Presale Tickets Today for the Dierks Hosted ACM Honors event

Dierks is set to host the 7th Annual ACM Honors event, which will take place on Tuesday, September 10th at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, for a second consecutive year. Those being honored and scheduled to appear include Special Award recipients Jason Aldean, Guy Clark, Lady Antebellum, Lorrie Morgan & Jesse Keith Whitley (on behalf of the late Keith Whitley), Blake Shelton and Tommy Wiggins.

DB Congress members have first access to presale tickets!  A special DB Congress presale will be held starting Wednesday, July 31st at 10am CT for two days only. Congress Members, login to Dierks.com then click HERE for your presale code and information on this presale that is exclusive to you!  

Presale tickets are priced at $40 and will go on sale Wednesday, July 31st at 10 am CT at Ticketmaster.com HERE.

Join the Congress for this exclusive presage ticketing event, future m&g opportunities with Dierks, exclusive content, and more! JOIN NOW!
  

DB Congress Reps Can Win FREE Tickets To See Dierks in NYC August 1!

Dierks will be performing THIS Thursday, August 1 in New York City at the Irving Plaza for Bud Light Music's "50/50/1" Concert Event…and DB Congress members have the opportunity to get FREE tickets!

Tickets cannot be purchased for this, but a select number of Congress members will have access to the exclusive show! The only way to attend is to win via Bud Light, or to enter below.
You MUST be a DB Congress member to enter. If you're not a member, JOIN NOW by purchasing a fan club membership, for this exclusive opportunity to see Dierks!

Winners will be notified on Wednesday, July 31.

*Must be 21+ to enter, hotel accommodations and transportation NOT included.

DB CONGRESS MEMBERS ENTER HERE! (Be sure to log in to Dierks.com as a paid fan club member before attempting to access this link)

Dierks Bentley Calls Blair Garner On America's Morning Show!

Blair Garner has always been a huge Dierks Bentley supporter.  He would frequently have Dierks on his "After MidNite" radio show, but after 20 years, Blair is leaving After MidNite and moving to mornings in New York City.

I still listen often to Blair and Dierks' interview from May 6, 2008, right after he released his greatest hits CD - "Every Mile A Memory 2003-2008." What a great conversation!  They talked about everything -- allergies, Tour Bus gas prices ($6,000 a day!), Big White, Wife-Cassidy's Prius, playing Lollapalooza, and Will Ferrel movies ( I was the first person to bring Dierks the "Blades of Glory" DVD the following week). Here's an excerpt from that 2008 interview:

Blair:  "I love speaking with you.  You're such a fun interview because it's basically like just talking to an old friend.  Are you surprised when you say something off the cuff and it comes back to you many interviews later?" 

Dierks: "Yeah it gets twisted sometimes.  A, I talk to fast and B, I talk about anything. It's always wide-open."

As America's Morning Show personality on New York City's first country music radio station in 17 years - NASH FM 94.7, Blair (with crew - Chuck Wicks, Terri Clark, Sunny Sweeney, and Lee Ann Womak), says this is a dream come true.  Launching just five weeks ago on June 20, @AmericasMorningShow on Twitter has nearly 14,000 followers and more than double that on their Facebook page!

The best part is, they talked to Dierks this morning about his new album's personal sound and lyrics (Riser), his dog Jake's appearance on The View and life on tour this summer! Check out the audio HERE!

~Ronna
DB Congress Chair (FL)

Dierks Bentley Single Review: "I Hold On"

We've been telling you about Dierks Bentley's new single, "I Hold On," since his first live performance of the song on the Locked and Reloaded Tour in January. We told you how much meaning it holds for our president and for us! And you may have seen him debut it on The View last week.

But we weren't fast enough in asking one of our very own DB Congress reps, Tara Toro, to write a review for us.  Got Country Online got to her first!  Here is the New Yorker's perspective, posted today on GotCountryOnline.com.  


===================================================

Do you want to know who Dierks Bentley is? Then look, and listen, no further than his new single “I Hold On.” Even though he has been playing the song at his live shows since January, Dierks officially debuted “I Hold On” this past Friday on “The View.” The song, which will be on his upcoming fall release, ‘Riser,’ was written by Dierks and Brett James.

