The Top 16 Dierks Bentley Moments of 2016

The results are in!  Based on your votes, DB Congress, here are the top 16 moments of 2016 for our Prez, Dierks Bentley! 

1. Country Music Hall of Fame Honors Dierks with "Every Mile a Memory" Exhibit
2. Somewhere On A Beach Tour w/ Tucker Beathard, CAM & Randy Houser
3. The "Jet Black" VIP Experience
4. Donated $100k to Dolly Parton's #MyPeopleFund for Smoky Mountains fire victims                                                     
5. Black - The Album released May 27 to record-breaking sales!  
6. First time co-hosting the ACM Awards (with Luke Bryan)
7. Evie, Jordan and Knox Bentley sing with dad at VIP Lounge                                                      
8. Tweeted to DB Congress: "Keep being the greatest fans in country music!"                      
9. 4 CMA Awards nominations, a win for Musical Event of the Year (Different For Girls)                            
10. The "Black" Card! and Black released on VINYL (tie)                            
11. Back to his roots - performance at Legends downtown Nashville 
12. 4 songs, 4 videos, 1 story - leading up to the release of "Black."
13. Dierks and Elle perform "Jackson" on The Grand Ole Opry   
14. Red Rocks show sold out, 2nd night added--special guest Maren Morris
15. Featured in "Forever Country" video tribute to legends who shaped country music
16. ACM Nominations for Male Vocalist and Video of the Year (Riser)                                

Honorable Mentions:

Different For Girls feat. Elle King (2nd single from Black) becomes his 15th #1 and RIAA certified Gold.  Live from Nashville - Good Morning, America performance.  Somewhere On A Beach-lead single from Black--goes #1 and RIAA certified Platinum! Nominated for a Grammy for his collaboration with Eric Paslay on Charles Kelley's single, "The Driver."  Dierks is the "question" to a Jeopardy answer!  Black released as 3rd single, top 30 in just 5 weeks!  SESAC Award for Song of the Year - Somewhere On A Beach.  Performs on The Ellen Show and gives away a fly-away trip!
Celebrity hockey coach #NHLAllStars.  Kris Kristofferson and Glen Campbell tributes.

One more top Dierks moment that wasn't up for vote - Dierks Emojis! Get them here!

What were you thinkin'?  Were you surprised by the results?  Did we leave out any moments?  Leave a comment and let us know!

Vote for your favorite Dierks moments in 2016!

Check out the survey to the right of our page on dbcongress.com and vote for your top five moments of 2016!  Dierks has had his best year yet, and we will be posting the top 16 moments based on your votes on December 30!

Vote here!

First Show, Meet and Greet For One of Dierks Bentley's Biggest Deaf Fans

Keri Nutt has been deaf since she was two years old but she is one of Dierks Bentley's biggest fans! She wore a hearing aid from the age of four until about eight years ago when she switched to a Cochlear Implant in her right ear, allowing her to hear Dierks' voice and music.

"I can hear with the implant fairly well in my right ear and speak pretty well," Keri tells us.  "Sounds like I have an accent, though, and when I get nervous I tend to speak softly. I believe in doing both signing (ASL) and speaking but it depends on who I am hanging around with. I am fully deaf in my left ear and use the implant in my right ear and once I don't have it on I'm fully deaf, obviously."

"I adore Dierks and his music. He is just the ultimate inspiration for me because of who he is and what he does. His music and songs are what gets me through each day."  Keri posted her "Behind Black" fan video on dierks.com to explain why she is especially fond of "Riser":

Keri attended her first Dierks concerts in Texas last weekend, including interpreters, VIP and her first Meet and Greet. She told us all about her experience below.

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I was just so grateful for the opportunity to see him perform. I didn't anticipate winning a meet and greet too, but was hoping and when it happened it was beyond my wildest dreams! I requested interpreters for the shows, too.

I love Dierks' voice.  He has the sexiest and most clear voice I have ever heard.

The VIP Event was beautiful because I got to see the acoustic performances from Dierks.  It was very personal and amazing. The ASL interpreters were awesome!  I loved the VIP experience all the way around because it was small and intimate. It was awesome seeing Dierks interacting with the fans.

https://www.facebook.com/keri.nutt/videos/10154442180529153/

I am utterly and eternally grateful for the Meet and Greet opportunity with Dierks in Dallas last weekend, August 20. It was my very first time to meet him as well as attend his awesome concerts. He truly is a very kind and soft spoken gentleman. I was in awe the entire time and nervous. There were so many things I wanted to say and "sign" to him but completely blanked out.

I had planned on showing him a few signs but instead gave him a piece of cardboard for him to sign his name, he asked me what my name was and I signed and spoke K E R I.  He asked how to spelled it, I said, like the hand lotion commercial, Keri.  He chuckled and said, "I don't watch very many commercials, Keri." I laughed.  My ASL interpreters were with me and signing for us.  Dierks was very gracious and kind to them as well.

I got my picture taken with Dierks and signed to him and thanked him.  He thanked me back and then I got my pic taken again with my common in law next to him as well. It was such an amazing experience, I only wished I had more time to talk to him but I knew there were others waiting their turns.

THE CONCERTS: Dallas and Houston.  Damn! That man knows how to put on class act shows!

I was completely in awe the entire time from the start to the end. I didn't want the night to end! It was truly magical and just fricking awesome!  Dierks knows how to work the crowd and make everyone feel a part of the songs itself.  The ASL interpreters were amazing.  I really appreciated them tremendously. They also had a blast!

I will never ever forget my first time for Dierks weekend and I am truly grateful and changed for life.

You can plan on seeing me at more at Dierks shows and I hope to meet Dierks again to talk and sign longer with him and actually show him some signs!

Sincerely,

Keri

P.S.  If anyone has any questions about implants or ASL or anything, I would be more than happy to assist with info.

Young Fan Gets Priceless Birthday Gift from Dierks Bentley

 

One of our youngest DB Congress members, 8-year-old Derek Verst, got the best birthday gift ever last weekend in Indy! 

 

Mom Gina told us, "Derek is one of my triplets and it was his belated birthday present to go to the Dierks Bentley concert, including VIP."

