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!

Fans Share Favorite Dierks Bentley Moments from 2015

As 2015 comes to a close, we asked Dierks Bentley fans to share with us their favorite moment or Dierks experience over the last twelve months.  We know it was hard to name just one, since every mile for Dierks is a memory!


Deborah Jane Power: Dierks Bentley worked hard to touch my finger at Miles and Music 2015! Pretty awesome that he took the time for a different way to "connect!"

Robert Dienelt:  Riser at the ACMs in April.




Cecia Guidry Benoit: My #1 Dierks Bentley experience this year was from September 18, 2015 in New Orleans at Champion Square when Dierks pulled me on stage with him during "Drunk On A Plane!" We danced, sang, fist pumped (rockin like a G6!) and I even got to take a bow with him and the band since it was the last song of the show! This was truly my best Dierks experience ever!

Becky McBride Wierzbicki:  My 62nd Birthday at LCB and MM10 on November 1, 2015 It is a birthday I will never forget...so much fun. Hanging out with Brian Layson and Cassady Feasby after LCB. Spent my time in Nashville with great DB Congress friends Ann Gray Tate and Jane Sumner. Saturday night card signing was incredible.

Ann Gray Tate:  My favorite concert of 2015 was in Birmingham, Alabama. I got to enjoy it with all of my family that I love. We have 3 generations of Dierks' fans. Julie, Lamar, LeAnna, Grayson, Renea, Chris, Kaitlyn and Blakley and of course me. What a fun night we had with Dierks and the band.

Marilyn Kline Stevens:  Mine was Tampa, FL, Sounds Of Summer Tour.  Dierks came down on the floor and as he ran up on stage he gave me a high five....he probably doesn't remember, BUT, I always will....♡ dierks!

Brittney Lynn:  When he came to Montana this summer and I was star struck I couldn't tell him how awesome he is!

Heather Ashley:  Attending my first LCB (Last Call Ball fan club party) and meeting Dierks for the first time.

Grace Lenehan:  When he posted my cover video. Still can't believe it!

As for me, 2015 brought so many great Dierks memories, like presenting him with the 10th anniversary gift and the Raleigh Pyro Patrol to kick off the Sounds of Summer Tour, but one little moment in time made a big impact on me.  In Tampa, at an outdoor amphitheater on July 2--it was at least 90 degrees.  Dierks saw me dying of heat in the pit.  When 20k hear Dierks Bentley ask you, by name, if you need a bottle of water...and then hands one to you...and then the set list.

Every Mile A Memory!

~Ronna Clark, DB Congress Chair (FL)

Check out the top 27 Dierks accomplishments in 2015 here!

DB Congress Feature Rep of the Month: Rita Eaton, Ireland

She's never seen Dierks Bentley perform live, yet Rita "Reet" Eaton proudly promotes our president daily from across the pond.  

Our newest DB Congress rep from Ireland tells us about the unique way she came to know and love Dierks Bentley, his band and his music.

"Earlier this year, a Saturday morning, I was scrolling through my Tweets when I noticed one from Whispering Bob Harris raving about some Country Singer named Dierks Bentley. Who? Never heard of him. So, being a music lover, I immediately went on YouTube and checked him out. 

The first song I played was "I Hold On".....liked it. The next? "Bourbon in Kentucky." REALLY liked it and kept going. "Am I The Only One," "Up On The Ridge," "Come A Little Closer."  It's not very often music appeals to me straight away, it usually takes a few listens before I really get into it. 

I tweeted Whispering Bob Harris back saying "Why in the hell have I not heard of @DierksBentley before?" I was hooked, immediately got onto Amazon and ordered "Riser" and I haven't stopped playing it since. It is on constantly in my car going to and from work. It sets the mood for the day and gets rid of the stresses on the way home. I bop around to it in my kitchen whilst cooking, and you will quite often see me, a 53 year old girl, playing air guitar along with Brian Layson (I love his playing). 

Since then I have purchased all of Dierks CD's that are available and have played little else since. "Riser" and "Up On The Ridge" probably being the most played.

Music has always been a major part of my life. I have been lucky enough to see some great bands and artists over the years ranging from Fleetwood Mac to Michael Jackson, Mary Chapin Carpenter to Robert Plant, Bonnie Raitt, Eric Clapton, Tom Petty, the list goes on. I even sang in a band a good few years back (albeit for fun more than anything). 

I'm a lyrics person, it's always the lyrics of a song that appeal to me first, and I think that's why I love Dierks. His songs are a mix of fun, loving, meaningful, and some really make you think. "Here on Earth" is one particularly close to my heart. Of course it helps that he's not too hard on the eyes either. 