Dierks has said this is probably the most personal song he has written, yet the song’s theme makes it universally relatable. “I Hold On” is both poignant and exuberant. We not only learn the things in his life that make him who he is, he also tells us “I can’t change who I am….right or wrong”. The things that make him who he is (and those that make us who we are) are unchangeable like the “stripes on the flag, like a boy to his Dad.” It’s a mid-tempo anthem to celebrate not only who we are, but remember and honor the things that make us that way. You can just hear an amphitheatre full of people singing “I Hold On” with him at the 3:25 mark, knowing at that moment every single person is thinking of something/someone that they hold onto.

As he sings in his unmistakable gravely voice, the song’s three verses open the curtain on who he is. The first verse refers to his truck, Big White (currently with about 200,000 miles). She brought Dierks to Tennessee with his father from Arizona back when he was 19 years old. The meaning of Big White and that trip impacts on a whole different level when you hear “she’s still here now he’s gone.” (Dierks lost his father last June)

As most know, the “beat up box” with “dents and scratches that makes it sound real good” is of course his guitar. Dierks has said he has been offered many a new guitar but prefers this one: the one that holds many memories from when he started out to this day (and has George Jones, George Strait and others’ signatures on it).

The third and final verse is something we all want to hear from our significant other: “there ain’t never been no doubt….Without you I’d be nothing….So if you ever worry about…..me walkin’ out….let me tell you something.”

The truck may be beat up, the guitar may have a hole, and his boots may need duct tape, but he is one guy who knows what is important in life: his faith, the love of his family and his country.  These are the things he can “count on to keep me going strong.” These are the things we all can count on. People, things, experiences all make our memories: whether it is a guitar, a car, a mother…this song will make you remember and think about what is at the heart of you as a person. It’s an anthem to keep those things that matter close, cherish memories and be yourself.

Look for the single to be available soon. 

[Just announced today: The song will go for radio adds on August 12!]

Dierks Bentley Will Host the 7th Annual ACM Honors Event for the Second Consecutive Year

Dierks is set to host the 7th Annual ACM Honors event, which will take place on Tuesday, September 10th at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, for a second consecutive year. Those being honored and scheduled to appear include Special Award recipients Jason Aldean, Guy Clark, Lady Antebellum, Lorrie Morgan & Jesse Keith Whitley (on behalf of the late Keith Whitley), Blake Shelton and Tommy Wiggins.

DB Congress members have first access to presale tickets!  A special DB Congress presale will be held starting Wednesday, July 31st at 10am CT for two days only. Congress Members, login to Dierks.com then click HERE for your presale code and information on this presale that is exclusive to you!  

Presale tickets are priced at $40 and will go on sale Wednesday, July 31st at 10 am CT at Ticketmaster.com HERE.

Dierks Bentley Performs "I Hold On" on The View on ABC

"You didn't think we were gonna let Dierks Bentley leave here without singing his hit song that will be, I think, the country music anthem of the summer, did you?" teased Whoopi Goldberg on The View this morning.  We sure hope it's a hit, Whoopi!

After 24 hours of hints, Dierks debuted his newest single from the upcoming album, Riser.  "I Hold On" has been a DBC rep favorite since his first Locked and Reloaded performance of the autobiographical song in January.  It is his most personal composition to date, co-written with Brett James.

Dierks was to co-host The View, but he didn't get much talk time.  Alison Bonaguro said what we were thinking:

"I wish I could say the rest of The View was as moving as his performance. But, well, it wasn't...the last four minutes of the show when he performed were the best four minutes of the show."

Jake, DB's part Spitz and part one-night-stand dog, fit right in with the theme of the episode--The 5th Annual Mutt Show.  Dierks thanked Southwest for being so nice to fly Jake to NYC:

While we have to lay "Bourbon In Kentucky" to rest for now (radio didn't get behind the melancholy song so Capitol opted to go with something more up tempo), we will rally behind this new Riser cut and request radio DJs to hold on to this summer song like Dierks holds on to all the things he loves.

Watch Dierks and the guys perform, "I Hold On."




After he sang, The View ladies did give him a chance to talk about raising over $500,000 for the Prescott Firefighters families, but it felt rushed and like an afterthought--would have been great conversation for the couch!  Just sayin!

As soon as we find out when "I Hold On" goes to radio and when it will be available digitally, we'll let you know asap!

~Ronna

Dierks Bentley Rallies to Raise over $476,000 for 19 Fallen Firefighters

Dierks Bentley's Country Cares concert last night in Prescott Valley, AZ was an unprecedented community wide event, raising over $476,000 to benefit the families of the Granite Mountain Hot Shots who lost their lives in recent wildfires. (Photo tweeted by Trisha Hendricks)

With just over a week to organize the event, Arizona native Dierks Bentley led the charge with the help of The New KMLE Country @ 107.9, 92.9 KAFF Country and artist friends The Band Perry, Randy Houser and David Nail. 

