered for his show at the Mississippi Valley Fair. "I'm glad we didn't cancel anything. We just decided to wing it on other people's s---."