Dierks Bentley's Headline Riser Tour Opening Weekend in Charlotte/ Raleigh, NC: 20 years in the Making

Photo Credit: Stephanie Lanham. Dierks Bentley, Chase Rice, Jon Pardi, Chris Young
Raleigh, NC, May 10, 2014, Riser Tour Opening Weekend

We had this date marked on the calendar forever.  We'd take that Dierks Bentley headlining Riser Tour opening weekend DRT (Dierks Road Trip) together!

DB Congress reps gathered in Charlotte, NC Riser Tour Eve on May 8, 2014 to kick off our president's opening weekend of his first ever amphitheater headlining tour in Charlotte and Raleigh, North Carolina.  During dinner, we shared our favorite memories of Dierks and captured the moment with a photo including our newest little member, Clara!

Not content to wait for the next day's memories to begin, we took a ride to the PNC Music Pavilion to search for and replicate the same photo our prez had tweeted earlier in the day.  When we got there, we could see the new stage lighting from a distance and hear sound check.  Of course we couldn't help but sing along and laugh at the ad libs.

Dierks is always trying to push the envelope.  He brings a certain energy and passion to his show, and makes a concerted effort to connect with each person in the audience in some way. So much so that I'm convinced he co-wrote the book Fish!, the blueprint book for corporate America. The premise: Choose Your Attitude, Play, Make Their Day, and Be Present.

Dierks Bentley personifies the Fish model perfectly, always displaying a positive attitude, with a unique country-rock-bluegrass, grab you from the get-go live stage show production that makes you feel it all the way down to the depths of your heart and soul.

Such was the case throughout the entire weekend.

Opening with an explosive "5-1-5-0" in Charlotte, May 9, one by one the band emerged from below "The Wave Wall" a huge video and lighting apparatus brought in special for the Riser Tour.  Dierks asked the crowd, "Y'all ready to lose your minds?"

By now you've seen the video for Drunk On A Plane, but we got a sneak preview during the opening weekend.  Dierks decided to play and sang, "we're getting drunk on a 'snake' plane."

He and the guys 'gave it all they've got to give' with Up On The Ridge, that melded into One Republic's "Counting Stars" and Avicii's "Hey Brother" all the while Dierks and band made their way out to the stage way out by the lawn seats (make their day).

Closing with Home, Dierks told the crowd:  "Let me tell you something Charlotte, if home is the place that you come from and this is the first day of our headlining tour, then this is our home. Thank you guys for making us feel welcome--it's awesome!"

Then, Dierks gave a red guitar to a birthday girl in the audience.  Talk about making her day!

Of course we might be biased, being hard core Dierks fans, many of us for ten plus years. But there's a reason we 'hold on.' Actually there are many reasons.

Dierks is always present. It's more than just showing up. When he's with you, he truly is with you. Even if just for a few seconds, a few minutes in a meet and greet, (or street and greet), he looks you in the eye and isn't distracted by his watch (doesn't wear one), or others around. No. You're the only one for that short time. It's like talking with a friend.

He's the same way on stage. He doesn't just stand in one place and look out into space.  He walks, runs, jumps, sits and sometimes lays on every square inch of the stage, cat walk and new to the Riser Tour--second stage.  He makes eye contact with individuals in the crowd.  He's present with that person for those few seconds--and it makes them feel special.

Charlotte - I Hold On Intro

"I went to my first country concert when I was 13 and when I was 19 I drove across the country in a 1994 Chevy truck with my dad we drove from Phoenix, AZ to Nashville TN to start this dream right here--its' only taken 20 years...I still drive that same truck....I don't want a new guitar...I hold on to things that I love and there's nothing more that I love than my fans... you guys... thank you for giving us this chance.  I'm holding on to you guys...and I'm never letting go!"

A few minutes before the Raleigh show, Dierks sent us a message on Twitter and made our day!

Photo Credit: Stephanie Lanham. Chris Stapleton, Chase Rice, Chris Young,
Dierks Bentley in Raleigh, NC, May 10, 2014, Riser Tour Opening Weekend

In Raleigh, Dierks got very emotional before singing Every Mile A Memory and that emotion carried in his voice throughout the night.  He's a Riser and he powered through.

After the Ridge/Counting Stars/Hey Brother medley, Dierks segued into Settle For A Slowdown and Come a Little Closer, as he made his way back to the stage via a little crowd surfing.  Some lady got a little out of hand with the touching to which Dierks responded when he was back on the main stage to sing the third verse.  "Oh, I almost got stripped down out there!"

The most electrifying segment of the evening unfolded when he launched into What Was I Thinking, pulling up nearly every little white tank top wearing girl he could find onto the stage with him, including several DBC reps!

Raleigh - What Was I Thinkin/Sideways, Little White Tanks Tops On The Stage and Dierks Does a Stage Dive




Since this is the Riser Tour, Dierks sang four songs from the album - Drunk On A Plane, Bourbon In Kentucky, I Hold On and Riser.  We were hoping for more, like Sounds of Summer, Say You Do, Pretty Girls, or Five. With Chris Stapleton opening the Raleigh show, there might have been a chance for Hurt Somebody since he sings background vocals on the record, but disappointingly it wasn't added.

Riser was one of the highlights of both nights, with the visual affects subtly and progressively enhancing the emotion in his vocal.

Photo Credit: Takara.  Dierks Bentley singing Riser
May 10, 2014, Raleigh, NC, Riser Tour

The set list was the same both nights, but the experience was totally different.

Photo Credit: Takara.  Steve Misamore, Cassady Feasby, Brian Layson, Dierks,
Tim Sergent, Dan Hochhalter; May 9, 2014, Charlotte, NC Final Bow, Riser Tour

Still on our Dierks high, sadly, we said goodbye to our DB Congress friends and while some stayed in their home state of NC, others traveled back to Missouri, Florida, South Carolina, Indiana, Georgia, and Tennessee.  But not before talk of our next DRT!