 

Last September in Cincinnati, Dierks pulled Derek on stage during Drunk On A Plane.  So his goal for the VIP experience this time in Indy was to get Dierks to sign a photo he had brought from last year's experience.

 

But, boy did he get so much more! Gina tells us the story:

 

"The Indy VIP show was already extra special in and of itself because Dierks' girls, Evie and Jordan, each joined him on stage to sing songs.  But, then while prepping to do D.O.A.P. during the VIP show, Derek held out the photo and Dierks willingly autographed it.  He then asked Derek if he remembered the words.  Derek confidently replied, "Yes!" (he later asked me how he could not know the words to his FAVORITE song?!?)  Dierks helped him up on the stage and adjusted the mic Ben Helson had been singing on.  Derek nailed every last word!

 

Derek was still floating on cloud 9 from the VIP experience and I think his night would have been made with that.

 

But, he stood in the pit at the rail near our seats, singing and dancing along the entire night.  His face when the plane emerged for D.O.A.P. was PRICELESS! 

 

A group of people who were in the VIP event came over and asked if they could try to get Derek on stage and I said, "Sure!"  While Dierks was singing D.O.A.P., a man lifted Derek up and a large group of people started pointing and motioning towards Derek.  Dierks came over and grabbed his "co-pilot."  He placed Derek in the cock-pit of the plane and Derek got the best view in the house to watch the remainder of the finale.

 

 

 

After the show, Dierks tweeted a shout-out to his "co-pilot" with the picture."

 

 

 

Truly an unforgettable night!

Special thanks to Suzanne Jarvis for the videos and Kathy Butler for the photos.

 

Dierks Bentley Congress Reps Honor Jake's Memory

 

A few weeks ago, when Dierks Bentley posted a picture of his best friend/dog Jake captioned "rest in peace pal," the DB Congress (fan club) community mourned along with him. Many of us had met Jake --who had been by Dierks' side for 16 years--petted him, hugged him and designated him as an honorary DB Congress member!

 

But Jake died after a battle with cancer.  He was the best dog and our hearts go out to Dierks and his family.

  

While some fans sent their condolences via Facebook and Twitter, others brought cards and letters to meet and greets, one fan had a special T-shirt made and gave it to Dierks! 

 

At the Charlotte, NC show, the DBC delivered a hand-made keep sake box with a special message inside for the Bentley family, to fill the box with treasured memories of Jake--his dog tags, favorite toy, collar.

 

 

And dozens more DBC reps wanted to leave a legacy in honor of Jake's memory to an animal shelter of Dierks' choice.  I presented to him in the meet and greet in Tampa a plaque and a card with all the donor names and he was blown away.  He said he felt guilty about feeling bad about losing Jake when there was so much going on in the world--I told him we understood and not to feel bad--Jake was family.

 

 

 

During the Tampa show, after singing, "Every Mile A Memory," (Red sundown out across that Florida sky--I saw it tonight!) Dierks turned around to watch his pal on the video screens.  Watch here.

 

I later found out Dierks wanted the donations to go to the VCA Murphy Road Animal Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee.  They own Love At First Sight--a place that finds homes for puppies and kittens!

 

Megan Reaves was so appreciative of our $900 donation!  She told me "Dierks loved that dog so much!"  We know!

 

If you would like to contribute to the Jake Memorial Fund, just give her a call at 615-383-4241 or email her at Megan.Reaves@vca.com.  Tell her you are a Dierks Bentley Congress (fan club) member!

 

In addition to the many music videos and album covers, here are a few of our favorite Jake memories...

 

 

Jake was lost but he then he was found:

 

 

 

Jake flies Southwest Air: 

  

 

Dierks and George (left) and Jake:

 

 

 Jake helps Dierks unwrap his 40th birthday present from DBC:

 

 

The Grand Ole Opry - Induction (left 2005) and 10 year anniversary (right 2015): 

 

 

Dierks and Jake cover Country Weekly - 2009:

 

 

 Dierks Bentley self titled album:

 

 

Dierks and Jake on one of many red carpets over the years:

 

Photo shoot in Atlanta - 2009:
 

 

Classic Jake 'n Tie:

 

 

 

 #RIPJake

For fifteen years right by my side
From a single man to three kids and a wife
Friends come and go, but when it comes to Jake
There's just some things that can't be replaced

 

Ronna Clark

DB Congress Chair (FL)

Album Review-Black: Dierks Bentley's Most Soulful Album Yet

Imagine climbing Everest in the dark, feeling your way up the arduous mountain, holding on to a rope notched with 13 beautifully-laced loops along the way.  That's how I feel listening to Black.  I can’t see a thing, but Dierks Bentley is pulling me along, making me feel one song at a time, each one taking me higher and deeper into the intelligent uniqueness of Dierk’s eighth studio album.

Take a trip with me and DB Congress Chart Reporter, Carrie Srebro, as we try to put our feelings about this body of work into words.

Black: Written by Ashley Gorley, Ross Copperman and Dierks Bentley

There have been quite a few overtly sexual songs released to country radio over the past few years, which I’m personally not a fan of. What ever happened to leaving something to the imagination? But I think Dierks does a good job here of keeping it sexy but not overdoing it. I also really like the production on this song. I can see this being single #3. –Carrie Srebro (NC)

I still maintain this sensual song will replace Come A Little Closer as his signature love song.  The echo throughout positions the listener right in the moment.  Here, black is not nothing, but everything—no need to see, just feel.  I don’t wanna see a thing, I just wanna feel your love...Make my world go black.   –Ronna Clark (FL)

Watch Dierks intro the songwriters then perform "Black" at Highline Ballroom, NYC, 5/25/16:



Pick Up: Written by Jaren Johnston, Jimmy Robbins and Andrew Dorff

I liked this song when it was pre-released, but the more I listen to the album, the more I LOVE this song. I feel like Dierks sings the hell out of this one, you can really hear his frustration. And this is a pretty universal theme, but also one that hasn’t been done a million times, either. I’d be totally fine if this were to become a single, but I don’t see it falling that way. – CS

