Kenny Chesney. Photo: Allister Ann
Eight-time Entertainer of the Year Kenny Chesney will finally return to the road for his Here And Now 2022 Stadium Tour.
After his 2020 tour was forced to pause because of the pandemic, Chesney held out on rescheduling due to concern about who would not be able to attend sold-out stadium shows, last minute changes in protocols and the challenges of mounting stadium-sized concerts week-after-week with shifting local crews.
“When we hit pause on our 2020 tour, I never thought we would go much past the fall, let alone into 2021,” says Chesney. “The idea that it would be three years before I would stand in the end zone of Gillette Stadium, where No Shoes Nation was born, wasn’t something any of us could conceive.
“I still can’t really believe it,” he continues. “But in the middle of all of this, I know it’s true… and I know how much I miss being out there, being in the thick of the most passionate place in the world: No Shoes Nation. Anywhere they plant their flags, bring their passion, their friends and their will to rock, it reminds me that to be in the moment is everything No Shoes Nation is about!”
At long last, the 19-date Here And Now Tour kicks off April 23 in Tampa, Florida at Raymond James Stadium and closes with two shows at at New England’s Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts on Aug. 26 and 27. Chesney will hit Nashville’s Nissan Stadium on May 28.
The lineup will be revealed in the coming months, and all current ticket holders remain in the seats they’ve already purchased for Here And Now 2022.
Blue Chair Bay Rum Presents Here And Now 2022 Fueled by Marathon dates:
April 23 – Raymond James Stadium – Tampa, Fla.
May 7 – Busch Stadium – St. Louis, Mo.
May 14 – American Family Field – Milwaukee, Wis.
May 21 – Mercedes-Benz Stadium – Atlanta, Ga.
May 28 – Nissan Stadium – Nashville, Tenn.
June 4 – AT&T Stadium – Arlington, Texas
June 11 – Heinz Field – Pittsburgh, Pa.
June 18 – Lincoln Financial Field – Philadelphia, Pa.
June 25 – Soldier Field – Chicago, Ill.
July 2 – GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium – Kansas City, Mo.
July 9 – Bobcat Stadium – Bozeman, Mont.
July 16 – Lumen Field – Seattle, Wash.
July 23 – SoFi Stadium – Inglewood, Calif.
July 30 – Empower Field at Mile High – Denver, Colo.
August 6 – U.S. Bank Stadium – Minneapolis, Minn.
August 13 – MetLife Stadium – East Rutherford, N.J.
August 20 – Ford Field – Detroit, Mich.
August 26 – Gillette Stadium – Foxborough, Mass.
August 27 – Gillette Stadium – Foxborough, Mass.
Charlie Daniels To Be Honored With Duets Album Featuring Dolly Parton, Brooks & Dunn, More
/by Lydia FarthingPhoto: Erick Anderson/eafoto
Several artists have come together to pay tribute to the late Charlie Daniels on a new collaborative album, Charlie Daniels & Friends – Duets, which will be released via Blue Hat Records & BFD/Audium Nashville. Walmart is exclusively carrying the project, which will be available on Friday, July 16 at all Walmart locations and at walmart.com. Daniels, a Country Music Hall of Fame member, died last year (July 6, 2020) from a hemorrhagic stroke. He was 83.
The nineteen-track compilation features Daniels singing and picking with a slew of top-notch stars including Dolly Parton, Brooks & Dunn, Darius Rucker, Travis Tritt, Vince Gill, Brad Paisley, Brenda Lee, Gretchen Wilson, Marty Stuart, and more.
“It goes without saying that it’s been a rough year for my mom and I, our CDB family and dad’s fans,” says Daniels’ son, Charlie Daniels Jr. “But his music will live on forever, and we’re happy that this Duets collection will add to his legacy.”
The album includes several of Daniels’ biggest songs such as “Long Haired Country Boy” with Brooks & Dunn, as well as an additional version with the late Hal Ketchum and John Berry, “The South’s Gonna Do It (Again)” with Keith Urban on guitar, “Drinkin’ My Baby Goodbye” with Montgomery Gentry, and “Waco” with Garth Brooks singing harmony, as well as classic tunes like “Jackson” with Wilson, “Let It Be Me” with Lee, and “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down” with Gill.
“The process of putting this project together was a wonderful time of reflection and it became an overwhelming reminder of how great these tracks are,” explains Blue Hat Records President and Daniels’ longtime manager David Corlew. “The best of the best joined Charlie in sharing musical styles and great songs. Thanks to all who participated in honoring Charlie.”
