Dierks and DOT Team Up For Motorcycle Safety

Dierks Bentley Congress representatives in Illinois will love this video!  Dierks did a PSA for motorcycle safey for the IL DOT, Traffic Safety division!

CMT "Unplugged" will feature Dierks Bentley

Last year MTV's "Unplugged" expanded to include CMT, opening the series to country artists. Dierks Bentley, whose single "Home" is nominated for Song of the Year at Sunday's Academy of Country
Music Awards, will follow The Civil Wars, with an episode of "CMT Unplugged" to air this spring.

"I love breaking my songs back down to their originalacoustic foundation," said Bentley. "When I write these songs bymyself or with friends, we just use acoustic guitars ... so,it's fun to sometimes go back to just the simple groove and ideayou had to begin with."

The Influence of Earl Scruggs Life Reflected by Dierks Bentley

(Photo from Country Weekly 2-20-12)

In October of 2010, Dierks Bentley was having the week of his life. Not only was he celebrating five years as a member of the Grand Ole Opry, but he was lucky enough to share the stage and spend time with legendary bluegrass icon, Earl Scruggs that week.  Dierks called it a "career highlight" for himself.

Earl Scruggs died on Wednesday, March 28, at the age of 88 of natural causes.

According to the Associated Press, "Scruggs' use of three fingers — in place of the limited clawhammer style once prevalent — elevated the banjo from a part of the rhythm section — or a even a comedian's prop — to a lead instrument that was as versatile as the guitar and far more flashy." AP generously quoted Dierks throughout their story:

"It's not just bluegrass, it's American music...there's 17- or 18-year-old kids turning on today's country music and hearing that banjo and they have no idea where that came from. That sound has probably always been there for them and they don't realize someone invented that three-finger roll style of playing. You hear it everywhere." 

AP also said, "Bentley and bluegrassers like Sam Bush and Jon Randall Stewart celebrated him at the Tin Pan South gathering of songwriters in Nashville and Eddie Stubbs dedicated the night to him on WSM, the home of the Grand Ole Opry. Bentley attended Scruggs' birthday party in January and had a chance to pick one more song in a circle with the legend. He even snapped a picture with his 3-year-old daughter, something he says he'll cherish forever. (Photo above is believed to be Dierks' 15 month old daughter, Jordan.)

"I think Earl was ready to go see Louise.  I think he was ready to go. But we're lucky. We've got a lifetime of his music that's recorded to listen to and he's in a better place." 

Upon learning of Earl's death, Dierks tweeted:

"lost one of the pillars of bluegrass music and country music today. rest in peace #earlscruggs! thanks for a lifetime of music to listen to!"

Thanks to Dierks, we all know Earl Scruggs a little better and appreciate his musical influence on the world.

Rest in peace, Earl.  God Bless.

Radio Starting to go "Loco!"

In case you haven't heard, Dierks Bentley's new single is "5-1-5-0," and it was sent to radio this past week. It officially goes for adds on April 9th. 

But some radio stations nationwide have gotten a head-start on playing the song. Sirius XM's "The Highway" has been playing it in regular rotation since right after Home was released. Stations in Portland, Oregon; Charlotte, NC (woohoo!); St. Louis, MO; Nashville; and Ft. Wayne, IN have all followed suit in the past few weeks. 

All of the unsolicited airplay paid off this week, as "5-1-5-0" is this week's 'Hot Shot Debut' at Billboard, coming in at #56. (It has not yet charted at Mediabase, nor is it high enough for me to even track it!) "Home" hasn't even gone recurrent yet!

It sounds like our Prez is ready to get a little "5-1-5-0" this summer, too. Watch the latest DBTV as Dierks talks about the fan reaction to the new single, and how that helped them decide on it as the new single:



Are you ready to get a little loco this summer, Congress? Let's get Dierks his TENTH #1 HIT and THIRD #1 IN A ROW this Summer!!! 