KMLE interviews Dierks in this video:

Video -

Family members of the 19 firefighters and the sole surviving firefighter were in attendance at the event in an emotional yet celebratory night of music. Bentley honored the fallen firefighters with a photo tribute during his first-ever performance of brand new song "Here On Earth" and kicked off a special version of "Home" with a bagpipe intro by the Rural Metro Pipe and Drum Corp.

Many DB Congress were in attendance repping the fan club and supporting the cause.  California Rep, David Watts, won last minute tickets to the fundraiser.  He tweeted from the show:

"@dbcongress Hey...Did I mention @DierksBentley did a new song off #RISER?! #HereOnEarth. There wasn't a dry eye in the house."

Dierks holds up the check for $442,000 but that didn't include all the t-shirt sales and donations, and an on stage auction where two guitars signed by all the performers each going for around $25,000.

Photo tweeted by David Kadlubowski  

Click here to see more photos from the show.

All money raised from the event will go to the United Phoenix Firefighters Charities who will directly distribute to the families of the 19 fallen firefighters. For more information, visit www.dierks.com.

Dierks Shares "I Hold On" with GAC's #DearAmerica Campaign

One of Dierks' sentimental tracks from the upcoming Riser album, "I Hold On", is the soundtrack to GAC's on air and online #DearAmerica campaign. GAC has asked viewers to write or show them in pictures what they love most about America and the viewers have responded. Co-written by Dierks and Brett James, the song's lyrics speak to the types of letters and photographs that continue to come in through Twitter, Instagram and email.

"This song is probably one of the most personal songs I've ever written or recorded, but at the same time it hits a lot of universal themes that I think we can all relate to," said Dierks. "I've really been able to sense that from the fans when I play 'I Hold On' out on the road and am really looking forward to seeing what country fans tuning in at home will share."

No word yet on whether "I Hold On" will replace "Bourbon In Kentucky" as the summer single. Stay tuned to dbcongress.com!

Photos can be shared by using #DearAmerica on both Twitter and Instagram or by emailing dearamerica@gactv.com. They can also be uploaded to the fan wall on the Great American Country mobile app.

Learn More About The Campaign on GAC HERE >>

Watch the #DearAmerica Video HERE >>

Dierks Bentley to Headline Country Cares Benefit Concert

Dierks will make a special trip to his home state this month to headline the Country Cares Concert, benefiting The Granite Mountain Hot Shots on Monday, July 22. The show will take place at Tim’s Toyota Center in Prescott Valley, AZ.

VIP Packages and Individual Tickets go on sale today, Friday, July 12 @ 10am MST at KMLE1079.com and at Tim’s Toyota Center box office.

VIP Package ($351) includes:
-Artist pre show reception
-One ticket in rows 2-5
-Event t-shirt

PURCHASE VIP PACKAGE HERE!

PURCHASE INDIVIDUAL TICKETS HERE!

Proceeds from the concert will go to the United Phoenix Firefighters Charities who will distribute the proceeds of this show directly to the 19 families.

Here's an excerpt from People.com:

When the country star [Dierks Bentley] learned that 51 children were left fatherless following the devastating Arizona wildfire that killed 19 elite firefighters on June 30, the Phoenix native knew he wanted to help.

With his only day off for the rest of July, Bentley, 37, is hosting the July 22 "Country Cares Concert" in Prescott Valley, Ariz., to raise money for the fallen families affected by the deadliest firefighter loss since the Sept. 11 World Trade Center attacks.

"We want to make as much for those families as we can and hopefully start something that will continue on long after the music is over as far as remembering the firefighters and their families and these kids that live on as well," Bentley said, the Associated Press reports. "We want to help get something rolling to look after them and help them move forward."

The 19 members of the elite Granite Mountain Hotshots died battling an out of control wildfire in Yarnell, Ariz., a small town about 85 miles northwest of Phoenix, after lightning ignited the blaze on June 28th and shifting winds blocked their ability to escape. The firefighters were based in nearby Prescott – where Bentley's benefit concert will take place.

DB Congress Exclusive Interview: "Riser" Songwriters - Part Two

Songwriter Steve Moakler admits at first he didn't feel qualified to write it. But when Dierks Bentley sings his song that he co-wrote with Travis Meadows, Steve says it's like a "gritty, romantic, and empowering anthem."  "Riser" is the title song from Dierks' new album due out in October. Part Two of our exclusive interviews with the Riser songwriters continues with Steve's candid answers below.

