MADISON — Country music legend Marty Stuart brought thunder and lightening to the West Virginia Coal Festival just before a severe storm ended the show just before 11 p.m., Thursday night.

Stuart performed his Grammy award winning song he did with Travis Tritt “The Whiskey Ain’t Working Anymore” and his other hit songs just before a heavy rain stopped the performance.

“He was great,” said one fan after the show. “Too bad the rains came, ‘cause I would have liked to see and heard more.”

Stuart played traditional country and southern rock that he is known for and the type of classic country that is still very popular in Boone County, West Virginia.

Stuart, a legendary guitar player as well, started his career playing guitar for Johnny Cash’s band.

“He has always been one of my favorites in country music,” another fan said. “He puts on a fun live show too.”

Approximately 5,000-plus people showed up, despite the severe weather alerts and reports of a tornado in the Lick Creek area.

The festival continues today with the Avalon’s Oldies Group taking the main stage at 9:30 p.m. and a fireworks display scheduled for 11 p.m., festival officials said.

On Saturday, the carnival opens at noon, the festival’s Grand Parade takes place at 2 p.m., local entertainment on the main stage at 7 p.m. and the finale concert with the legendary group “Exile” scheduled for 9:30 p.m. on the main stage off Main Street in downtown Madison.