Charlie Daniels & Friends – Duets Track Listing:
1. What’d I Say (with Travis Tritt)
2. Signed Sealed Delivered I’m Yours (with Bonnie Bramlett)
3. Jackson (with Gretchen Wilson)
4. The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down (with Vince Gill)
5. Maggie’s Farm (with Earl, Gary and Randy Scruggs)
6. Daddy’s Old Fiddle (with Dolly Parton)
7. Like A Rolling Stone (with Darius Rucker)
8. Evangeline (with The Del McCoury Band)
9. Let It Be Me (with Brenda Lee)
10. Long Haired Country Boy (with Brooks & Dunn)
11. God Save Us All From Religion (with Marty Stuart)
12. Drinkin’ My Baby Goodbye (with Montgomery Gentry)
13. Jammin’ For Stevie (with Brad Paisley)
14. Waco (with Garth Brooks singing harmony vocals)
15. The South’s Gonna Do It (Again) (with Keith Urban on guitar)
16. All Night Long (with Montgomery Gentry)
17. Texas (with Ray Benson and Lee Roy Parnell)
18. Southern Boy (with Travis Tritt)
19. Long Haired Country Boy (with Hal Ketchum and John Berry)
Chris Lane Announces Fill Them Boots Tour To Begin In October
/by Lorie HollabaughChris Lane is set to play 31 dates on his new Fill Them Boots Tour, which kicks off Oct. 28 in Memphis at the Soundstage at Graceland and runs through next March. The tour will include support from Tyler Rich, Ernest, and Lily Rose throughout the cross-country run.
Pre-sale for tickets begins June 22 at 10 a.m. local time, with public on sale beginning June 25 at 10 a.m. local time at Ticketmaster.com.
Lane is currently climbing the charts with his new single “Fill Them Boots.” The Big Loud Records hitmaker continues to surprise fans with new tracks including the sun-soaked “Summer Job Money,” tender tribute “That’s What Mamas Are For,” and a collaboration with Dustin Lynch on the no-worries anthem “Tequila On A Boat.” He also penned the sentimental “Ain’t Even Met You Yet,” in advance of the birth of his son, Dutton Walker Lane – born on June 8 to Lane and wife Lauren.
Jon Wood Signs Publishing Deal With Peermusic
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Kendall Lettow, Creative Director, Peermusic; Justin Weaver, songwriter/producer; Jon Wood; Michael Knox, Senior Vice President, Peermusic Nashville; and Matt Michiels, Senior Creative Director, Peermusic. Photo: Annelise Loughead
Jon Wood has signed an exclusive global publishing deal with Peermusic.
At 21, Wood left his hometown of Wake Forest, North Carolina to chase his dreams in Nashville. After only five months, songwriter and producer Justin Weaver reached out and the duo quickly began writing together in early 2019, recording two EPs before the end of that year. Wood spent 2020 writing, recording, and playing shows and is currently working on putting out new music.
“Jon has really grown as an artist and writer over the past couple of years under the guidance of Justin Weaver,” says SVP of Peermusic Michael Knox. “I’m excited to watch him continue to grow to the next level.”
“I’m excited to have the opportunity to work with Michael Knox and the entire Peermusic creative team. With the support of Peermusic and Justin Weaver, I know that I have the right team in place and I’m grateful for their belief in me. Looking forward to what’s to come!” shares Wood.
ABC, Country Music Association Extend Broadcast Agreement Through 2026
/by Lydia Farthing“Over the past 15 years, we have built a true partnership with ABC, and we are thrilled to continue our relationship through 2026,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA CEO. “As television viewers are now consuming content in so many new and exciting ways, we are eager to work with the entire ABC team on creating additional paths to bring country music to audiences everywhere. As our genre continues to evolve and broaden, we look to this partnership as a key driver in expanding country music’s reach.”
“Continuing our long-standing relationship with CMA is a top priority and opportunity—together, we bring unforgettable experiences to our audiences that capture the heart and soul of the country music community,” says Rob Mills, EVP, Unscripted and Alternative Entertainment, Walt Disney Television. “We look forward to delivering many more memorable moments with celebrated icons as well as aspirational artists and are proud to be the home for these incredible and distinguished specials.”
The CMA Awards are the longest-running, annual music awards program on broadcast television, having debuted on ABC in 2006. Last year’s awards delivered ABC’s biggest Wednesday audience this season in entertainment, reaching more than 21 million viewers and generating nearly 9 million social video views across Facebook and Twitter.
Garth Brooks, Brad Paisley Among 2021 Pollstar Award Winners Of The Decade
/by Lorie HollabaughCountry legend Garth Brooks was recognized as Country Touring Artist of the Decade, while award-winning singer-songwriter Brad Paisley received the Virtually Yours: 2020-21 Touring Artist award, and The Ryman/Grand Ole Opry received the award for From Our Stage to Your Screen: Best Livestreaming Venue. Billy Strings was also honored during the event as Breakthrough Artist of the Pandemic.
