So the NEEDTOBREATHE tour wrapped up with, well, kind of a thud? Haha. The tour was wonderful. Every show was great. I hadn’t done a run of straight up opening shows in a long long time and it couldn’t have gone better. I’ve known those fellas for many years and am continually proud of what they’re doing live and on record. Such great guys on and off stage. The only bummer was the last show(thus the ‘thud’ comment earlier). Birmingham at Sloss Furnace had to be rescheduled due to weather. Unfortunately I’d already rescheduled my son’s birthday party for that Sunday, his birthday was the original show date, and there was no way I was missing that. Luckily it led to conversation with Bear and I agreeing we’d just have to play together again at some point so as not to leave things without the big damn to do finale both bands had been hoping for. So that’s that.
Quite excited for our hometown show in Nashville on Wednesday. Haven’t played Exit/In in some time and haven’t done a proper show in town since the Wreckage has been released. Should be alot of fun. Maybe yall can come? Then Bloomington, Chicago and Madison. All shows but Madison are ones that a band member or band family lives in so it’s all warm beds and home cooked meals this week. Lucky, I know.
Discussions are being had right now about the next single from the Wreckage. Should be out in August. Very interested to see what ‘the man’ comes up with on this one. Haha, the man. I like that. Yall feel free to discuss and weigh in with your opinion as well.
Lastly, but certainly not least, thanks to everyone who has emailed their concerns, prayers, etc. about this terrible flooding that went on last week. Fortunately the band and our families were all ok. Some standing water and a couple flooded basements was all we got directly. How truly lucky we are. It seems the national media at large was a bit slow to get on board with coverage. Fortunately, with the number of artists here, I think their fans spread the word and in turn the concern better than anyone. In the aftermath, which is still ongoing and truly remarkable in its scale as you see the areas hardest hit, I want to say how proud and inspired I am by my city and it’s surrounding areas. The countless acts of heroism during the flood coupled with the seemingly endless outstretched hands of this community to help our own, neighbors, friends, strangers have all stood as family and we WILL get through this. There have been alot of folks outside of Nashville that have asked about helping and where/how to do it. Hands on Nashville is great(www.hon.org) as is the red cross just to give a couple. Another great option will be coming this Sunday May 16th when GAC presents Music City Keeps On Playin’. This will be the first nationally televised event to try and help raise money directly for those hit by this disaster. The list of performers thus far includes: myself and the band, Brad Paisley, Kellie Pickler, Lady Antebellum, Rodney Atkins, CeCe Winans, Jaci Velasquez and Dierks Bentley. The show will be at the Ryman Auditorium and will be simulcast live on GAC from 8-10 pm. In addition performing we will all be manning phones and taking donations. Tickets go on sale Monday at 10 am. You can get more details at gactv.com. Having spent my entire life in Franklin and Nashville I am honored to be a part of this as we want to do everything we can to help out. Spread the word, tune in, enjoy the music and most importantly HELP!!
Thanks yall.