Dennis 'Grave Digger' Anderson brings 2X Monster Trucks Live Tour to Baldwin County Fairgrounds in Robertsdale

BY TREVOR RITCHIE
Reporter
trevor@gulfcoastmedia.com
Posted 5/7/24

The now 63-year-old monster truck icon Dennis Anderson started his legendary journey with just a can of spray paint and a beat up 1951 Ford Truck.

Now, the creator of the world-famous "Grave …

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Dennis 'Grave Digger' Anderson brings 2X Monster Trucks Live Tour to Baldwin County Fairgrounds in Robertsdale

Posted

The now 63-year-old monster truck icon Dennis Anderson started his legendary journey with just a can of spray paint and a beat up 1951 Ford Truck.

Now, the creator of the world-famous "Grave Digger," inside his new "Extreme King Sling Monster," created 13 years ago but modified within the past two years to provide ridealongs for fans across the country, is the main attraction of the 2X Monster Trucks Live Tour that made its stop at the Baldwin County Fairgrounds Arena in Robertsdale on Saturday, May 4, for a pair of unmatched, dirt-slinging shows.

More than four decades ago, long before superstardom, Anderson was simply a member of the Future Farmers of America (FFA) sewing feed bags of corn for his friend's father. Early one morning, the boss walked in with what Anderson called a "snippy attitude and a few choice words" in reference to his ongoing junk truck project. Next thing he knew, the idea behind his budding alter-ego was put on display for the first time.

"I'll take this junk and dig you a grave," Anderson replied, as he took a can of spray paint and spelled out "Grave Digger" along the side of his vehicle.

Just like that, the greatest star this industry has seen was born. Beyond his own comprehension, the Norfolk, Virginia, native soon had dedicated his life to becoming a pioneer of the monster truck business, bringing his entire family along for the ride as he built an empire on unmatched, unique designs and a freestyle competition prowess that despite countless attempts has never been replicated.

"It just happened at the right time," Anderson told Gulf Coast Media. "I was an all-American guy living a dream, and it just happened. It was never a goal of mine in life. I'm just thankful my family, my kids, followed in my footsteps. My oldest son has been driving 'Grave Digger' trucks for 19 years now and on down the list. I've got kids from 39 years old to 22 years old, and all of them drive. My grandchildren are going to drive monster trucks, too."

To the delight of fans in attendance last week, Anderson took the time to pose for every photo, sign every autograph and even let a few lucky spectators sit shotgun on an unforgettable "King Sling" experience. When Gulf Coast media asked why Anderson still makes it a point to schedule fan appreciation events week-in and week-out, the monster truck G.O.A.T. (greatest of all time) reflected on how he managed to stay afloat all these years.

"Honestly, it's because I didn't have millions of dollars to work with," he said. "These fans paid for everything that I've ever done. When they were buying t-shirts, hats and all the 'Grave Digger' toy trucks, all that money went back to the team. We've never had corporate money, corporate sponsors take care of us. I just want to show the fans appreciation. I still want to be relevant to the fans for my whole family."