“Gangster Granny” Makes History, Crowd Surfs During Brantley Gilbert Set
on May 04, 2026
Rock the Country Crowd Witnesses An Unexpected Feat
The annual concert tour, Rock the Country, landed in Bellville, Texas, this weekend to kick off the first weekend of their seven-festival run. The lineup for the two-day festival included Jason Aldean, Ella Langley, Kid Rock, Brantley Gilbert, Diamond Rio, and many more.
Known as “a festival for the people” with deeply patriotic roots, the 2026 events are framed to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States.
Concert attendees gathered for a weekend of live music, but did not know they would also be part of breaking a Guinness World Record.
RELATED: KID ROCK’S ROCK THE COUNTRY RELEASES STATEMENT AFTER CANCELING SHOW IN SOUTH CAROLINA
“Gangster Granny” Breaks A World Record
During Brantley Gilbert’s set on Saturday, May 2nd, he stopped his performance to allow a special guest to accomplish a life goal. 99-year-old Pauline Kana, known online as “Gangster Granny,” joined the singer on stage, accompanied by her grandson, Ross Smith.
Gilbert let the crowd know that, momentarily, the senior would become the oldest woman to ever crowd-surf. Cheers erupted in support of the quest. Granny was sent into the crowd on a cushioned board and passed hand to hand over the heads of the audience members while Gilbert and his band played “Son of the Dirty South.”
She returned to the stage after her adventure, grinning ear to ear. She gave a thumbs up, signaling to the crowd that she was no worse for wear.
Watch Gangster Granny become the oldest woman to crowd surf in the video below!
Who is Gangster Granny?
Pauline Kana is an Ohio native who spent most of her years as an average blue-collar woman, mother, and grandmother. After retiring, she spent much of her time with her grandson Ross, who often shared funny clips of the grandmother/grandson duo on the now-defunct social media app, Vine.
They went viral in 2013 and have been an internet staple ever since. Granny caught viewers’ attention with her spitfire personality and vitality despite her age.
Now, Granny and Ross create comedy videos and share their antics on TikTok and Instagram. They have amassed a following of nearly 30 million on the two platforms combined. She told Press Pass LA:
“It is very surreal, but I feel happy knowing that this time I’ve spent with my grandson creating silly videos has inspired and encouraged people to be kind, to laugh, and to connect with their elders.”
@rosssmith If your deadlift is weak, Granny’s taking your spot—she didn’t come to @Crunch Fitness to wait around #fitness ♬ how GREAT I am by Aj Greene – AJ📺