Thank you Dierks, Cassady, Tim, Steve, Dan and Brian, Chris, Tom, Mel, Jay and Pugs for a being playful and present.  You made our weekend one wildly memorable opening Riser Tour!  We are proud fans for life!

Dierks' Double Stage-Dive at Joe's Bar

Dierks Bentley; photo by Alicia Rose

To see Dierks Bentley perform (and stage dive) at Joe's Bar in Chicago is on many a bucket list of hard-core DB fan-clubbers (DB Congress), including Kathy Butler (IN) and Alicia Rose (WI).  But the only way to get tickets for the show last week was to be a local resident and win through a Chicago radio station.  When that didn't happen, Kathy and her entire family drove three hours to a casino in Indiana where US 99.5 was doing a drawing for 50 pairs of tickets. 

Kathy:

It got down to the last 12 pair of tickets when we heard my dad's name called. I'm not ashamed to admit I squealed and jumped up and down! My poor dad lost all day on the slot machines, but came out the biggest winner!  

Dierks opened the show with the title cut from his new album, Riser, which earned the #1 spot this week on Billboard Country Albums today. He also played Say You Do, Drunk On A Plane, Back Porch, Bourbon In Kentucky and I Hold On from the new CD, along with some older hits. The crowd went crazy for Drunk On A Plane. He also did "Hey Brother," a cover by Avicii.  He mentioned how many faces he recognized as longtime fans and that no matter how famous he gets he'd always come home to Joe's. 

He did a stage-dive twice. I caught his ankle/boot. When they pulled him back on stage I got pinned under him, so he pretty much sat on my head!  After the concert he was his normal amazing self and stayed out for awhile to sign autographs--anything from boots, hats, a lady's forehead and a dude's chest!  As always it was worth the long drive and missed sleep. My highlights for the evening, besides D sitting on my head, was Brian, purposely smacking me in the face with a nasty bra hanging from his guitar. He made up for it by letting me "play" his guitar. Got a drum stick from Steve and lots of love from D. He was exhausted but still put on a great show. 

Alicia:

I was shocked and beyond grateful when Kathy won tickets to the US 99.5 Live Country Riser Release Party at Joe's Bar and she asked me to go! I've said it before and I'll say it again, I am so blessed to have met so many amazing people through Dierks and DB Congress.

We were a little concerned about the weather because the high was only supposed to be 3 degrees with wind chills well below zero and if you've even been to Chicago you know the wind off of Lake Michigan in the winter is brutal. But as luck would have it, Joe's now has an Off Track Betting facility and they are open during the day.

Dierks came on stage at 9 pm and kicked things off with Riser! Amazing! I love that song so much--it's my new anthem for life. Kathy and I were right up front against the stage and couldn't have had a better spot. (ok well maybe just a little better only because Brian's guitar was turned up so loud that we were trying to signal them to turn it down a little.) The show was fantastic. The energy was amazing and people seemed to really be loving the new stuff, especially Drunk on a Plane. People were calling that out like crazy before they played it. 

Dierks did his traditional Joe's stage dive (twice) and basically was sitting on top of Kathy and me while we tried to push him back up on stage. I'm sure the people behind us were helping too but it felt like it was just us. It's all that muscle he's put on recently--he's seriously buff and looks even better than usual. (I know, I know, how is that even possible?) 

When the show was over, Dierks stayed on stage to do autographs and pictures for at least 40 minutes. He is so awesome to his fans and people of course really appreciated it. I got my Riser CD signed and my ticket stub. My night was absolutely amazing and I didn't want it to end. I'm so ready for my next show! Praying more dates get announced soon because waiting until August 31 at Soldier Field is not acceptable! Again, a huge thanks to Kathy for the invite! I owe you BIG :)

All Photos by Alicia Rose:

Dierks

Dierks

Brian Layson

Cassady Feasby 

Dierks signs autographs after the show

Dierks stage dives

Dierks Bentley's "Riser" Album - A Conversation Between Dierks Friends

Riser review, part two.

It's difficult to be objective when you're a Dierks Bentley fan for life. If you talk to any DB Congress member they will say they love his new album, "Riser." Of course...what's not to love? Anytime our president puts himself out there, raw and exposed, it makes us love him even more.  As an artist and songwriter, the character of the man who moves us with his music every day oozes out of every pore of Riser.  

Every lyric is truly believable, his vocal never more emotional and heartfelt.  It's as if he's giving us a peek into his very soul. In fact, "heart and soul" are threaded throughout the project both lyrically and emotionally.

Follow along below while Dierks friends discuss each track. 

Bourbon in Kentucky - Written by Hillary Lindsey/Gordie Sampson/Ryan Tyndell.

• CS:  There is nothing to say about this song that hasn't already been said: a wonderful song that most people didn't get to hear, didn't get its justice at radio, blah blah blah. Still so, so good. One of my favorite Dierks cuts in years... there are a few songs on this album that would likely make my Top 15 Dierks songs list and this is one of them.
  
• RC:  Some say I Hold On sounds like a hearbeat but to me, Bourbon's guitar riff is thump-thumping like a heart ticking away, and and the subtle, vibrating instrumentation added by producer Ross Copperman is so unique.  Kacey Musgraves lends smooth vocals to blend perfectly, resulting in a harmonizing balance with Dierks' gravelly ache. This is an extremely well-written song.  But Dierks added his own twist.  By the end, he's just over it...."so forget you." A BIG song, that radio might regret not getting behind.

Say You Do - Written by Matt Ramsay/Shane McAnally/Trevor Rosen

• CS:  And this is another one that would crash my Dierks Top 15. I absolutely cannot get enough of this song. I've been a big fan of Shane McAnally's songwriting for a while now, notably starting with Kenny Chesney's "Somewhere With You" and this one is absolutely no different - I love it. There's such longing in the lyrics and I really feel like Dierks nailed this vocally. SO well done. I would be ecstatic if this was released as a single... right now this is my favorite song on the album.
  