DB Congress: What was your reaction when you heard Dierks Bentley was recording your song?

Steve Moakler: I was thrilled to hear that Dierks was recording our song. Initially, I didn't let myself get too excited because I didn't want to deal with the heartbreak if it didn't end up on the record...It seemed too good to be true at first. It still does.

DBC:  What was co-writing with Travis Meadows like? Have you written together previously? What songs?

SM:  I love writing with Travis. To me, he is the most inspiring and authentic songwriter in town. It's always an honor to write a song with him. We have written a handful of songs together. The only one that I'd say holds a candle to "Riser" is one called, "Wide Open." It's on Travis's new record and I plan on recording it on my next one.

DBC: How did the song make its way to Dierks? Did he hear it? Did you pitch it?

SM: I believe our publisher Jeff pitched it to Dierk's executive producer.

DBC: What do you think Dierks’ treatment/interpretation brought to the song? Is it the same as your original or were changes made?

SM: He made it his own. His interpretation is bigger than what I thought it could be... It feels like an anthem when he sings it. It's gritty, romantic, and empowering.

DBC: Have you heard Dierks' final cut of the song? If so, how do you feel about that? 

SM: Yes, I have heard it. It blew me away. I feel humbled to have been a part of something so great.

DBC:  How much more special is having the title track than just an album cut?

SM: It’s exciting how strongly he has embraced the message of the song and wants to inspire people with it. As a songwriter, I can’t think of anything more gratifying than that. Album title or not, it’s really just an honor to have a song on his record.

DB Congress hit the streets of Nashville at CMA Fest 2013 promoting Dierks & Riser;
Steve Moakler poses with the sticker with his song's namesake

DBC: Tell us about the backstory –was the song inspired by any specific events? 

SM: Travis initially had the idea to write a song called “Survivor.”  He started improvising a bunch of brilliance and asked me what I thought. I said, “Man, I love what you’re doing, but I don’t feel qualified to write this song. I don’t feel like I’ve survived enough to really contribute.” He said, “Moakler, I was saving this idea for you. You’re so damn optimistic, and that's what makes you qualified.” So I listened to him, and then we wrote the song. It's really affirming that he thought of me with an idea like that, and I still hear the song as something to live up to. I feel empowered and hopeful every time I sing it.

DBC: Great use of the “er” turning verbs into nouns like, “a get out aliver,” “no run and hider” and of course, “I’m a riser.”  Did you guys have to dig deep for that or did it come naturally?

SM:  That came really naturally.

DBC: You’ve been described as having indie roots, whose songs you wouldn’t expect from a 25-year old who is quickly emerging as one of the best of a new generation of pop-rock songwriters.   Your 2011 album release, "Watching Time Run," includes "Play You Down" which has a country vibe.  In addition to 'Riser,' is that how you might transition your artistic talent to country music?

SM: You know, I have a lot in common with country music, but I don’t think that it’s the genre that I’ll call home as an artist at this point. I see myself more in the singer/songwriter where there is a different freedom to lean into rock, pop, and folk influences. It’s no secret that country has had a big influence on my sound and writing. I have loved being a part of the writing community in Nashville and have felt really welcomed and encouraged by everyone.

DBC: You're from Pittsburgh, PA, right? What brought you to Nashville?

SM: Since I was 14, I had dreamed about making a living writing and performing my own music. When I graduated from high school, my incredibly limited knowledge and gut instinct led me here. I was enrolled at Belmont University for two years when I first moved to town. I love Pittsburgh and I miss my family, but moving to Nashville was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

DBC:   They say everyone has six degrees of separation.  It’s interesting that you have two songs on the movie soundtrack for “October Baby.”  Jason Burkey starred in that movie, and he was also the lead actor in Dierks Bentley’s Tip It On Back video and Ross Copperman (Riser Producer) co-wrote that top 5 single.  And, you’re getting ready for a tour to Germany in July called, “Feels Like Home.”  Now you have the title cut on Dierks’ upcoming album! How well did you know Jason, Ross or Dierks prior to ‘Riser’?

SM: Wow, that's crazy! I had no idea about all those connections. I met Jason at the October Baby debut in Birmingham. He was incredibly kind and down to earth. That’s the only time I’ve gotten to hang with him though.  Ross and I had written a song together a couple of years ago, but we spoke for the first time in years when he called me up and asked me to sing the background vocal on “Riser.”  That was a really exciting phone call... Ross is also super kind and talented.  I still haven’t met Dierks. I was supposed to write with him and Travis Meadows about a month ago but it didn’t work out. I’m really looking forward to meeting him.