~ Carrie Srebro (DBC Rep/Chart Reporter ~ NC)

Dierks Bentley's Treat to a San Antonio Fan's Tweet

"It all started with a simple tweet and out of it came an unforgettable experience!

Every year the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo is held at the AT&T Center and each night there is a free concert following the rodeo. This year Dierks Bentley was scheduled to perform on Saturday, February 25th which happened to be Finals night.  We knew tickets were going to sell out fast but didn’t realize how quickly it would happen.  By the time we decided to attend it was sold out. Imagine my disappointment; Dierks would finally be in my area and I didn’t get tickets in time!

I took a moment to update my twitter that night (Feb. 17^th) posting:

 “that moment when you order tickets and the screen says SOLD OUT. Saddest day ever. @DierksBentley at the Rodeo. Hopefully I can win some.”

I never expected the reply that followed would actually happen. To my surprise a few moments later I received a text on my phone “@DierksBentley mentioned you on twitter.”

WHAT?! I just stared at the screen and thought to myself I have to be dreaming. Hands shaking I rushed to open Twitter, it seemed like the application was taking forever to load, and as my feed updated I saw for myself the Tweet of the Year:

"@EireneCook: that moment when you order tickets and the screen says SOLD OUT. Saddest day ever.” – just txted my tour mgmr. 2 tix @ will call!”

Did that actually just happen?! Now, keep in mind, this happened in the middle of the night. I couldn’t believe it so woke up my husband to make sure it was real; he looked at it and was just as surprised as me. How was I going to get back to sleep now?

I always knew Dierks was a gracious artist and this solidified my opinion even more. Who knew that of all the tweets he received that night he saw and responded with such an amazing gesture to mine?

The night of his concert was finally here and after receiving a confirmation tweet from Dierks and his tour manager letting me know the tickets were at will call Alex and I headed down to the venue. The box office staff handed me an envelope that read “Eirene – Dierks Bentley Guest.”

After enjoying the Rodeo portion of the evening it was time for his performance! What’s neat about the concert is the stage rotates so no matter where you are in the arena you have the perfect seat. As I expected, his performance was incredible. He performed songs from “Home” and many of my favorites from the older albums. I can’t pinpoint my favorite moment from his concert because the entire evening was too good to be true. Unfortunately, I didn’t have a chance to thank him in person for the tickets but made sure to send him a tweet thanking him for the tickets. If I ever get a chance to meet him I’ll make sure to thank him for the amazing evening!

DB Congress Rep, Eirene with husband Alex

As every Dierks fan knows, his concerts are always a great time. This time the concert was extra special and will always hold a place in my heart, not only was it my husband’s first Dierks concert but we were there because Dierks took the time to notice my tweet and provide us with a night we will never forget. I will be forever grateful to him." 

J Eirene 

Eirene is a DB Congress member who originally represented Dierks Bentley in Colorado, but now lives in Texas.

DBTV - Episode 57: Australia

Dierks Bentley's videographer, Ryan, really outdid himself this time! He captured the beauty of Australia, the onstage energy of DB and the crowds, and the humorous slapper of da bass, Cassady Feasby's oceanside antics!

Dierks Better Than Tim: An Australian DBC Rep's Experience

Lee Kernaghan, Dierks Bentley & Dan Hochhalter, Brisbane, March 10

Dierks Bentley is currently on a whirlwind tour of down under in Australia, and DB Congress rep Judy and her friend Larissa were lucky enough to experience the Toowoomba and Brisbane shows on March 9 and 10, 2012.  Here's her story!

I picked up Larissa from Gold Coast airport Friday afternoon to begin our road trip to Toowoomba to see two of the best --- Lee Kernaghan & Dierks Bentley. I had received my M&G email a couple of days prior and was feeling very nervous about meeting Dierks. What a nice guy!  I was stuck for words not really sure what I said to him! SHOWTIME!  Lee was out first and was his usual best! The Empire theatre is a seated venue so there were only a few who were up dancing.  Larissa and I were on the balcony, dancing & singing.  Dierks was better than I had ever imagined!