• RC: Besides Riser, this is my favorite song on the album.  I can't get it out of my head. Then I heard Dierks and the guys sing it live for the first time at the iHeart Radio show in NYC and when Brian Layson, Cassady Feasby and Dan Hochhalter sang the harmonies, I was blown away! Say you want this to be a single, Dierks!  Even if you don't -- say you do!

I Hold On - Written by Dierks Bentley/Brett James

• CS: I still love this song, even though it's been 13 months since I heard it for the first time. This song is like the little song that could to me - I'm proud of how well it's doing recently and I know that it will be a very, very meaningful #1 for Dierks when it gets there. IT BETTER GET THERE.

• RC: This song still gets to me.  Being a hard core fan, I know this IS Dierks.  Brett James did a good job co-writing to capture Dierks' essence.  I love the way the drums sound like a train clacking down the track and the ghost-like background vocals in the last verse really drive home the point that things from the past are here to stay in his "here and now" life.
  
• CS: Yes! I love the production on this song, and I love the album version so much more than the radio version - the instrumentation seems so much fuller and it really enriches the entire song.

Pretty Girls -Written by Jessi Alexander/Dierks Bentley/Jon Randall

• CS: While thematically one could argue that it's "bro," I feel like it loses that stigma both in the imagery of the lyrics, the depth of his vocals, and the whole mid tempo vibe of the song. It's probably in the bottom half of the album for me overall, but it's not the skipper I thought it would be based on the title and initial info that was released about the song.

• RC: Pretty Girls lyrically -- no. But I like the "Tip It On Back" melodic vibe. And it doesn't sound so bro like.

• CS: Pretty Girls was inspired by the fans! Cmon! I love it. Haha.

• RC: Oh I thought you didn't like PG. Miranda [Lambert] loves it! She wants it to be a single.
  
• CS: You know I hate bro but to me it ain't bro. These 'bro' songs lately make me feel dirty listening to them - PG to me just rings so true, and again, there's significantly more depth to the lyrics than 90% of what's being released lately.

Here on Earth - Written by Dierks Bentley/Ross Copperman/Ryan Tyndell

• CS: I really like this song. It kind of punches you in the gut, especially if you've ever lost someone close to you (and there are so very few who haven't experienced that), but melodically and lyrically it's so well done. Definitely among the top songs on the album for me.

• RC:  The ache in his voice is so real and takes me right back to my mom's death. There ain't a piece of my soul I haven't searched.  Anyone who has ever suffered the loss of a loved one is instantly transported to that time with his vocal vulnerability.
    
• CS: I would agree with that. It's been years since I lost anybody but I still cried the first time I heard this song. And I can relate to the lines "I've read the words of the Teacher but I still struggle with what it's all worth." This song is just so honest.

Drunk on a Plane - Written by Dierks Bentley/Josh Kear/Chris Tompkins

• CS: So through the course of my listening to the album, I've done a 180 on this song. I would be totally fine seeing this as the next single. It's silly, yes, and has sort of a novelty feel and will likely have a very high burn rate - but it's well-written and clever and honestly doesn't really sound much like anything else out right now. I really enjoy the instrumentation and Dierks' vocals on this song really sold it for me - and hearing the full song helped, as well. So. Single. Go for it.
• RC: Yep - this song has #1 single written all over it! Yes, there's that alcohol thing, yet it's different and lyrics are so catchy and unique! Favorite line: "Told her about my condition, got a little mile-high flight attention." Am I the only one who tries to sit in seat "7A" on a Southwest flight?"

Five - Written by Dierks Bentley/Ross Copperman/Ryan Tyndell

• CS:  Listening to the previews, Say You Do and Five really jumped out at me immediately and were the two I couldn't wait to hear in full the most... and after hearing them both in full that still stands - I love this one, too. Great song. Great storytelling and longing here, and again, Dierks nailed the vocals.
• RC: Love this song, but could have done without the screaming guitar. Favorite line: "Girl you never cross my mind, yeah you stay there all the time." And the hook: "but the one that came up tonight is the one I've known all my life, it's your mama's place and I heard your pretty voice say, this might sound crazy..."
• CS: I would normally agree but Ross Copperman's production on this entire album is just so solid - the guitar doesn't seem out of place to me.

Riser - Written by Travis Meadows/Steve Moakler

• CS:  So much buzz surrounding this song already! What an uplifting song. I love that Dierks' whole premise for naming the album after this song is that this song fully embodies the man he wants to be. I can totally get behind that - it's so inspiring. I'm still nervous about this as a potential single... I feel like the timing needs to be just right for it to work out, but at the very least I hope this song can see some nominations, and if not this year, then for 2015 (depending on its potential release to radio and eligibility deadlines). He really did the song great justice here.

• RC: The title track was brilliantly written by Travis Meadows and Steve Moakler; yet, it's as if Dierks penned it himself...perfect for this time of his life and perfectly weaves the story of his transformation over the last two year from his dad's death to his son's birth. He has always been a riser, steadily singing along for the last decade, not content to follow the formula, rising above the norm. Favorite line: I'm a get down low so I can lift you higher.  During the Riser documentary, Dierks supports his wife Cassidy on the way into the hospital to have baby Knox. "You're gonna do so good," he tells her. "Thank you...so are you!" she replies, resting her head on his shoulder.  Literally and figuratively this line says it all: Lay your pretty head down on my shoulder/You dont have to worry anymore." Dierks IS a lighter, a survivor. Believability 101.  Plus, I love the use of "er" to turn verbs into nouns.  Like us--we are DBC-ers! How meaningful that his dad was in the Thunderbirds charitable organization and that helped shape the idea for the Riser bird symbol.