Other winners included Beyoncé who was named Pollstar Touring Artist of the Decade, Touring Artist of the Decade honors were also bestowed by genre with winners including Bon Jovi (Rock), Bruno Mars (Hip-Hop/R&B), Lady Gaga (Pop), Jennifer Lopez (Latin), and Kevin Hart (Comedy). Additional venues receiving decade awards included Radio City Music Hall (Theatre), The Forum (Arena), Hollywood Bowl (Amphitheater), and more.
“This year’s Pollstar Awards was conceived to get together and celebrate the beauty and resilience of the live thing, which we have all missed terribly,” says Ray Waddell, president of Media & Conferences for Oak View Group, Pollstar’s parent company. “We salute the winners and nominees of our Decade awards and pandemic-related awards, and especially our Heroes Of Live honorees. Now, let’s get back to churning out ticket sales and presenting epic shows as we look forward to a more traditional Pollstar Awards in February of 2022!”
A full list of Pollstar Award winners can be found here.
Kyle Fishman Decides To Play It Again, Extends Publishing Deal With PIA
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Erin Kidd, Creative Director, PIA Publishing; Ryan Dokke, PIA Music Group CEO; Kyle Fishman; PIA Music Group founder Dallas Davidson
Kyle Fishman has extended his multi-year publishing deal with Play It Again Publishing.
In addition to co-writing Luke Bryan’s recent No. 1, “Down to One,” Fishman is also the co-writer of “Bed On Fire,” the debut pop single for Atlantic Records artist Teddy Swims. Fishman also co-penned Dustin Lynch’s four-week No. 1 “Small Town Boy,” and has cuts by Florida Georgia Line and Cole Swindell, among others. The Sacramento, California native also holds writing credit on recent singles from Mitchell Tenpenny (“Broken Up”) and Granger Smith (“Hate You Like I Love You”).
“Extending our publishing agreement with Kyle was of critical importance to the long-term vision for PIA. With his recent cuts in both country and pop formats, Kyle is on his way to having the biggest year of his career! Every hit-making artist should want dates with Kyle Fishman on their calendar,” says Ryan Dokke, CEO of PIA Music Group.
The PIA Publishing roster also includes songwriters Tommy Cecil, Justin Wilson, and Trea Landon.
Kenny Chesney Announces Here And Now 2022 Stadium Tour
/by LB CantrellKenny Chesney. Photo: Allister Ann
Eight-time Entertainer of the Year Kenny Chesney will finally return to the road for his Here And Now 2022 Stadium Tour.
After his 2020 tour was forced to pause because of the pandemic, Chesney held out on rescheduling due to concern about who would not be able to attend sold-out stadium shows, last minute changes in protocols and the challenges of mounting stadium-sized concerts week-after-week with shifting local crews.
“When we hit pause on our 2020 tour, I never thought we would go much past the fall, let alone into 2021,” says Chesney. “The idea that it would be three years before I would stand in the end zone of Gillette Stadium, where No Shoes Nation was born, wasn’t something any of us could conceive.
“I still can’t really believe it,” he continues. “But in the middle of all of this, I know it’s true… and I know how much I miss being out there, being in the thick of the most passionate place in the world: No Shoes Nation. Anywhere they plant their flags, bring their passion, their friends and their will to rock, it reminds me that to be in the moment is everything No Shoes Nation is about!”
At long last, the 19-date Here And Now Tour kicks off April 23 in Tampa, Florida at Raymond James Stadium and closes with two shows at at New England’s Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts on Aug. 26 and 27. Chesney will hit Nashville’s Nissan Stadium on May 28.
The lineup will be revealed in the coming months, and all current ticket holders remain in the seats they’ve already purchased for Here And Now 2022.
Blue Chair Bay Rum Presents Here And Now 2022 Fueled by Marathon dates:
April 23 – Raymond James Stadium – Tampa, Fla.
May 7 – Busch Stadium – St. Louis, Mo.
May 14 – American Family Field – Milwaukee, Wis.
May 21 – Mercedes-Benz Stadium – Atlanta, Ga.
May 28 – Nissan Stadium – Nashville, Tenn.
June 4 – AT&T Stadium – Arlington, Texas
June 11 – Heinz Field – Pittsburgh, Pa.
June 18 – Lincoln Financial Field – Philadelphia, Pa.
June 25 – Soldier Field – Chicago, Ill.
July 2 – GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium – Kansas City, Mo.
July 9 – Bobcat Stadium – Bozeman, Mont.
July 16 – Lumen Field – Seattle, Wash.
July 23 – SoFi Stadium – Inglewood, Calif.
July 30 – Empower Field at Mile High – Denver, Colo.
August 6 – U.S. Bank Stadium – Minneapolis, Minn.
August 13 – MetLife Stadium – East Rutherford, N.J.
August 20 – Ford Field – Detroit, Mich.