Saturday morning we headed off to Brisbane for the next night's show at The Tivoli Theatre, which is a beautiful old theatre and STANDING! We were lucky enough to catch up with LK backstage before the show.  Dierks was there but I had had my time with him the night before. SHOWTIME! OMG! It went off, the whole place went wild--everybody was dancing, clapping, singing, girls on shoulders of guys -- it was the best crowd I have ever been in.  It was just awesome and Dierks performed brilliantly! What a guy.  He stole lots of hearts that night, especially my daughter Amy, who has only just discovered Dierks.  She can't get him of her mind, a bit like me!

I have seen many artists over the years and had always thought that nobody could match Tim McGraw live.  I was wrong! Dierks Bentley is the man, and I thank him for his wonderful music.  Please visit again!
-Judy xx

Thanks for sharing, Judy!

Making the Penthouse "Home"

I've been waiting and waiting for this day to come, to be able to write this blog, and now the moment presents itself and I can't quite put into words what I'd like to say. So many thoughts running through my head ... 

Congratulations, Dierks! In its 24th week, the anthemic, ACM "Song of the Year" nominated "Home" moved into the penthouse on the charts, becoming the 9th Number 1 song for our Prez. The final stats (remember, the two charts have different reporting panels):

Billboard: 35.701 Million Audience, 5722 Plays
Mediabase: 41.266 Million Audience, 6236 Plays

"Home" also completed its radio run as the #1 song on the Radio Feedback Chart, and #3 on Callout America, a sign that the song resonated with the public, as well. 

And how. Here's what American Songwriter had to say about the song in their recent album review: 

Most telling, though, is “Home,” an important entry in post-post-9/11 country songwriting. Patriotism is a subject closely associated with country music and it’s often been tackled ham-handedly, with all the depth and complexity of a bumper sticker slogan. This song of Bentley’s is a notable exception. Employing symbolism that’s meaningful yet malleable, simple yet eloquent, set to a spacious, billowing melody, he embraces the possibility that many different kinds of people can claim heartfelt ownership of our history-scarred nation. And as it happens, at the time of this writing, the song is climbing Billboard’s Country Songs chart. That’s the kind of broad resonance Bentley is capable of.

In a recent interview with CMT, co-writer Dan Wilson said he definitely hopes he's able to write another song with Dierks. He also mentioned that he didn't have a specific reason to visit Nashville right now.

Well, Dan, it looks like you'll have a party to attend in the very near future. 

Congratulations again, Dierks! And thank you to all of the Congress who called, emailed, tweeted, and facebook'd your stations (and even stations that weren't yours!) to get the song to #1! Can't wait to hear what's next ... can Dierks go three in a row from Home to grab his 10th number one? I say yes. Let's do it! 

~ Carrie Srebro (DBC Rep/Chart Reporter ~ NC)

Video: Dierks Performs "Senor" on The Ellen Show

We told you Dierks Bentley was a part of the new album "Chimes of Freedom" honoring the 50th anniversary of Amnesty International.  Dierks and his buddies from the Up On The Ridge album, The Punch Brothers, performed the Bob Dylan song, "Señor," on The Ellen show today. This makes DB's second appearance in just 4 weeks.  I'd say Ellen likes our prez!

In case you missed it or didn't set your DVR, here's the video:

Dierks Bentley and His Crew Get Punked - The 5-1-5-0 Project

Hayley McLean is currently touring as Chad Brownlee’s guitar player, who opened for Dierks Bentley in many of the Canada shows in February.  Hayley filmed the documentary below of the 5-1-5-0 dance, how it came to be, and what it is, which included punking Dierks and his crew while on the road. Check it out!

DVR Alert: Dierks on The Ellen Show - March 13

Set your DVR! Dierks Bentley and The Punch Brothers will perform their cover of Bob Dylan's "Señor," from the incredible CD compilation "Chimes of Freedom," honoring the 50th Anniversary of Amnesty International on The Ellen Show on Tuesday, March 13, 2012.  See your local tv guides for exact times.