Sounds of Summer - Written by Zac Crowell/Matt Jenkins/Adam Sanders

• CS:  I still think this could be the next single, but I really wish they hadn't used the autotune in the bridge or whatever. It just kind of sticks out like a sore thumb. I like the melody and this song sounds nice, but my husband called it a Jake Owen song and I definitely have to agree (which isn't necessarily a bad thing, per se - it's more BBJN than Beachin so there's that). But overall, I'd probably put this toward the bottom of the album for me... which isn't to say it's a bad song, or even one that I'll skip. To me, it's just filler.

• RC: In Sounds of Summer, producer Ross Copperman dubs Dierks' own voice in the background vocal. Did I imagine this or do you hear it, too?
• CS: Yep, that's Dierks doing backing. The more I listen to this song the more I enjoy it. I really like that the song is talking about the sounds of summer vs. the sights or some of the more cliche tailgates, moonlight, beer themes that have been overrunning the airwaves lately. To me, the sounds of summer would be seagulls at the beach, fireworks, the stillness of a hot summer day... it's cool that there's a song that speaks to that.

Damn These Dreams - Written by Dierks Bentley/Ross Copperman/Jaren Johnston (The Cadillac Three)

• CS: This song breaks my heart. It's almost like it's too honest... like, painfully honest to the point where I'm like, "stop touring! Go be with Cassidy and your adorable children and be a dad!" but then I'm like, well... but he's doing what he loves so I probably shouldn't feel too guilty, right? But man. This is a great song, but it's so hard to listen to. (Kind of like Down in the Mine off Up on the Ridge. Brilliant song - but can't listen to it every time.)

• RC:  "Damn these Dreams" proves his love for both fans and family--and he's torn. its hard to look true love in the eye and leave.  

Back Porch - Written by Cary Barlowe/Jaren Johnston/Hillary Lindsey

• CS:  I'm still unsure about BP's inclusion on the album. I think if I could change one thing about the album, it would be to put another song in its place. I understand why they included it, but I wish we'd gotten something entirely new - but that might just be the greedy megafan in me.
• RC: Agreed.  I like the song, but it fits better on the Country and Cold Cans EP.

Hurt Somebody - Written by Matthew Fleener/Shane McAnally/Mark Nessler

• CS: Hello wonderful song. Hello Chris Stapleton harmonies. What a gem. I mean, what else more is there to say? 

• RC: That lonesome fiddle is somehow soothing the "hurt" in his voice.  Chris has a powerful voice (Falling For You).  I wouldn't have minded if Chris had a more prominent presence.
• CS: I love a fiddle...

• RC: And which song is Charlie Worsham playing on? LOVE him!
• CS: I know he played on Bourbon in Kentucky, according to a Billboard article that was out when BiK was at radio ... but I don't know which other tracks he played on, if at all. I'd love to know, though!
• RC:  Charlie, if you're reading this, clue us in!

-Carrie Srebro (CS) - North Carolina

-Ronna Clark (RC) - Florida 

Dierks Bentley Shares Stories, Songs from Riser & More at Intimate iHeartRadio Theater Performance in NYC

Our DB Congress President had such a busy album release week! We all know Dierks released Riser, on Tuesday February 25^th.  He and the guys flew into the Big Apple on Monday and one of their many stops was as exclusive performance for the iHeartRadio Country Live Series at the 200 person capacity iHeartRadio Theater in NYC.

Bobby Bones from WSIX hosted the event which was broadcast live on-air as a thirty minute special on Clear Channel radio stations with a sixty minute live video stream online across station websites and iHeartRadio.com.

The weather in New York City was less than ideal for doing the long waiting in line that we die-hards do. It was super cold with a wind chill that brought the temperature down to the single digits, but we bundled up in multiple layers, gloves and scarfs to withstand the wait because we knew that the good times were ahead. Many thanks to the nice guys who worked the theater for letting us come into the building to warm up by the heaters and use the facilities. 

Finally, everyone was allowed to wait inside the building due to the freezing temps. At 8:30 p.m. sharp, they let everyone into the tiny room and we walked quickly to get those coveted front row spots (because really, there is no other way to see a Dierks show). I had previously seen Dierks and the guys in this venue, one of my favorite in the city for it’s size and intimate feel, and knew this was going to be a heck of a show.

For the first thirty minutes, Bobby Bones interspersed questions, anecdotes and humorous banter with Dierks in between performances of songs from Riser. The night started off with Dierks singing the title track, “Riser.” He went on to explain how the record, whose bookends were the passing of his father and the birth of his son, was such a personal one having started in a place of grief and ending in a place of gratitude. Those emotions are not only reflected in the album, but in the Riser documentary, which premiered this past weekend.

Bobby then told the humorous story of how Dierks tweeted out his personal email address. Dierks said he was so excited that his iTunes preorder of Riser (yep, he pre-orders his own albums and don’t we love that about him!?) was available, that he tweeted out a screen shot of it, which accidentally included his personal email. He then received a reply tweet from a hard core fan stating “you’re gonna regret that” and soon his in-box was flooded. 

Bobby joked that now everyone knew Dierks’s email was dierkshotboy69@hotmail . Dierks replied that was his other personal address, which had the entire crowd in stitches.

Next came “Drunk On A Plane” which is about a guy who has a broken engagement, but decides to take the honeymoon anyway. It’s a funny, up tempo tune that Dierks said “balances the heavy” on Riser. When the song was over, Bobby commented that the crowd could sing every word back to Dierks even though the record was just released that day. 

Dierks acknowledged how appreciative he was that many of his hard core fans, faces that he recognized, were in attendance. He added that he knew many of them lined up outside for hours waiting to see him and the band. He also commented that he has played every part of New York and knows there are devoted country fans all over the state that, like the crowd at the theater, always bring it.