Clever, crafty songwriting!  Dierks said in an interview that his wife “screens” his calls, so he can relate to such a relatable story—who doesn’t get frustrated or worried when the person you’re calling won’t pick up the phone! Nothing more irritating, and you just want to hear their voice no matter what. Vocally and emotionally, Dierks nailed this one. -RC

I’ll Be The Moon (featuring Maren Morris):  Written by Heather Morgan, Matt Dragstrem and Ryan Hurd

Easily one of my favorite songs on the album. Maren and Dierks complement each other nicely and both sing the song well. You can feel the heartache and sadness. It’s so pleasant to listen to.  –CS

How could a story of a secret love triangle sound so sweet and forlorn at the same time?  Easy—get Dierks Bentley and Maren Morris to sing it as a duet!  The narrative explores subject matter from a unique perspective and I hope it becomes a single and radio plays it all the way to #1.  Nobody else can match this extraordinary effort.  -RC

Watch Dierks and Jessi Alexander perform "I'll Be The Moon" at Highline Ballroom, NYC, 5/25/16:



What The Hell Did I Say:  Written by Ross Copperman, Josh Kear and Chris Tompkins

This one has grown on me immensely since being a pre-release track. Once I listened to it in the car, I was sold, haha! I love a good song to jam to, and this one doesn’t disappoint. It’s super catchy, and Dierks hinted it may be a future single on SiriusXM The Highway. –CS

Ross Copperman’s oriental sounding treatment gives it a diverseness only Dierks could pull off.  And how different that the girl actually LIKED “every single word you left on my phone.”  Love the creative new verbs—Did I say we’d go shoppin, that I’d Louis Vuitton her, That I’d Rodeo Drive her slide a Tiffany diamond on her.”  Is that like new math?  Kudos to Ross, Josh and Chris.  The chorus is infectious and I find myself singing it at the top of my lungs at red lights. -RC


Watch Dierks perform "What The Hell Did I Say" at Highline Ballroom, NYC, 5/25/16:




Somewhere On A Beach:  Written by Michael Tyler, Jaron Boyer, Alexander Palmer, Dave Kuncio and Josh Mirenda

Still not my favorite, but damn, did this song blow up and get the job done for leading off this album with some serious momentum. And in the context of the full album, it doesn’t sound out of place at all. –CS

When I heard this was the first single from the new album, I was disappointed to say the least.  Another bro song? Really?  I know Dierks has so much more depth, but I also know radio needed something for the masses.   And sure enough, SOAB climbed quickly and spent two weeks at #1 and three weeks on the Hot Country Songs chart and is still in the top ten this week—four months later!  The song has really grown on me and I sing along happily now.  And yes, it is perfectly placed as chapter five in Dierks’ book of Black. -RC

Freedom:  Written by Ashley Gorley, Ross Copperman and Dierks Bentley

This song makes me want to skip along and bop to it. Obviously a theme that’s been done before, but I love how anthemic and sing-along this is. Once more people are familiar with it, this should be a highlight of the live show. Definitely single worthy. –CS

Paying homage to our US military—that flag on a soldier’s sleeve—is always a popular theme.  Makes me feel very patriotic.  That, and all the singing about all freedoms we enjoy because of those soldiers.  I can see this going over big on tour and can already hear the audience singing it at the top of their lungs.  That ticket to your favorite show/Getting’ lost in the rock n roll.  -RC

Why Do I Feel:  Written by Dan Wilson, Ross Copperman and Dierks Bentley

This is where the album kind of hits the brakes for me. Lyrically and vocally (as in, Dierks sounds good), I like this song. But I don’t like the sparse production at all. When I hear the opening piano, I immediately expect to hear Luke’s “Strip it Down” and that’s not really a comparison I enjoy making. I’ve been trying to get more into the song, but the R&B cadence and vocal style aren’t working for me. –CS

When I hear the piano intro, I hear a matureness in Dierks’ music that easily fits in today’s all-genre world.  The production is distinctly Ross Copperman-crafted.  The second verse gets all the way to me—Dierks’ voice at its gritty finest: Trying to find pain, where there’s only love…And when I get more, it’s never enough.  I love the reverberation in the melody and the subtle dobro—that works for me!  I can’t wait for the vinyl version so I can start with Side B! - RC

Roses And A Time Machine:  Written by Luke Dick and Adam James

I think I’m the only person who likes this song. It’s quirky and funky, but I find the lyrics to be self-deprecating and self-aware – the dude knows he screwed up and at least he’s able to make fun of himself. –CS

No, you’re not the only one, Carrie!  This is the old-school Dierks that we know and love!  Co-writer Luke Dick delivered this tongue-in-cheek tune at the Highline Ballroom Songwriters show May 25 and the whole room was laughing and singing along half-way through. Best regret song ever!  Great rhymes—edumacation/relations.  Is THAT what a time machine sounds like?  Cool vibe, Ross Copperman!   I can see a black hole/time travel treatment video for this song—what do you say, Wes Edwards? –RC

Watch Luke Dick perform "Roses And A Time Machine" at Highline Ballroom, NYC, 5/25/16:



All The Way to Me:  Written by Luke Dick, Scooter Carusoe and Dierks Bentley

This song is like your favorite pair of worn in jeans. It feels so good. It’s like if Lot of Leavin’ Left to Do and Free & Easy had a baby. I love it. It just feels so… DIERKS. The production is like a nod to “old” Dierks, the lyrics are SO Dierks – really this is like a continuation of I Hold On and I just love everything about it. Super high on my list of album highlights for sure. (And I would do a lot to hear a bluegrass version of this. I bet that would be killer.) –CS

Hard to believe the same guy who wrote Roses, also penned this page right out of Bentley’s boyhood morphing into adulthood.  When I first heard this and saw the background video on Apple Music, I couldn’t help but think of Kansas Ambassador and country artist, Logan Mize (Somethin’ ‘bout starlight on Kansas/ The way a wheat field dances), yet distinctly Dierks.  This song demonstrates how deeply he feels about the influences in his life (Cass and the kids).  Favorite line: Somethin’ ‘bout me and her and how our love turned into brown eyes lookin’ up/The sound of hardwood floors on little feet.   Bluegrass version gets my vote, too!- RC