I follow the band on Twitter and Facebook (if they don't come to Ireland or the UK it's probably the closest I'll get to them!). I like that they are fun - Cassady's [Feasby, bass] humour in particular appeals to me.  As we say here in Ireland "he's a gas man." That doesn't mean you suffer with flatulence by the way Cassady, it means you're funny....in a good way. 

So, I've been introducing Dierks to my friends. Earlier this year I was travelling back to Ireland from my annual trip home (the UK) waiting to board my car onto the ferry.  It was a sunny day, the window was down and Riser CD was playing.  Next thing I know half a dozen people are stood around the car having a listen. That's when you know you're onto something good. 

Anyway, after all is said and done, I love Dierks Bentley's music.  It cheers me up, it makes me feel good, and to me that is what music is about. So keep doing what you're doing Dierks, only please come to Ireland soon."

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Thanks for sharing your story, Reet!  We hope Irelend lands on Dierks' tour schedule soon for you!

Follow @Reeteaton on Twitter and our list of DBC Reps on our @dbcongress page!

Celebrating Dierks Bentley's 39th Birthday in Huntington, West Virginia

If someone had told me ten years ago I would be celebrating Dierks Bentley's 39th birthday at my 60th Dierks show, I wouldn't have believed them.  But it happened on Thursday, November 20, 2014 at Big Sandy Arena in Huntington, West Virginia!

It only took three airports, two planes, and a DRT (Dierks Road Trip) buddy to drive six hours up the mountain, through tunnels and tolls to get there, and that's just one way!  But this was a special occasion and I've traveled 15 states to see Dierks so...no big deal. Every mile a memory, right Sandra?

Every DRT is special, not just because of Dierks, but because of all the Dierks fans I've met and traveled with along this 10-year journey.  It's a unique bond of friendships that one man started and continues to hold together.

What other group of fans do you know who would huddle together in 30 degree weather 5 hours before a show to be first in line? Thanks, Gina and Justin for the hot...beverage, and heaters and blankets!

And it's not just Dierks that keeps us coming back.  He surrounds himself with the best of the best--from his tour manager team to the stage crew, lighting, sound, and talented band of brothers-- together they make him look and sound awesome every night on the Riser Tour stage and they are all so nice to the fans--especially the DB Congress.

Gina, Sandra, Kathy, Chris Reade (lighting), Ashley, 
Ronna after the show Front of  House (FOH)

Sandra's 'almost' selfie with Tim Sergent (steel guitar) and DBC

Opening with "5-1-5-0", Dierks and his band - Steve Misamore, Tim Sergent, Brian Layson, Dan Hochhalter, and Cassady Feasby, emerged from under the Riser stage to the roar of nearly 6,000 in the crowd.

Dierks continued his own party with a killer set list, telling the crowd, there was no place he'd rather be on his birthday.

On this night, we DB Congress reps were especially thankful for being chosen to be a part of the big birthday 'surprise' that Dierks knew nothing about.  During "Drunk On A Plane," confetti fell from the rafters, blow up 'Riser Air' planes flew threw the arena as we ran through the crowd, giving high fives and throwing out Mardi Gras beads. What a special experience!  DBTV coming soon, but in the meantime, thank Justin for the video!  Looks like D came over to our side a few times but we weren't there...we left our front row spot to pass out beads!

Anybody who's been to a DB show knows he rarely stands still long enough to capture a great shot, but I did manage to catch him 'peacocking!'

And a few other cool shots.

Dierks showing Tim he's been practicing the steel

Dierks pointing to lucky section #7

Brian Layson, Cassady Feasby, Tim Sergent, Dierks
in a fog from Up On The Ridge

The Meet and Greet before the show featured Dierks on acoustic guitar, with DB Congress getting to enter a different door than the other 100, and brought within 3 feet of the backdrop, while the others filed in behind us. Talk about up close and personal!  Mel told us to make sure to sing along, and in fact it was very awkward for him if we didn't.

When he got to the chorus for DOAP, we apparently didn't sing loud enough, so he said, "you can do better than that!" and started again.  Second time was better.

During my turn, I showed him my 60th poster and reminded him about last year in West Palm Beach, when he wrote 'Let's make it 100' on my 50th poster. So he wrote that again.  I didn't look at what he wrote until later, but I was the last one out and walking down the long hall, he was walking out the other way and called me back.  "I'm such an idiot," he said.  "Let me see that poster again...I know there's no D in your name, let me fix it." And he did.  No, D, you're NOT an idiot! Thank you for remembering!