During the performance, Dierks on more than one occasion mentioned his hard core fans, pointing to the front row and beyond, showing his appreciation. We surely don’t attend Dierks’s shows to be recognized by him, but really appreciate how he can make everyone feel appreciated and is just so grateful.

From there, he played his current autobiographical top five single, and Bobby’s jam, “I Hold On.” Then, at Bobby’s request, Dierks and the band went old school when his hairstyle was the “Dierks-fro” and played “What Was I Thinking.” Finally, he played “Home,” sending it out to our military.

The Q&A portion may have ended there, but the music did not. Dierks and the band, which includes Steve Misamore (drums), Cassady Feasby (bass), Dan Hochhalter (mandolin, fiddle, guitar and more), Tim Sergent (steel guitar and banjo) and Brian Layson (guitar) played for an additional thirty minutes. The crowd truly was full of people who loved his music because with every song people were singing along. From “Am I The Only One,” to “Come A Little Closer” (because he “would get shot” if he didn’t sing that song) to “Free and Easy,” the whole room was rockin’ and having a terrific time.

Dan "FiddlinDan" Hochhalter

Even though the room was tiny, Dierks and the guys played like there was a much bigger crowd. You could tell they were having a great time with each other, and with the audience. Dierks has an unparalleled energy onstage and even though the stage was tiny, he still goofed around, jumped up and down (that famous 'Tigger-like" Dierks bounce) and interacted with the audience every chance he had.

Brian Layson

Additionally, they played an amazing country cover of Avicii’s “Hey Brother” that has been going over so well live that Dierks said they might add it to the Riser tour set list (yes, please!). They also performed a couple more songs from Riser, including “Say You Do,” which Dierks knew fans liked “from reading Facebook comments, tweets, and emails,” and “Bourbon In Kentucky.” Dierks said he knows BIK is a heavy song; it’s one that was written in a time when he was “going through some stuff.” He commented that the song won’t push you up emotionally, but smiling added, “That doesn’t matter because I’m playing it anyway.” No one minded. The fans that filled the room loved that song and, like ones before it, sang along to every word. 

Dierks has been known to take chances in his music endeavors and the fans at the iHeartRadio Theater knew that about him and seemed to respect and admire him for it.

The night ended on a high note with “Lot of Leavin’ Left To Do.” The red guitar with the #7 came out and since I knew the night was coming to an end, I was putting the camera away. Then I looked up and saw Dierks looking at me with that look, you know it, when he stares ya down, but he’s smiling. And he’s pointing. Jay comes over and tells me to go up there (I think, it’s all kind of blurry).

However, we were at the rail and there was no way to just get over it. So he says “put your arms around my neck and I’m going to carry you over there.” And there ya go. I am not a person who really likes attention called to them and never thought in a million years I would be on that stage playing that guitar, but surprisingly when I got up there, I wasn’t nervous and didn’t just stand there like a bump on a log (at least I don’t think I did). It’s odd, being up there; it felt like I was with friends having a good time. When I walked over to Dan and said “I have no clue what I’m doing,” he replied smiling, “I don’t have a clue either.” Cassady “jammed” with me for a little bit and then Dierks had me doing some sort of dance in unison with him and the guitar. There was a lot of laughing and a lot of fun. See the video here.

Thinking about it gets me kind of emotional because…wow…they are just such a great bunch of guys. I am so proud to be a fan of such an amazing group of people. Thankfully, since I can’t remember every detail of being on that stage, great friends took a video for the entire thing. It felt like I was up there for an eternity, but that’s not a bad thing! Thanks Dierks and the guys for making my 40^th show one I will never forget!

Gracious as always, Dierks signed shirts, photos and hoodies on his way out of the theater.

Dierks’s Riser will certainly be a contender for Album of The Year at all of the award shows this year.  I’m sure you have a copy, but get another because, as Dierks said that night “you can have one to listen to and one as a coaster for your beer.”

Tara Joan

DB Congress (NY)

Dierks Bentley's "Riser:" A Personal Reflection of His Life

Part One of our Dierks Bentley "Riser" reviews starts with Tara Joan, DBC rep in New York:

Dierks Bentley’s first release in two years, Riser, is being called his “most real and personal album yet.” After experiencing significant life events within two years time, the passing of his father and the birth of his son, Dierks returned to the studio, and recorded on the road, an album full of reflective, emotional and mature songs.

If you are looking for a record full of songs like “5-1-5-0” and “How Am I Doin’” be prepared for something different. Dierks writes in the liner notes that he “started writing and recording in a place of real grief and ended in a place of true gratitude.” The album encompasses a variety of moods from solemn to sad, and inspirational to joyful.  Throughout the record, one hears Dierks’s gravelly vocals, perhaps at the best they have been, pouring emotions into every song.

Riser is ballad heavy, with even the lyrically “lighter” songs showcasing a mellow, scaled back sound. The album contains twelve songs, including his current autobiographical top five single “I Hold On.” The album starts off with the dark, Kacey Musgraves assisted, “Bourbon in Kentucky” then moves onto the sensual, yet melancholy, “Say You Do.” In it, he pleads, begs even, for that one person to say yes for a night because he wants her back so badly. “Well, couldn’t you say you do/Say you might for tonight/Have a heart, bend the truth/Even if you don’t, couldn’t you.” In the same vein is “Hurt Somebody,” which closes out the album and on which Chris Stapleton assists on background vocals. In it, he knows that the woman with the “red lipstick like a smoking gun” is “gonna hurt somebody” but says “God, I hope it’s me.”

Prepare a box, or two, of tissues for “Here On Earth” which Dierks co-wrote about his father and the Sandy Hook shootings. Anyone who has experienced the pain and struggle of losing someone will be affected by this song. And even if you haven’t, there is no doubt this song will touch you.

Then, keep the tissues handy for “Damn These Dreams.” The song juxtaposes the thrill of living out his musical dreams with the pain of having to leave behind his wife and children in order to do so. It serves to remind us as fans just how much Dierks sacrifices to be on the road and perform for us.

