Finding Our Way

It’s interesting to see how two of Country music’s greatest acts approach the same issue two different ways. Both are right.

Tim McGraw has a new album coming August 21st and a unique, “virtual” pay-per-view event to go with it. McGraw will bring in the songwriters and band and share a chat and performances with fans, playing both old and new stuff. It’s 15 bucks to tune in, one night only at 9 p.m. (ET) on August 21st at live.timmcgraw.com.

Now Garth Brooks has gone in another direction. His album, “FUN!,” is ready, but he doesn’t want to put it out. “How do you get out and promote and be happy and jolly while everybody’s out there fighting for their lives not only physically, but fighting for their lives financially,” he has said. Good point, especially with an album called “FUN!” Ever the tease, says something else might be coming with “FUN!” Meanwhile, his sold out concert at the new Las Vegas Raiders Allegiant Stadium is still a go for August 22nd.

Major league sports have lots of friends in Country music. McGraw and Brooks are just two with big baseball connections. So many “A” listers are baseball super fans. And then another group with fans like Kenny Chesney support the NFL.

The Jets, Giants and Eagles have all said no fans in the stands this season. New England said 20% capacity. University of Texas said 50%. Others are still trying to figure it out. Baseball is in the “no fans but cardboard cutouts” world right now.

Las Vegas wants the music business back yesterday. The gambling is back with many new social distance things. The food is back in the casinos, but only by a half in terms of seating/distancing. The lounges and concert halls are silent. Lots of figuring out underway. If anybody makes it back first it will be Vegas.

The President has started plugging masks. The public in many areas are not on board. The honky-tonk district in downtown Nashville remains controversial, making national headlines for its crowds not following protocols. Nashville is at all time high Coronavirus levels and many are blaming the bars.

Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani are coming through with more for the magazines. Their new duet is debuting on July 24, including a performance on NBC’s “Today.” Their song is called “Happy Anywhere,” and there’s another happy song by Kenny Chesney out right now, “Happy Does.”

Booze songs continue to abound, and one of the latest comes with a fun marketing gimmick. Go to the Little Big Town social media pages and find out if you are a wine, beer or whiskey person.

Nashville’s classic WSM-AM, the home of the Grand Ole Opry, still keeps changing longtime staff. Now it’s Eddie Stubbs. The Opry announcer, longtime WSM night host and most knowledgeable Country history person in Nashville broadcasting is saying goodbye to 650 AM at the end of July. Overnights, afternoons, now nights – there’s been no shortage of change at the station. Hope Eddie goes to Sirius/XM or something. He’s too rich an asset to be silent! Every on-air interaction with him is excellent. A true pro.