Different For Girls (Featuring Elle King):  Written by Shane McAnally and J.T. Harding

Another great duet. I think the duets on this album are my favorites of Dierks’ career so far. I know there’s a lot of brouhaha over the lyrics and the over-generalization of male behavior, but Dierks himself even said he sucks at being a “dude” when it comes to heartache, so I’m not going to read too much into it. This song sounds great, and I think this is a moment on the album where Dierks is really saying “you know, I’m raising two daughters now, and I look at these things differently than I used to.” And I also like the idea that it’s the douchey bro from SOAB having an introspective moment, too. Love this and I hope it’s a huge hit for him. –CS

A guy takes up for a girl – yes please!  This may not have been written by Dierks, but it’s true to the core of his character.  He has said many times he can relate to how girls handle heartbreak because it’s kind of like he has reacted in the past.  Remember Yeah, 'cause I've lost weight and I've lost hair/And I don't intend to ever go back there/Drinkin' and a-thinkin' 'bout a love that just wasn't true (Forget About You)?  Yeah—that was autobiographical.  Thank you Shane McAnally for thinking of Dierks for this song.  And thanks, Dierks, for thinking of Elle King’s (daughter of Rob Schneider and London King) exceptional voice.  Perfect duet and harmonies.  The unique lyrics tell an honest story of guys and girls reacting to break-ups so differently; different than any other song on the radio right now.  DFG should easily be his 15^th number one single.  Favorite line: She don’t scroll through her phone just lookin’ for a band-aid. -RC

Mardi Gras (Featuring Trombone Shorty):  Written by Natalie Hemby, Steve Moakler and Dierks Bentley

I wasn’t too sure about this one when I listened to the album the first time, but wow, has it grown on me. It is so catchy, and again, I think Dierks kills the vocal on this one. I’ve had this song in my head a lot since Friday. –CS

While the production and melody remind me of Mardi Gras, the title is a metaphor for a girl who trashed the guy’s heart just like the streets of New Orleans the day after the real Mardi Gras. The trombone sliding of Trombone Shorty is the perfect action to tell this guy-done-wrong song.  Lyrical imagery abounds, painting the perfect charade picture.  Favorite line:  Strung me right along like lights on a balcony.

Light It Up: Written by Jessi Alexander, Ross Copperman and Dierks Bentley

This is another great track. I really like the spiritual metaphors. The production is perhaps a bit louder than it needs to be here, but it’s still a really great song, and one I wouldn’t mind seeing as a single, but it’s a bit similar thematically to HOLY by FGL so they’ll probably steer clear. –CS

Loved this song since I heard Dierks sing part of it acoustically on The Bobby Bones Show.  Vocally and melodically, the chorus soars and is much stronger than the verses.  Conversely, the lyrics in the verses are brilliantly written!  I used to get numb on a whiskey remedy/But then your spirit poured in like a symphony.  It’s apparent his angel (wife Cassidy) lights ups his soul! Co-writer Jessi and Dierks sang “Light It Up” at the Highline Ballroom in NYC last week. –RC

Here's a short clip of Dierks and Jessi performing "Light It Up" at Highline Ballroom, NYC, 5/25/16:



Can’t Be Replaced:  Written by Hillary Lindsey, Luke Laird and Dierks Bentley

Not much to say here that hasn’t already been said by basically everyone ever, but this is a fantastic song. First of all, I could talk about those dobro solos all day long. They’re gorgeous. Everything about this song is just perfectly executed. Definitely one of the best songs of his career. –CS

Whether its things or people, we all have memories of the images this song conjures up—totally saw my teen years flash before my eyes—Levi jacket, spinnin’ that bottle, Memorex mixtape and Boone’s Farm kiss.  Totally agree with the dobro solos, too—beautiful.  This may never be a single, although Dierks has said he would like it to be.  Our heart goes out to Jake who has been there with him since the beginning. -RC

If you want to feel every emotion in life, be sure to take Bentley’s Black along on your mountainous trek. It will seep into your soul, light it up and transcend you.

Ronna Clark

DB Congress Chair (FL)

DB Congress Exclusive Interview: Ben Helson, Dierks Bentley's New Lead Guitarist

Ben Helson far right/foreground; From left: Dierks Bentley, Steve Misamore, Tim Sergent
Photo Credit: Zach Belcher 

While we were sad to see Brian Layson leave, we are excited to welcome to the DBC family Dierks Bentley's new lead guitarist, Ben Helson!  Ben joined Team Dude March 31, 2016 and he was gracious enough to answer questions from DB Congress reps in the middle of the Somewhere On A Beach Tour!  

We can already tell his sense of humor is right on par with the rest of the band and his talent has already been proven on stage. He's played in bluegrass, rock and country bands, which he says set him up perfectly to play for Dierks and draw musically from each of those influences!  

Introducing...Ben Helson!

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DBC: Where were you when you got the call/text to be part of Dierks band? And what did you
think when you were asked to join the band? PS: Welcome to the family! (Adrian Taylor,
NC)

BH: Thanks, Adrian! I was actually in Italy of all places. I received a text from Dierks who asked
me to give him a call when I had a minute. Of course my heart was racing pretty fast, as I’m
sure is normal when one of your hero’s texts you. He was super cool and asked if I’d like to
come and play some guitar with him and the guys, and here I am. That’s the short version… I
think I blacked out for the rest of the conversation, haha. An unbelievable moment to say the
least.

DBC: When did you start playing (age?) and what was the first song you learned? What other
instruments do you play besides guitar? (Linda Alberts, FL)

BH: I started playing around the age of 13. My dad taught me my first song on the guitar which
was the old bluegrass tune, Home Sweet Home. As far as other instruments, I play a little
mandolin, banjo, bass, dobro, and piano!