If “I Hold On” is the first chapter in an autobiography, then “Riser,” written by Travis Meadows and Steve Moalker, would be chapter two. It is an emotional anthem for any one who has experienced a strain or hardship and managed to pull through.

“Sounds of Summer” and “Pretty Girls” lyrically lighten the mood of the album, although the melodies are still “chill”. In the latter, he sings about having nothing to do in town when the sun goes down except “watchin’ pretty girls drink tall boys/swingin’ their hips to a country song/silver cans up in the air.” The former, with its mandolin infused background, vividly paints images of that season we all look forward to with its tractors, kids playing, fishing and a cooler in the truck.

“Five” takes a look at the urgency a first love brings and how reconnecting with that person after years is possible.

“Drunk On A Plane” infuses humor into a song about trying to drown out the pain of a broken engagement while drinking one’s sorrow away in the clouds.

“Back Porch,” a song originally on the Country and Cold Cans EP (although slightly re-worked here) brings twang and funk to the album. The song has hit summer single written all over it.

Riser is an unhurried record that takes you through a myriad of emotions. It will undoubtedly be appreciated by Dierks's hard core fans and anyone who likes lyric driven country music. It's pretty perfect.

Tara Joan Toro

DB Congress (NY)

Dierks Bentley's RISER Release Week Schedule Feb 24-28, 2014

It's Dierks Bentley week February 24-28, 2014!  As with any album release, there's a whole lot of television appearances and live performances going on and a lot to keep up with, so we thought we'd share the schedule for Dierks Bentley's RISER Album Release Week below--all in one place!

Be sure to clean off your DVR and make plenty of room for all the Dierksness coming to TV this week!


MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24

The Lost Video: Bourbon In Kentucky premiers

Live Screening of "DIERKS BENTLEY: RISER" film in NYC


Join Dierks for a special Facebook Screening of DIERKS BENTLEY: RISER. Livestream the entire film at 9/8c!

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25

RISER Release Day - Dierks in New York City! Buy your CD at midnight (unless you already received your pre-ordered bundle)! Or download digitally! Help make it #1 on iTunes and Amazon!

Good Morning America on ABC

Larry King Now


Sirius XM The Highway Superfan Concert - 8 pm
Host Storme Warren discusses Dierks' life and career, and plays songs from his new album, Riser.

iHeartRadio’s Live Series Concert - 8:30 pm - NYC



WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26

The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on NBC

Bravo's Watch What Happens Live


THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27

The View 

Joe's Bar Chicago album release show

Sirius XM The Highway Superfan Concert (Rebroadcast) 2 am EST
Host Storme Warren discusses Dierks' life and career, and plays songs from his new album, Riser.


FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28

Album Release Party at Whiskey Row - Enter to win from KMLE radio

Sirius XM The Highway Superfan Concert (Rebroadcast) 12 pm EST
Host Storme Warren discusses Dierks' life and career, and plays songs from his new album, Riser.

In case you missed a screening or the TV version of "DierksBentley: Riser" the documentary film, it will be available in the coming weeks for purchase!

"Riser" Tracklist Revealed

Late in the evening on Monday, January 13, DBC Georgia Rep Mariana Bowring tweeted out a link to a purported tracklist for the upcoming Dierks Bentley album Riser. The next morning, the tracklist was confirmed! Thanks to fellow blogger Windmills Country, we're able to bring you not only the tracklist, but also the songwriters for each song, as well.

1. Bourbon in Kentucky (Hillary Lindsey/Gordie Sampson/Ryan Tyndell)
2. Say You Do (Matt Ramsay/Shane McAnally/Trevor Rosen)
3. I Hold On (Dierks Bentley/Brett James)
4. Pretty Girls (Jessi Alexander/Dierks Bentley/Jon Randall)
5. Here On Earth (Dierks Bentley/Ross Copperman/Ryan Tyndell)
6. Drunk on a Plane (Dierks Bentley/Josh Kear/Chris Tompkins)
7. Five (Dierks Bentley/Ross Copperman/Ryan Tyndell)
8. Riser (Travis Meadows/Steve Moakler)
9. Sounds of Summer (Zac Crowell/Matt Jenkins/Adam Sanders)
10. Damn These Dreams (Dierks Bentley/Ross Copperman/Jaren Johnston)
11. Back Porch (Cary Barlowe/Jaren Johnston/Hillary Lindsey)
12. Hurt Somebody (Matthew Fleener/Shane McAnally/Mark Nessler)

Some of these songs we're already familiar with - Bourbon in Kentucky, I Hold On, Here on Earth, Drunk on a Plane, Riser and Back Porch have all been performed and/or released in the past year in some capacity. But there are 6 songs that will be completely new to our ears, at least! There hasn't been any word on whether or not there will be any "exclusive" versions of the CD available at Target, WalMart or Best Buy, but our fingers are crossed (hey, all new DB music is music to our ears, right?).

The pre-order for Riser is already available at Amazon.com, but we're sure that Dierks.com will have a special pre-order bundle available for those interested - who doesn't love more Dierks swag?!?

Keep checking back for more updates, and be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter, for all the latest news!

~ Carrie (DBC Rep/Chart Reporter - NC)

Dierks Bentley's Top Highlights of 2013

Birthing a bar and a new baby boy (Knox) are just a few of Dierks Bentley's accomplishments in 2013. Raising money for worthy causes,and giving back to the fans and "Home" country were all huge themes as well.  Check out our list (in no particular order) and let us know if there's any we missed!