You may recall the last time Dierks was on Ellen, he donated $50,000 to a military family in need.

Dierks Bentley Added to CMA Fest Nightly Performances

Dierks Bentley has joined the performance lineup for the Nightly Concerts at LP Field during 2012 CMA Music Festival. The event that USA Today calls “the crown jewel of Country Music festivals” will again take over downtown Nashville, TN for four days this summer, Thursday-Sunday June 7-10, 2012.

The CMA Music Festival celebrates the unique relationship between country music artists and their fans in the heart of Music City USA. The artists participate for free, and on their behalf, CMA has donated half the net proceeds of the festival to support music education through the Keep the Music Playing program.

To date, more than $6.1 million has been donated to purchase musical instruments and supplies, providing thousands of students in Metro Nashville Public Schools with the resources and opportunities they could not have afforded on their own, and giving many of them a strong reason to remain in school.

Featuring concerts, autograph signings, family activities, and more, CMA Music Festival is an unparalleled celebration of America’s music. In 2011, the event drew a record-setting 65,000 fans from all 50 states and 26 nations and, for the second consecutive year, sold out in advance each night at LP Field for the star-packed nightly concerts.

No word yet on the exact night Dierks will perform, but we'll keep you posted.  Traditionally, Dierks also hosts his annual "Last Call Ball" fan club party the Wednesday evening prior to the Thursday festival start, so stay tuned for that announcement as well.

If you don't already have your tickets, click here for details.

Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival to Feature Dierks Bentley

You don't have to wait until June to visit Nashville, Tennessee, where "it all begins with a song."  For the first time in its 20 year history, Dierks Bentley will perform at the Tin Pan South Songwriter's Festival to be held March 27-31, 2012.

This 5-day festival features hundreds of live performances by some of country music's biggest talents when it come to writing songs, including Dierks and Luke Bryan.

Specifically, Dierks will perform on Wednesday, March 29 at 6 pm at the Hard Rock Cafe on Broadway with buddies Sam Bush and Jon Randall.

Tin Pan South is the world's largest all-songwriter festival, produced annually by NSAI (National Songwriters Association International).

Fast Access Pass holders will take their places in the Fast Access Line at each venue on a first-come, first-served basis. Beginning 30 minutes prior to show time, pass holders will be admitted into the venue first (except at the Bluebird Café and the Listening Room Cafe* shows, where Reservation holders will be admitted first).


Be sure to visit the Tin Pan South website for details on tickets, performers and venue schedules.

DBTV - Episode 56: Old Goldie Turns A Million Miles

In DBTV Episode 56, Dierks, Superman and the crew celebrate a million miles on the road as Goldie hits the milestone on their way "home" to the US. Here's to another million miles!

Find out how "Superman" got his name, and watch as Dierks and the guys stop "Goldie" and celebrate!



Every mile a memory!

Dierks Bentley Acoustic Performance On Walmart Soundcheck

Walmart Soundcheck - Interviews, Live Performances, Music Videos

What a treat! Prior to the Feb. 2nd Ryman special performance, Dierks Bentley did an acoustic performance, laced with personal interviews in between each song.  Be sure to watch and listen to the stripped down version of Dierks and the boys on the Ryman stage - no audience - just they guys in a circle singing and playing:  Tip It On Back, The Woods, Am I The Only One, 5-1-5-0, What Was I Thinkin', and Home.

Dierks to Perform Tuesday Opry March 27

Grand Ole Opry member, Dierks Bentley will perform the Tuesday night Opry at The Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville on March 27.  Many other country stars are set to perform in March as well!  Be sure to get your tickets early!

Dierks Bentley Guest on Lon Helton's Country Countdown USA

Listen in as Dierks joins Lon Helton on CMT's Country Countdown USA this week.  Dierks talks about his trip to the White House last fall and performing, "Home," at such a historic location.  Dierks says he tried to go up on the roof but ended up in the basement.  Find out what he did down there!