DBC: I saw you playing in Dublin and I thought you fit in with the band perfectly. I loved your
guitar playing. My question is, when you started to play guitar, was this the kind of
music you envisioned yourself playing, or did you see yourself taking another path?
(Reet Eaton, Ireland)

BH: Thanks so much! Honestly, I was all over the map musically. I played in a bluegrass band
with my dad, a rock band with my friends at school, and in a few different country bands in
the area. I loved them all. I had no real preference, I just wanted to play music 24/7. I never
imagined it leading to the place I’m at now, but I’m so thankful it did. Looking back, playing
all those styles of music set me up perfectly for Dierks’ band. It’s the first gig I’ve had where I
get a chance to draw heavily from each of those influences!

DBC: Aren’t you originally from Brownsville, Kentucky? Tell us about your family. (Meredith
Mauer, SC)

BH: I am indeed. My family is amazing! I come from a musical family. My mother grew up playing
bass in gospel groups and my dad plays guitar and sings. My step-mother is also a great
piano player and singer. They were always very supportive of me and my dreams of playing
music. I also have 2 brothers and a sister who are awesome. I’m very proud of them all!

DBC: What weird or interesting initiation or pranks did Dierks band play on you? (Grace
Lenehan, TN)

BH: Nothing too big just yet. I have a feeling they’re still cooking something up!

DBC: Do you have a nickname, if so what is it and the story behind it? (Kathy Butler, IN)

BH: I’ve never had a nickname that has stuck. However, because I have a pretty thick
southern accent, people usually think I say Dan when they ask my name. It happens all
the time, haha!

DBC: Who are your musical influences? (Heather Ashley, TN)

BH: Too many to count. Everyone from Van Halen to Tony Rice to Django Reinhardt to Keith
Whitley. I could go on and on but I’ll stop there for now!

DBC: You have toured with mostly female artists—Rhonda Vincent, Danielle Bradbery and
most recently Maddie & Tae. How is it different touring with all guys now? (Ronna Clark,
FL)

BH: The bus doesn’t smell as nice. Haha!

DBC: Who would you like to play with/for dead or alive? (Linda Alberts, FL)

BH: That’s a tough one. I'm thankful to have had the amazing opportunity to share the stage with a
lot of my heroes thus far. But some that come to mind that I would/would’ve loved to play
with are, Emmylou Harris, Merle Haggard, Keith Whitley, and Alison Krauss. I’m sure I’ll think
of a hundred more as soon as I send this out, ha!

DBC: Who is your favorite guitarist and why? (David Mattingly, KY)

BH: If I absolutely had to narrow it down to one person, it would have to be Bryan Sutton. When I
heard a Ricky Skaggs record that he played on, that’s the moment that made me really want
to start taking guitar seriously. I didn’t know that people could play like that. He plays
acoustic guitar (and lots of other instruments) on numerous recordings in Nashville, including
Dierks’. He adapts so easily to whatever style he’s asked to play and seems to always have
the right ideas and approach to every song!

DBC: Did you become friends with Dierks/mates while on tour with Maddie & Tae? (David
Mattingly, KY)

BH: Yes, we got a chance to hang out quite a bit with Dierks and the band while we were out with
him last summer. Dierks does an amazing job of making everybody on each tour feel like
family, and the Sounds of Summer tour was no exception. It seemed like each night all the
bands and artists would end up hanging out and having backstage jam sessions. Fun times!

DBC: Have things been as expected so far? Or have there been some surprises during
rehearsal/tour? (Amy Wicks, FL)

BH: The transition to this role has been surprisingly stress free. Everyone in the band and crew
(including Dierks) has gone above and beyond to make me feel comfortable and made sure I was set up for success right off the bat. The only aspect that was a little surprising is how much freedom there is to be yourself musically. They embrace the idea that everyone has their own musical personality and will encourage each other to bring that to the table!

DBC: What is your favorite DB song to play live and why? (Sherrie Shamon, FL)

BH: I love so many different ones for different reasons. However, right now I’d have to say Black.
It’s just different than anything I’ve gotten to play before!  I also really like 5150, Lot of Leavin’, and Freedom, too. Those are great guitar songs!

DBC: You were a musician with Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder and directed the
Renaissance Bluegrass at Bethel University in Tennessee. Did that background help
influence Dierks’ bluegrass “Up On The Ridge” to be the show opener for the
Somewhere On A Beach Tour? (Ronna Clark, FL)

BH: I’d like to think it did, haha. Dierks seems to have a never-ending reservoir of ideas and this
one seemed to come about very organically, right before our first show in Ireland. He thought
that since the country of Ireland had such a rich history of Celtic fiddle music, it would be cool
to open the show with the banjo and fiddle. We all liked it so much we thought we would give
it a shot on the SOAB tour. So far people seem to dig it, which lets me know that DB has a lot
of cool fans!

DBC: What are you looking forward to the most in regards to this summer's tour? What
venue/city are you the most excited about playing? (Nancy Eaton, ME)

BH: I can’t think of anything in particular that I’m looking forward to more than just being on stage
with Dierks and the band each night. He and the band bring so much energy to the table, it’s
impossible not to have a ridiculous amount of fun on stage. Each night I’ve had to pinch
myself to be sure it’s all real.

DBC: When you have time outside of music, what are your hobbies? Are you a sports fan?
Favorite team(s)? (David Mattingly, KY)

BH: Not really a sports fan, which I know is borderline sinful when you’re from Kentucky, haha.
When I’m not traveling, I mainly try to be intentional about spending quality time, in whatever
facet, with close friends/family, and of course my wife, Danielle. But, I’m still just as into
playing/practicing music as much as ever, so there’s usually an instrument close by at home.
So, my hobby outside of music is still music I guess, haha!

DBC: What's the craziest fan encounter so far? Have you been warned some of us (DBC
reps) are a little crazy? (Kathy Butler, IN).

BH: Hahaha, no crazy encounters yet, just a lot of support which I appreciate greatly!

DBC: What do you like best about touring with Dierks? (Sherrie Shamon, FL)

BH: Concise answer is… everything. I’m having the time of my life out here. One specific
thing is getting to see how much he doesn’t take anything concerning his success for
granted. He knows where he came from and is thankful for where he’s at. It’s easy to
root for a guy like that.

