2012 CMT Music Awards Host Toby Keith Takes a Break to Fight Fire With ‘Beers Ago’

Toby Keith may be old enough to be father to many of the nominees at the 2012 CMT Music Awards, but you'd never know it by watching his performance of 'Beers Ago' on Wednesday night. The country legend was at his best from the first note, standing in front of a backing band that was more than ready for his energy.

In fact, the song from 'Clancy's Tavern' was his most energetic moment of the night, but next to Kristen Bell even Richard Simmons would look dull. The singer wore a logo-less black baseball cap and a blue and white plaid cowboy shirt over blue jeans. He held his acoustic guitar close for much of the song, closing his eyes to focus at times.

For the first time of the night, the show formally known as the Flameworthy Video Music Awards featured flames. Fire shot from the back of Keith's set, which also included a beat-up pickup truck and a theatrical video display. The singer has been working hard tonight -- including a performance with Willie Nelson's supergroup -- but still had plenty of energy in reserve to compete with an already long list of impressive performances.

Watch Toby Keith Perform 'Beers Ago' at the 2012 CMT Music Awards