August 26 – Gillette Stadium – Foxborough, Mass.
August 27 – Gillette Stadium – Foxborough, Mass.
Jeff Garrison Signs Publishing Deal With Eclipse Music Group, Being Bob Music
/by Lydia FarthingPictured (L-R): Kurt Locher, (Founder, Eclipse Music Group); Jamie Bruno, (Creative Manager, Eclipse Music Group); singer songwriter Jeff Garrison; Penny Gattis (General Manager, Eclipse Music Publishing); Bob DiPiero, (Founder, Being Bob Music)
Jeff Garrison has signed an exclusive worldwide publishing deal with Eclipse Music Group, in partnership with Being Bob Music.
Garrison has landed cuts with a variety of artists including Kylie Morgan, The Shires, RaeLynn, Livy Jeanne, Levi Hummon, Kelsey Kulyk, and others. He has also secured numerous sync placements including features on Riverdale, The Hills, So You Think You Can Dance, Modern Family, and a Super Bowl promo, among others. In 2020, Garrison was selected as a spotlight writer for the Association of Independent Music Publishers.
“Kurt [Locher] and I are thrilled to partner with Being Bob Music and welcome Jeff Garrison to the Eclipse Music family,” says General Manager of Eclipse’s publishing division, Penny Gattis. “I have been a huge fan of Jeff’s work for almost ten years now. His production combined with his artistry and heartfelt songwriting make for a special creative force.”
“Working along with Eclipse Music Group is going to make Jeff’s footprint in this community huge,” adds renowned songwriter and Being Bob Music Publishing founder Bob DiPiero. “Jeff is more than a writer/producer. He’s a talented working artist and performer. We at Being Bob Music have always had his back and always will.”
A native of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Garrison moved to Nashville in 2011 to play, perform, and write music. His career jumpstarted when he signed a record deal with Island Records and his song “Shake That” hit number six on the Billboard Dance Chart in 2013. Today, he is collaborating with an array of songwriters and artists and finalizing his forthcoming record, Garrison.
“I’m so excited to be working with Eclipse Music and Bob DiPiero,” Garrison shares. “Bob is an icon, and his mentorship and continued partnership are invaluable to me. I’ve known Penny for many years and am excited to finally be working together. I’m looking forward to lots of fun with this incredible team!”
Round Hill Music Nashville Ups Bob Squance To Senior Director, A&R
/by Lydia FarthingBob Squance
Round Hill Music Nashville has announced the promotion of Bob Squance to Senior Director, A&R.
Squance, a 2011 graduate of Middle Tennessee State University, has been with the company since 2014. Prior to joining Round Hill, he held positions at Ten Ten Music Group and Big Yellow Dog Music. In his new role, Squance will work directly with the company’s roster of hit songwriters while also signing and developing new talent.
“Since joining Round Hill, Bob has proven himself to be a valuable team player,” says Round Hill’s Mark Brown. “The move into his new role is well-deserved. I’m pleased to promote Bob and excited to see him continue to grow as a talented music professional.”
Round Hill Music Nashville has celebrated over 50 No. 1 songs since opening its doors in 2014. Its roster of hit songwriters includes Ashley Gorley, Jimmy Robbins, Zach Crowell, 4 Horsemen Music, Katie Pruitt, Eric Arjes, Kyd the Band, Adam Sanders, Derek Austin, Julia Lauren Bullock and Jake Ohlbaum from The Foxies, and Lindsey Lee.
Florida Georgia Line, Sam Hunt, Gabby Barrett Among iHeartRadio Music Festival Lineup
/by Lorie HollabaughAmong the headliners for this year are Florida Georgia Line, Sam Hunt, Billie Eilish, Cheap Trick, Coldplay, Dua Lipa, Journey, Khalid, Lil Baby, Maroon 5, Nelly, Weezer, and more who are set to play the main stage. Gabby Barrett, Russell Dickerson, DaBaby, Olivia Rodrigo, The Kid LAROI, Saweetie, All Time Low, 24kGoldn, Yungblud, Tate McRae, Conan Gray, Addison Rae and more will also be performing on the Daytime Stage throughout the weekend.
“This year’s Festival will be historic for many reasons,” says Tom Poleman, Chief Programming Officer for iHeartMedia. “Not only will it be the first time all of these artists are together on the same stage, but also because it’ll be in front of a live audience. We’ve all been waiting for this moment – live music is back, and we’ll be celebrating like never before.”
Each night, the 2021 iHeartRadio Music Festival will broadcast live via iHeartMedia stations throughout the country across more than 150 markets. The CW Network will broadcast a two-night TV special on Saturday, Oct. 2-3 from 7 p.m.–9 p.m. CST.
Tickets go on sale to the general public starting Friday, June 25 at 1 p.m. CST via AXS.com.