DBC: What one thing can you tell us about Dierks that we die-hard fans don’t already
know? (Ronna Clark, FL)

BH: I should be the one asking you all! Maybe how seriously knowledgeable he is about
bluegrass and country music. Pretty incredible. But I have a feeling you already knew
that!

Thanks for the questions. I’m so thrilled to be apart of the DB team and I know I have
impossibly giant shoes to fill from Brian Layson (he’s the man!). So thanks for being so
supportive everybody. It means a lot!

Thank YOU, Ben! See you on the tour!

Dierks Bentley: "Black," The Video

Part 4

"Come A Little Closer" just lost it's longstanding crown of Dierks Bentley's career love songs to newcomer, "Black."

The fourth and final video in the series of songs leading up to the album, the title track is intoxicatingly sexy, but the mystery continues when the girl walks out on the sleeping lover.  Is she going to turn herself in? Is the boyfriend really dead?  Is she trying to spare the other guy from being involved? You'll have to draw your own conclusions, as director Wes Edwards keeps you guessing in the black and white (to match the theme of the album) conclusion to the mini-series.

My wife said, 'I thought this was supposed to be a love song,'" recalls the singer-songwriter, who titled his album Black as a nod to wife Cassidy's maiden name. "I said, 'Black' is the love song. And she said, 'But it's not a love song. . . it's an in-the-moment love song.'"

Black

Written by Dierks Bentley, Ashley Gorley and Ross Copperman

The moon outside too bright
Those blinds
Yeah let's just keep em closed
You know my hands they know where to go
To find your fingertips
Trace em back to your lips
Take you on a trip
Flip that switch

Make my world go black
Hit me like a heart attack
Knock me flat on my back yeah
Just keep doing that
That thing you're doing there
Brush me with your hair

I swear, I don't know how long that I can last
Make my world go black
Make my world go black

Like your dress on the floor
Yeah the one you don't need anymore
Black like a sky with no stars
Just find me and fall into my arms

And make my world go black
Hit me like a heart attack
Knock me flat on my back yeah
Just keep doing that
That thing you're doing there
Brush me with your hair
I swear, I don't know how long that I can last
Make my world go black
Make my world go black

I don’t want to see a thing
Baby I just want to feel your touch
Feel your rush
I don’t want to see a thing
I just want to feel your love
Make my world go black
Hit me like a heart attack
Knock me flat on my back yeah
Just keep doing that
That thing you're doing there
Brush me with your hair

I swear, I don't know how long that I can last
Make my world go black
Make my world go black


I don't wanna see a thing
I just want to feel your touch
Feel your love



Read more: http://www.rollingstone.com/music/premieres/dierks-bentley-black-video-20160513#ixzz48f0w1dtW

Dierks Bentley: "Pick Up" Video

Part 3

"We can pick up right where we left off," sings Dierks Bentley in part three of the video series that started with a love triangle story-line in "I'll Be The Moon, followed by "What The Hell Did I Say," where the lover, played by Austin Cook, leaves texts on the girls phone that her live-in boyfriend reads while she's sleeping.

The video "Pick Up" starts with her waking up to a missing phone and an angry, abusive boyfriend.  While the lover is desperate to get her to pick up the phone, he drives to her house to find her on the floor.  Watch to the very end to see the shocking scene.






The four-video series is chronicled exclusively at rollingstone.com featuring four songs from Dierks Bentley's upcoming album Black releasing May 27.

"When you're in the throes of a relationship, it can be crazy and lustful, even obsessive and jealous," says Bentley. "'Pick Up' drops into the sequence as that point when you just have to be closer to your girl. For the storyline and plot of these videos, Wes [Edwards, director] definitely takes it there and puts a shocking spin on it."

iTunes put "Pick Up" at #79 on the Country Chart today, while "I'll Be The Moon" lands at #114 and "What The Hell Did I Say" is #137.  The fact that these songs charted at all on iTunes without even being released as singles speaks volumes about the power of video and Dierks!

Stayed tuned for our recap of the fourth video, "Black," to close out the series.

Dierks kicked off his Somewhere On A Beach Tour Thursday night in Homdel, NJ, complete with a "Black" Bus before the shows for Black Card holders to listen to the whole album prior to the May 27 release.  Great way to give something special to the hard core fans!  He even jumped on the bus himself!

Dream Comes True for Ireland DB Congress Rep; Sees Dierks in Dublin

You may remember we told told you about our one and only Ireland DB Congress member, Rita (Reet) Eaton, who promotes Dierks daily--without every having seen a show or meeting him.  In April, Reet finally had the opportunity when Dierks did a show in Dublin.  Here's her story:

To say that I've been looking forward to seeing Dierks play live for a while now would probably be an understatement. I had thought about trying to save money to get over to the U.S. to see him, but when I heard last October/November that he was coming to Ireland, let's just say I was a little ecstatic. Oh hell......let's be honest here....I was freaking over the moon. I couldn't believe it. Dreams really do come true.

So, on November 19th 2015, I got my Dierks tickets. No's 6 and 7. Happy bunny here I can tell you. only problem was the gig wasn't until April 21st 2016....5 whole months to wait. A lifetime away, or so it seemed. Some of you may have been aware that I was counting down the days!

We have a few Country Music TV programmes over here in Ireland and I started sending in requests for Dierks videos and songs, telling them about his upcoming concert and was lucky enough to get him mentioned on a couple of the programmes, and get the videos and songs played.

I have been friends with a few DB Congress reps and Dierks fans on Facebook and Twitter and was delighted when I found out some of them were coming over for the show. I met up with Janet, David and Jim in Dublin. We had a great time. They were so nice, and before too long we were getting on like a house on fire. They all made my first Dierks gig so much more fun. David and Jim had some really cool stickers made especially for the Dublin show and we were giving them out to all and sundry.

Time went by and finally, FINALLY, April 21st was here. OMG! I'm going to see Dierks.

We were standing in line outside The Olympia Theatre in Dublin for a couple of hours wanting to make sure that we got a good spot (I mean....that's normal right?) when all of a sudden, there in front of me was DIERKS. FREAKIN'. BENTLEY. It took me a minute for this to sink in. Then I managed to pull myself together.