DBC:  How much of a chance do you feel ‘Riser’ has to get released as a single and make it to #1?

SM: haha I don’t know... People in town seem to think that it has a good chance. But the more I learn, the less I seem to know. I’m trying not to get my hopes up about it. That would be unbelievably cool.

DBC: Who else have you written for previously?

SM: Jake Owen and Andy Gibson. Kelly Pickler recorded a song of mine a few weeks ago... There’s no telling whether or not its gonna come out or not. I’m still just a rookie at this whole thing. It’s a lot of fun.

DBC: Have you talked to Dierks recently? Tell us about that conversation.

SM: I haven’t talked to Dierks yet, but I can tell you right now that I’m gonna say “thank you” in my first or second sentence.

DBC: We can’t wait to hear the entire album! Do you have any other cuts on it?

SM: I can’t wait to hear it either! I’ve been hearing great things about it. I don’t have any other songs on the record, but I’m sure that there’s no shortage of killer tunes on it.  Thanks a lot for reaching out and taking an interest in Travis and I. I appreciate the good questions.

Thank you, Steve, for answering our questions and the inspirational songwriting! We think this album is gonna be huge for Dierks!

In case you missed it, here's the video of Dierks singing "Riser" at Last Call Ball in June 2013:




Want to know more about Steve Moakler? Click here.

~Ronna Clark
DB Congress Chair (FL)

Today We Celebrate Our Independence!

Happy Independence Day! July 4, 2013 will go down in Dierks Bentley history as the day he opened his first bar and grill in his home state of Arizona.  But "Home" means a whole more to our DB Congress president.  His number one single, "Home" talks about our nation's history in a patriotic, yet non-precocious way.

brave, gotta call it brave, to chase that dream across the sea 

names, then they signed their names, for something they believed

DB Congress rep from Louisiana, Sylvia Sylva, captured this moment above when Dierks sang Home during theParagon Casino, Marksville, LA show on  Friday, June 21, 2013. "It was my favorite patriotic concert moment of my year," she posted on Twitter.

The song resonates well on a day like today - as we celebrate the independence of America.  GAC included Dierks' "Home" video in their Top 20 Patriotic Songs:

Dierks is drawn to another patriotic anthem, written by Lee Greenwood nearly 30 years ago. “God Bless the U.S.A.,” sure to be heard at many Fourth of July events all over the U.S.

“That song comes on the radio, and my immediate reaction is to immediately, like, turn the channel ’cause I’ve heard it so many times. By the time my hand goes from the steering wheel to the radio dial, like, I’ve already, instead of switching it, I’m turning it up, ’cause it sucks you right in.”

GACTV.com tells us Dierks' definition of  "America"

“Getting a chance to travel across the country on a tour bus, stepping up on stages whether it be county fairs, state fairs, arenas, rock bars, the Opry stage, anywhere across the country and looking out at that crowd and seeing people,” Dierks said. “The people, to me, are what America’s all about.”

Dierks, the son of a veteran, shows his patriotism every day, not just on the Fourth of July. “I love this country, and I love the history of this country,” he said. “I read books on this country. I spend my time on the road traveling physically throughout the country. The soldiers and their families are constantly on my mind. We work closely with the Wounded Warriors Project. We think about this stuff all the time."

Today is also the grand opening of Dierks Bentley's Whiskey Row:

“My favorite is the table taps where you can just have the waitress or waiter swipe your credit card on your table and there’s three taps of beer at your table. So, PBR, Bud Light, Blue Moon—I’m not sure what they're gonna be,” he said. “And then there’s one of just Fireball [whiskey].

“So, you can sit at your own table, pour your own drinks and watch your money go down on this little thing that shows—a hundred dollars, fifty, watch it go down.”

And Dierks offered a way to say thanks to service men and women, and to salute the 19 firefighters who died in a wildfire in Arizona on Sunday.

"Buy a firefighter or serviceman a drink this weekend, it's the least we can do for the safety and services they provide us. R.I.P. brothers." 

it’s been a long hard ride, got a ways to go

but this is still the place that we all call home

it’s been a long hard ride, and i won’t lose hope

this is still the place that we all call home

Dierks will perform at Jam in the Valley in Varysburg, New York tomorrow - July 5, along with Scotty McCreery and Chris Cagle.