1. Performing on The Grammy's: Miranda Lambert brought her tourmate and our DB Congress president to The Grammys back in February. They performed their #1s "Over You" and "Home." Dierks said, "To perform on the Grammys will be one of the coolest things ever. I am thrilled beyond belief." We were thrilled to see him on our televisions at an awards show! Watch here.
2. Opening Dierks Bentley's Whiskey Row:  Opening a bar was something that Dierks always wanted to do.  So, on July 4th the bar with his namesake opened in Scottsdale, AZ. The bar has a 1920's feel with a modern country vibe, warm wood surroundings and a 360-degree stage. It prides itself on being a technologically advanced bar as well as having taps at every table. The menu is American Gastropub with a twist. Dierks has been known to frequent his own bar several times since the opening, so it definitely needs to be a part of a DRT.  Check it out here!
   
   
3. CMA Fest: Ah Lenny Kravitz, not sure what he was doing at CMA Fest, but if you witnessed that fiasco, you know what came afterwards. Dierks knew he totally had to get the crowd back after that, and boy did he deliver! His performance was killer, even jumping into the crowd. Storme Warren even said that Dierks Bentley had the most applause of anyone at the fest! “I don’t have a hometown, I have a home country,” he said. “This song is called ‘Home’ and I’m sending it out to all the guys and girls that keep this country safe. This song is for them.”
4. Country Cares Benefit Concert honoring the fallen firefighters in his home state of Arizona! It was an emotional, joyous and sad, but successful evening in Arizona at the Country Cares Concert. The event, headlined by AZ native Dierks Bentley, who brought in Randy Houser, The Band Perry and David Nail to play, raised more than $476,000 for the Granite Mountain Hot Shots' families. Dierks introduced a new song, "Here On Earth" - a tribute to his dad and all 19 firefighter heroes who perished in the Yarnell Hill wildfires near Prescott.
5. ACM Party For A Cause in Vegas: Day two of the outdoor music and philanthropic event was headlined by Dierks himself. He brought the party as well as Sheryl Crow, who came out and sang, and Tim McGraw who  presented a military family with a new home.
6. Finding Jake: Severe thunderstorms aren't liked by many dogs and Jake is no exception. On January 13th, Dierks beloved companion jumped a fence at the house and ran off. Dierks took to social media to rally fans and friends to help find Jake.  In just a few hours, Dierks' wife, Cassidy, notified him that someone posted on Facebook that Jake had been found. Jake was almost hit by a car but was saved by Anna Belle. Dierks was no doubt elated. He tweeted "One of the happiest days of my life. Grown men don't cry.....yeah right."
   
   
7. Record Breaking MM4K:  Because of Dierks Bentley, kids have hope.  Raising over $307,000 for Vanderbilt Children's Hospital in the Miles and Music For Kids event, Dierks broke all previous years' records!  Guest appearances by Luke Bryan, Jake Owen, Brett Eldredge, Easton Corbin and Chase Rice made 2013 a huge success!
8. His baby boy Knox: Dierks announced at LCB9 that he and Cass were expecting a baby boy. Already having two girls, he was thrilled. Well, Baby Boy Bentley arrived on October 9th. Dierks tweeted his admiration for his wife "well...our boy knox is here! about to have the best tasting cold beer of my life! so proud of my wife. she rocked it. crazy stuff. #beerme"
9. Spends Labor Day Running:  With a killer time of 21:38 in the 5k Franklin Classic, Dierks was a little worried about his competition. "These girls look hard core!" he tweeted, referring to daughters Evie and Jordan.
   
   
   
10. Hosting the ACM Honors:  For the second consecutive year, Dierks hosted and performed with Ricky Skaggs.  He "blending informality and irreverence made possible by the lack of network television cameras with a genuine appreciation of the night's award winners," according to USA Today.
    
    
    
11. Locked and Re-loaded Tour with Miranda Lambert. Dierks has said that some of the best times he has had out on the road have been with Miranda and her crew. Well, the two friends joined up to tour together again in 2013 and gave fans all across the country a night to remember at every tour stop. Dierks' set list closed out with a patriotic, cell phones in the night sky, "Home."  Collaborations included "Bad Angel," Goyte's "Someone That I Used To Know" and "King of the Road."
12. The NEW DB Congress T-Shirts now available exclusively to congress members in the dierks.com store.  The design was personally approved by Dierks himself!
    
    
    
13. Giving away guitars and experiences:  Dierks found a way to give back to the fans in a big way.  During each show, he pulled a fan on stage to play his guitar during, "Lot of Leaving Left To Do" and signed and handed a brand new Fender to a fan at the end! Many DB Congress reps were happy recipients!
    
    
    
14. Dierks is featured on other artists' albums...The David Mayfield Parade (Tempted), Brad Paisley (Outstanding In Our Field), Terri Clark (Golden Ring) and The Cadillac Three (The South).
15. Bourbon In Kentucky, debuts on radio and gets fans fired up, but was quickly replaced with the lead single from upcoming Riser album  after high demand for "I Hold On." Watch live from the Grand Ole Opry:
    
    
16. I Hold On: Dierks' latest emotional and personal single received national television exposure when he and the band were able to perform it on both The View and America's Got Talent. Country radio got behind the song, pushing it to #21 on the Billboard Airplay charts (#20 as of Jan 5th charts), and fans organically posted what they hold on to.
17. Last Call Ball 9:   Having to cancel LCB8 due to his dad's death in June 2012, Dierks shared his personal feelings with his fan club, with a acoustic set featuring new music, and lots of heartfelt conversation.
18. In memory of George Jones: Country music icon and Dierks' friend George Jones passed away this year. The Possum's final concert turned into a tribute on November 22nd in which many country artists performed, including Dierks who sang "I Always Get Lucky With You."
    
    
19. Dierks announced the title for his next album, "Riser." An initial Fall release date was pushed back and we are all waiting with excitement for an announcement soon for a 2014 release date.  Get caught up on all our exclusive DB Congress interviews with Riser songwriters and producers here.

Leave a comment and we will draw a winner for a 2014 Country Music Hall of Fame calendar featuring Dierks on September!  Drawing to be held January 1, so post your thoughts now!