The first thing that hit me was how quiet and unassuming he was. I mean, when you see him on stage (and up to this point I've only seen videos and clips that have been posted up) he's there in front of you...larger than life, owning the stage and the audience. You almost expect him to be this larger than life personality off stage too, But no, he seems humble, normal, just an everyday sort of dude. At least that's how he came across to me anyway.

Having been around bands and musicians for a big part of my life I am all too aware that what you see on stage, isn't what you see off stage. But this was DIERKS. FREAKIN'. BENTLEY. He's in the Hall of Fame (exhibit) in Nashville. He co-hosted the ACM's. He's a huge Country Music Star in the U.S.......and here he is standing in front of me...on the street.....outside The Olympia Theatre. WOW!

Stashed in my bag I had some Irish Whiskeys which I didn't know if I was going to be able to sneak in or not. Luckily I didn't have to worry about that anymore. I gave them to him there and then, along with some Green Cups (as opposed to Red) as he was in Ireland after all. And yes, he used said Green Cups on stage (me privately chuffed). I also managed to get a "Selfie" taken with him (and I hate having my picture taken). It wasn't too long before a small crowd gathered and a few more "Selfies" were being taken. Dierks was great sharing his time.

After that, it was time to go into The Olympia. Second highlight of my day.....I had yet to have my Meet and Greet with Dierks. I had my picture taken with him (again) and he signed my new "Black" t-shirt. He said that was his first time seeing them so that's my claim to fame. Dierks Bentley signed MY "Black" t-shirt first. 😊 Unfortunately, as my brain was not functioning at this point and I didn't get to say thanks to Dierks. Not only for his wonderful music, but also for the incredible friends in DB Congress that I have made through him. That's really what I wanted the Meet and Greet for, but my brain had pretty much left the building at this point.

Off I went into the venue. We managed to get front row spots. No one in front of us, but plenty behind us.

At 8 pm Dierks' support act, Tucker Beathard, came on and showed us his musical talent. He was brilliant. Just him and his guitar, and as Dierks said, it's not easy to come out on stage, in a strange Country, and do what he did, but he did it with no problem at all and the crowd loved him. I loved him, too. A new fan for Tucker.

Finally, it was time.

Dan Hochhalter and Tim Sergent appeared on stage playing an intro with an Irish twist on the fiddle and banjo. This turned out to be the intro to "Up On The Ridge." Soon they were joined by the rest of the band, Cassady Feasby, Steve Misamore, Ben Helson, and Dierks himself for the full version of the song. So damned good.

My night had started. I was flying.

The night went on with many favourites (old and new)...."Free and Easy," "Tip It On Back," "Am I The Only One," "Say You Do," "I Hold On," "Every Mile A Memory," "Freedom," "Lot Of Leaving Left To Do," "Black," "Somewhere On A Beach," "Sideways," "I'll Be The Moon," "What The Hell Did I Say," then finishing the night with the only song that can finish a night like that off, "Drunk On A Plane."  In between his set he paid tribute to Merle Haggard and sang one of his songs, also mentioning Prince who had died that day.






Dierks had the crowd in the palm of his hand. He drew everyone in and made you feel like he was singing to you personally. He showed the audience his new "old" boots telling everyone how he got them and where they came from (from his DB Congress!).  He's real pleased with those boots.

The Band were just incredible and Ben, the new guitarist, fits right in perfectly. Every single person left The Olympia Theatre in Dublin on a high knowing that they had just witnessed one hell of a show, and one hell of a singer. It was special. No one was disappointed.

We all made our way out of The Olympia having made new friends along the way, gathered outside talking about the incredible night we'd all just had.

The only down side? I was just so sad that it was all over so soon. I had a serious case of Dierks Post Concert Blues.

What the night of April 21st 2016 did for me was make me even more determined to go to MM4K (Miles and Music For Kids) in 2017. Wild horses won't keep me away from that now. No Way.

So there you have it. My first ever Dierks Bentley experience. I just hope I manage to have many more.

Thank you Dierks for probably THE most memorable night of my life.....and that's saying something because I've seen a fair few bands, but nothing like this.

Oh yeah....a small P.S. We even made a brief appearance in the small compilation video that Dierks posted of his Dublin/London/Glasgow trips.

-Reet Eaton
DB Congress Rep
Ireland

Best Friend and Dierks Bentley Inspire DB Congress Rep to Run Boston Marathon

Prepare to be deeply moved by fellow DB Congress rep, Nancy Eaton (Maine), as she tells her brave and inspirational story.

My Journey to the Boston Marathon
by Nancy Eaton

Nancy Eaton crosses the finish line of the 2016 Boston Marathon

I started running at the age of 47. I had just gone through a difficult divorce and my life consisted of working 50-60 hours a week in Boston as a nurse in Labor and Delivery and raising my six kids. There needed to be some sort of stress-reducer in my life. So I started running. The more I ran, the more I loved it. Running took me away from the stress of my life and helped me find inner peace. It took me out of my head for the hours I was able to squeeze into my week.

A couple of years after taking up running, a new nurse came to work on my unit. Her name was Amanda Turner Russell and we hit it off immediately. We both loved Disney, traveling, music, reading and nursing. She was a ray of sunshine on our unit, always smiling. She was one of the most incredible nurses I have ever met, always up for a challenge, caring for the most difficult of patients. She was also very very funny, always making us laugh over various situations. We bonded over our running and we started running Disney races together. She was all about the costumes and the characters, I was all about my finish time.

Amanda and Nancy

Amanda loved taking pictures of sunrises, we worked the night shift. Every morning she would go to the roof of our building and snap a picture of the sunrise. If I was on vacation or off that night, I would awaken to the sunrise picture of the day on my Facebook page! I loved that she was always trying to make me smile even when we weren’t together.

Pushin' comes to shove, and hey I'm a fighter...

We also bonded over our love of music. I fell in love with Dierks Bentley’s music the first time I heard him sing "Home" at the US Naval Academy in Annapolis. My daughter is a midshipman there and she asked me to come to the concert. The respect he showed to all the midshipmen was something I will never forget. I started downloading all of his music and running to it. Right now I have about 20 miles of his songs on my iPod. If I feel like I can’t finish my run I put on Riser. It reminds me that I can do anything I set my mind to.

