Music City Music Off And Rolling

The 18-wheelers are rolling, the tour buses are too. The army of people required to build stages, put up the lights and sound, cook the food and drive the trucks and buses are all at work this week.

It’s never 100%, but right now the A-list bunch is out playing just this weekend to well over a quarter million fans.

The touring musicians work hard! The lifestyle is maybe harder than the actual work. Most acts work Thursday/Friday/Saturday shows, and sometimes a fourth on Sunday. The weather, the lack of sleep, the pressure of getting the stuff up and in then out and packed is intense. Showering in a locker room-type situation, eating in a mess hall, it’s very similar to an Army unit in the field, the smells on the bus, the whine of the bus engines, the diesel engines. They’re a musical team, well oiled and experts in their jobs.

It’s not even close to being an easy job.

Kenny Chesney is in Indiana and at St. Louis’ Busch Stadium. Tim McGraw’s team is at three spots in Florida. Luke Combs is just doing one show at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. Garth Brooks is at Notre Dame’s stadium. Miranda Lambert is playing Houston, Dallas and Rogers, AR, Walmart’s hometown. Jimmy Buffett is in Midland, TX and New Orleans.

Those buses and tractor-trailer trucks will pay high diesel prices, and the cost of doing everything is way up. The ticket prices? They are trying to hold the line … for now.

Tom Cruise spoke at the premiere of “Top Gun: Maverick” from the deck of the USS Midway. Like some many Country artists will say too, so glad to see all these faces, smiling, with no masks on ready to have a good time.

This is Kentucky Derby and Mother’s Day weekend. More than a few singers are headed to the Barnstable Brown Derby eve party in Louisville, KY. Jason Aldean was playing golf with President Trump a few days ago, and will be with Derby royalty this weekend: Travis Tritt, Morgan Wallen, Darius Rucker, Tanya Tucker, Sam Hunt and Chase Rice. That’s the most Country at that party maybe ever.

Both of the Florida Georgia Line guys have new individual/solo record deals.

Naomi Judd is the cover of People this weekend. What’s left to say? Mental illness is so horrible, and maybe Country music can find a way to focus on this stealthy killer and raise awareness.

Naomi was loved by so many, including me. She made me smile at every encounter. A tireless promoter, and determined, strong single mom. Mother’s Day will be very hard for her loved ones this weekend.

Dolly Parton was a Naomi buddy. Mama Judd would have been so happy for Dolly going into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

The temp is about to hit 90 on 16th Ave. Summer is here. Make the most of it, every day. Love your family and friends. We all got a kick in the chair reminder about that this week. Call those loved ones and friends. Just check in.

Naomi was so sad years ago when the phone stopped ringing. Let’s not ever hear that complaint again. Famous people need love, too … sometimes maybe a little more.