On our way back to Charlotte, another group of DBC reps were headed to the next night's show in Roanoke, so we met for hugs and pics and exchanged stories at exit 14 on I-77!

Carrie, Steph, Ronna, Amy, Sandra (Photo Credit: Jennifer)

Hopefully, I will get another 10 shows in over the next 12 months and be celebrating his big "4-0" birthday for my 70th show!

Every mile a memory!

Ronna
DB Congress Chair
Florida

Dierks Bentley Hosts Tige and Daniel's Second Annual Birthday Bash

Dierks Bentley Hosts Tige and Daniel's Birthday Bash 

by  Guest Blogger Adrian Taylor

When it comes to hosting a birthday party, who makes the best host? Dierks Bentley does! On June 23, 2014, Dierks Bentley literally flew himself to Winston Salem, North Carolina to host 104.1 WTQR morning show radio DJs Tige and Daniel’s second annual Birthday Bash. 

Now I don’t know what Tige and Daniel did to get Dierks to host their party, but as a diehard Dierks fan, I am so glad that they were able to get him.

The stage was set up with four stools for the acoustic performance. In the front was Brian Layson (lead guitar), Dierks Bentley (guitar/host), Dan Hochhalter (fiddle/banjo) and hiding behind Brian was Cassady Feasby (bass guitar). I must say I was sad when I didn’t see Steve Misamore or Tim Sergent, but Dierks, Cassady, Brian and Dan did an amazing job on stage. And before I go on, it was good to see Jay & Carlos running back and forth from backstage to the stage.

Dierks took the center stool and began by talking to the audience. He first thanked Tige and Daniel for allowing him to perform at their birthday and thanked all of us for attending (granted the majority of the people there won tickets via the radio station). Dierks, being the jokester that he can be, told a few jokes and changed Tige & Daniel’s name so many times I lost count. A few times during  the set, Dierks would be telling stories, and getting the crowd laughing so much, that he had to look to Brian and say, “what key does this song begin in?” And Brian would have to say “dude, how many times have we done this song?”

About half way through the performance, Tige & Daniel’s birthday cake was brought out and Dierks led the crowd in singing “happy birthday” to them. Afterwards, Dierks took a picture with Tige and Daniel and he put his backside to the audience, and said he was going to pull a LukeBryan. With us being in North Carolina, the first thought I had was “no Dierks, don’t fall off the stage!” Instead, Dierks said, he wore the tightest jeans he owned. 

Dierks performed a few more songs, then talked about how he was honored to be at the birthday bash this year, and that he didn’t know how Tige and Daniel got the hosts they did, but that since they had Luke Bryan last year, and him this year, it would be hard to top next year, but if they couldn’t find anyone next year, that he would come back. Personally I think that is a great idea!  

After performing 10 songs, Dierks finished the night off with Home. He dedicated it to all the service men and women. When Dierks finished Home, he looked at me and tossed me one of his new guitar picks. Afterwards, the radio station thanked Dierks again for coming out, and invited everyone to celebrate with the cake and other food. 

As everyone was walking away, I yelled up at Brian, and asked for his set list. He picked it up, and said “here ya go.” I told him thanks, and my friend Jessica and I began to walk away. Several other people there tried to get the other set lists from Dierks, Dan and Cassady, but they had no luck. So I have to say I was happy I got one. Several people then asked me how I knew the band, and before I could say much, my friend Jessica replied, those guys are like her extended family. And I have to agree with her. 

So after getting my set list and guitar pick, Jessica and I were on two missions. One of which was to get our own individual photos with Tige and Daniel (we got pictures with them together as we walked in) but we wanted solo pictures. And mission number two was to try to say hey to Dierks and the guys and try to chat with them for a few minutes. We found out that Dierks was having to jet off to another show for the next day, and wasn’t going to be able to meet with anyone after the show. Of course this made me sad, but I know that Dierks has a very busy schedule. 

Jessica and I left the venue, and walked down the sidewalk in hopes of getting a picture of Dierks leaving. We saw his jeep and the tour bus (unfortunately it was not Goldie). Then we saw the guys get into a white SUV. As they were pulling out, they exited through a gate that was near where Jessica and I was standing. I had brought Dierks a card, and he had the driver stop and he reached for it. He told Jessica and I both hey. And said, see y’all girls again soon. 

So despite not getting to hang with Dierks and the guys after the show, it was amazing to have been there and get to see the guys perform literally five minutes from my house.

So Dierks may have been hosting Tige and Daniel’s birthday party, but it felt like another great Dierks concert!