I went to my first real concert in the summer of 2015. My daughter and I drove to Virginia Beach from Maine and stood in the pit for hours waiting for Dierks to perform. Amanda loved and supported my musical obsession, patiently waiting for me to access the Ticketmaster app on my phone when we were in Disney so I could get tickets to another Dierks concert.

Nancy, Dierks Bentley, Nancy's daughter

In the Fall of 2015, Amanda decided to run the Boston Marathon for our Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center hospital team, hoping to raise $7,000 for our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). When she asked me to join her I told her I was trying to qualify for Boston so I would pass, but that I would donate to her cause.

On December 23, 2015, Amanda was on a training run when she was hit by a car driven by an impaired driver. She sustained severe head injuries and was declared brain dead 5 days later. Her organs were harvested and she passed away on Dec 29th at the age of 32. She left a young son, her family, and hundreds of friends devastated. At her bedside Amanda’s Mom asked me to run the marathon in her place. After breaking my foot twice in 2015 I was unsure if I could complete a full marathon so soon, but I knew I had to try. I felt as though I had to do this one last thing for my friend.

Brave, gotta call it brave...

So I began training, increasing my miles every week, getting ready for the Boston Marathon. In an attempt to bring me inspiration during my run I started collecting signatures of country singers on my running shirt. Dierks was the first person to sign my shirt! Amanda would have loved that! It has been an emotional couple of months. Running for her has brought me great joy, brought the nurses on my unit closer together, but it has also made me miss her even more. Every long run I would think about how it should have been her who was running, not me.

After weeks of training, Monday April 18th finally arrived! This was my 8th marathon and I have to say that it was definitely my hardest. It was hot, started later in the day, and we ended up running into the wind for the last 9 miles or so. I wore a Disney sparkle skirt in memory of Amanda. The race course was covered with friends, family, coworkers cheering me on. It was like running a Disney race, stopping for pictures along the way. The love I felt while running was incredible.

At mile 25 my daughter helped me me put on the wings that Amanda had made for me when we ran the Dopey challenge at Disney, 4 races in 4 days--it was the January after the Boston Marathon bombing. They truly carried me to the finish line on April 18,  2016. Not sure my legs and feet were working anymore!

I was also greeted with a sign that I should run faster because Dierks Bentley was at the finish line. Between the wings and the Dierks music in my ears, I was able to complete this race, receiving a hug from two more of my kids who were waiting right at the finish line.

Amanda’s Mom, sister and Godmother were at the finish line as well. As soon as possible I gave them Amanda’s bib and medal! In her life she touched so many people and continues to do so after her death.  Her fundraising page has raised more than $26,000 for the NICU, her heart, lungs and kidney are giving life to others, and her beautiful soul is present in every sunrise. 

Thank you, Nancy, for sharing your incredible story!  I had the pleasure of meeting Amanda briefly in November when she and you had just finished your Disney 4 races in 4 days. Just as Amanda was in inspiration to you, you are an inspiration to your fellow DB Congress reps! We're so proud to have you on our team representing and promoting Dierks daily!

~Ronna

DB Congress Chair (FL)

Dierks Bentley: "What The Hell Did I Say?" The Video

Ever notice how many questions Dierks Bentley asks in his song titles? First there was What Was I Thinkin', then How Am I Doin'?, and remember Is Anybody Loving You These Days? and Am I The Only One?  Now in the new song from Black - "What The Hell Did I Say" - he's asking again!

Dierks is more or less messing with his fans by building the story of his next album, Black, one song and video at a time.  The anticipation is killing us!  But we're loving the intrigue so far!

The second installment of the mini-video series premiered April 15, "What The Hell Did I Say," follows the same actors - girl, boyfriend and lover portrayed in the first video, "I'll Be The Moon."

The love triangle gets even more tangled up when the boyfriend sees the girl's phone "light up" and read the texts from the lover--who can't remember what the hell he said to her during his drunk dials to her the night before, but she says she 'loved every single word' he 'left on her phone."

Dierks seems to be having fun with this one, and songwriters Ross Copperman, Josh Kear and Chris Tompkins found a few new verbs: Did I say we'd go shopping?That I'd 'LouisVuitton her'?/ That I'd 'Rodeo Drive' her?

Dierks tells Rolling Stone:  "I love singing fun songs; I've built a career on them. With 'What the Hell,' it's a fun, morning-after song.  The video is a chance to take it somewhere else and keep the conversation wide open" 

The consequences of "What The Hell Did I Say" may be revealed in the third song/video, "Pick Up," premieres April 29 exclusively via Rolling Stone Country.

Songwriters: Ross Copperman / Josh Kear / Chris Tompkins

Woke up this morning with my cellphone ringing
She said, "I know that when you called me, you were drinking
But I loved every single word you left on my phone
And I know you're hungover but I'm coming on over"
Did I say we'd go shopping? That I'd Louis Vuitton her?
That I'd Rodeo Drive her? Slide a Tiffany diamond on her?

What the hell did I say when I called last night
Dripping loads of whiskey honey in that message that the liked
What the hell did I say? Gotta dial it up again
I'm writing out those lines that fell out drunk at 3 am
What the hell did I, hell did I, hell did I say?
What the hell did I, hell did I, hell did I say?

Last thing I remember, I was thinking I'd call her up
And put her on speaker while the whole bar sang Free Bird
Had that phone in my hand when I ran into trouble
My friend coming over with a couple of doubles

Chorus

Did I say we'd go shopping? That I'd Louis Vuitton her?
That I'd Rodeo Drive her? Slide a Tiffany diamond on her?
Did I tell her she could move in and we'd fly out to Vegas
Champagne all the way and we'd get married by Elvis

Chorus

What the hell did I say?
What the hell did I say?
---

Leave a comment.  Are you Team Boyfriend or Team Lover?

Black is due out May 27.  Get your BlackCard today to preorder and get special perks along the way!