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 Live Stream from the 'Bourbon' Video Shoot Set

Real. Raw. Emotion.  Those are the three words Dierks Bentley uses to describe his new album, "Riser."  Watch the live stream below where he chats with fans and answers questions from the set of filming the video for the first single from the CD, Bourbon In Kentucky.

Dierks is wearing a harness even during this 12 minute break from the video shoot that's really "cinched up."  The director (Ryan) explains:

"I probably wouldn't be able to do this with any other artist. But he's like so chill and ready to go...we're gonna make him float, which is really cool...fly."

Dierks Bentley Shares Personal Feelings With Fans at Last Call Ball 9

DB Congress is not just another fan club.  Dierks Bentley considers his loyal following "friends." And we're all like a big family. So much so, that Dierks felt comfortable enough to share his emotional journey over the last year with us in a personal setting of  just over 300 congress members at the Belcourt Theater in Nashville yesterday.

It really was the "Last Call Ball," ending a week of CMA Festival activities, where Dierks was popping up all over the place! Starting with an impromptu song with The Grascals when they performed at the Riverfront stage, to sound check at LP Field, to the Martin Guitar tent (where lots of DBC reps had been waiting most of the day until 3 pm), Saturday was pretty busy for our President.

During the Martin set, Dierks told the crowd how much he loved Martin Guitars and held his up to show off all the autographs, including George Jones', and shared his excitement in having his very own Martin HD Dierks Bentley, which he switched to, to play 'Home.'  He placed one knee on a stool and quipped, "Man, I sure could use a strap...working hard here..." He also said he had some friends there, some hard core fans (wait! He means us!), who had been passing out Riser stickers all over town, promoting the new album due this fall, and thanked us. Later in the Meet and Greet line, he thanked us for rocking the new DB Congress shirt.

Photo by Clint Bond, from the 3rd St. Pedestrian Bridge, overlooking LP Field

The crowd at LP Field Saturday night lit up the arena like stars and chanted "USA, USA, USA" when Dierks sang his new signature, patriotic song, 'Home." 

“I don’t have a hometown, I have a home country,” he says. “This song is called ‘Home’ and I’m sending it out to all the guys and girls that keep this country safe. This song is for them.”

Photo by Kate Belcher

Although Kacey Musgraves is featured on the radio single (available for digital download June 14), Hillary Lindsey made a guest appearance to sing harmonies with Dierks on 'Bourbon In Kentucky,' which she co-wrote.

Photo by Hillary Lindsey Fans on FB

"If you guys knew how many songs she wrote that you guys listen to on country radio, you'd be going...*raised both arms in the air*...look her up! Google it!"



The Tennesseean blogged the LP performances song-by-song here.


Last Call Ball 9

The line for Last Call Ball 9 started around 6 a.m. on Sunday, June 9 at the Belcourt Theater. Gotta have front row, right? The girls from Music City Networks (thanks, Basak!) came down the line several times and handed out lanyards and asked us to play a game.  Fill out this piece of paper and let us know whether you think Dierks and Cassidy's third baby will be a boy or girl and write down your name suggestions.

During the show, Dierks read off a handful of recommended names and gender guesses before finally revealing, "We're having a boy!"  Cassidy said I could tell you guys, but that's it...so don't tell anybody."  Yeah, right!  That's big news, dude! The deafening screams of excitement said it all! Thanks for sharing with your fan club friends first!  We're sure big sisters Evie (4) and Jordan (2) are gonna love their new baby brother, due this fall.

DBTV #105 recapped the segment:




The longer version:




The Music

Dierks and the guys--Steve Misamore, Tim Sergent, Dan Hochhalter, Cassady Feasby, and Brian Layson (whom he introduced one at a time)--started out the acoustic set with some recent favorites: Am I The Only One, Free and Easy, and 5150, before launching into four new songs from the upcoming album (Riser): Riser, I Hold On, Drunk on a Plane, and Bourbon in Kentucky.


"What they don't know's my dad and me, we drove her out to Tennessee..." (I Hold On)

Dierks shared his sadness with us, remembering his dad's passing a year ago, speaking honestly about his feelings, including regret he had to cancel LCB 8, and thanked us for understanding.  But he said it was a blessing to be able be with his dad at Hospice. We could tell he was struggling to get through the intro, clearing his throat often, before delivering a raw, emotional vocal and a huge sigh of relief at the end. "I can't believe I got through it!" In two parts, watch the videos, the intro, then the song, 'I Hold On.' 






"Got a little mile-high flight attention" (Drunk On A Plane)

"This may never be a single but I can already see the video for it...anybody have any contacts with Jason...what's his name?"  Segel! "Yes! Big tall guy?...I can already see the video..."




"I'm a riser...I'm a get down low so I can lift you higher..."

Dierks tends to over-think things.  He freely admitted that when he was introducing "I'm A Riser," the title song of the new album written by Travis Meadows and Steve Moakler. See what Dierks has to say about the logo/artwork--notice which way the Thunderbird faces and the special meaning it holds for him.  He also told us he was nervous.




Bourbon In Kentucky - "I want you guys to have the best experience ever"




After the new songs, he started asking for requests and played Tip It On Back, Wish It Would Break, and Come a Little Closer. To close out the musical portion of the party, Dierks asked us to vote on either the song that got it all started (What Was I Thinkin') or Home.  While 'Thinkin' will always be his very first signature song, 'Home' is the new superstar of his catalog so far.  His congress didn't hesitate with their exuberant response - HOME!

Standing Ovation!

Let's Hang Out!

Row by row in the seated theater (did I mention how weird it was to be sitting the whole time? Yet relaxing and special), we lined up to meet Dierks, get a photo taken, autograph, and chat for a minute.  As he always does, he stayed and met every single person! It took hours, but he did it! That's our Prez!

Thanks for making it so special, D!