If you want to see photos from the event, check out the album here:

Watch the tiny couch interview with Dierks, Tige and Daniel below.

Adrian Taylor

NC-DBC

Happy 'Drunk On A Plane' Video Day! Dierks Bentley Pilots a "Riser Air" Flight

Dierks Bentley boarded a plane to film his music video for his latest single, Drunk On A Plane, that's skyrocketing up the charts (#11 on itunes!). He took on dual roles as mustached Captain/pilot and he plays himself as a guitar-playing passenger, complete with fan girls taking selfies with him.

Dierks says the video was shot in California "in this crazy warehouse that has all these old planes torn down and put back together so we can shoot airplane footage. Since the day I wrote this song, I've been thinking about this video...,"   directed by Wes Edwards (5-1-5-0, Tip It On Back).

All of DB's band members except one (we missed you Dan!) are featured: Steve Misamore (drums) plays the co-captain/pilot; Tim Sergent (steel) is a passenger with spiked-hair Brian Layson seated next to him. Then there's Sergei Mariposa the flight attendant, aka bass player, Cassady Feasby, who nearly steals the spotlight!

The story line follows the lyrics of the song, making it come vividly to life up in the clouds! The gilted groom, comedian/actor Jeff Dye (Comedy Central, Extreme Makeover Home Edition), tapes a picture of his ex to the seat back right beside him, but he finds new love with passenger actor Emma Fitzpatrick (The Social Network) after getting drunk on a plane.

The Riser Air flight takes a nose dive when the pilots (aka, Dierks and Steve) turn on the auto pilot to join the fun in the cabin. But when pilot Dierks gets knocked out from a falling suitcase, the real Dierks saves the day! In a preview video, Dierks was practicing his role to take over the plane by rehearsing in the mirror: "You're good enough, you're strong enough, you can land this plane."

Check out the video below and vote for it on CMT and GACTV!

 

Dierks Bentley Gets "Drunk on a Plane" from Dierks Bentley      

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 & the Guys Surprise Nick Malloy in Macon

Thursday night in Macon Georgia was not just a typical stop on the Locked and Reloaded tour. Of course the show was amazing, the guys were high energy, Dierks gave away a guitar, but Dierks and the guys ended with a surprise; for both the audience and a certain member in it. See, Nick Malloy, a long time friend of  DB's lead guitarist, Brian Layson (from Macon, like Nick) and Dierks was there at the concert that night with his father. As Nick told WMAZ in Macon:      

"I was sitting side stage last night, and Dierks tour manager, came and unlocked my wheel chair and wheels me out there."

Before he knew it, Nick was out there playing and singing along with Miranda and Dierks to Bad Angel. Unfortunately, Brian was ill and unable to play that night, but sent his love along in a tweet:

“@NickMalloy You deserved it bro. Sure hate I missed it. Much love to ya”

Dierks tweeted the above photo adding:

"meant alot to me and @mirandalambert to close the show with @nickmalloy on stage."

Nick said that his father, Frank, who had met Dierks for the first time that evening, knew of the plan but kept mum. The icing on the cake was that Dierks and the guys were all wearing Nick Malloy Band t-shirts for the encore, which made Nick’s father tear up.

Frank Malloy has worked at WMAZ for 30 years. He was first sports director and then in 1993 went on to anchor the evening news, a position which he still holds today. He said, "I know how much Dierks and the band mean to him (Nick), but to find out last night how much he means to them, and then for them to go out of their way to do this. It was just a neat moment. It gave me a sense of peace. That we’re going to get through this thing."

Almost a year ago, Nick Malloy was in a very serious one-car accident in Macon. He was driving home on little sleep after a gig in Macon around midnight. He fell asleep at the wheel, hit a tree and crashed into a ditch. He was there trapped in his car for six hours until daylight came and a father and son saw the wrecked vehicle and called 911. His injuries were serious: an incomplete fracture of T8 spinal cord injury along with much damage to his left hand and arm and paralysis of his legs. This happened on Nick’s 23rd birthday, March 28, 2012. He spent months at the Shepherd Center and graduated from day treatment rehab this past August.

Nick got his first guitar at 13 and started playing bars at 15. He had a promising country career with an EP (available on cdbaby.com) produced by Brian Layson with lots of gigs lined up through 2012. But the “physical and emotional toll of the accident” halted his promising career. Hopefully being up on stage this past week will help to change that. Nick himself said,

"I gotta find the spark again. Hopefully it will be soon. Last night was a major help." "It's humbling, and it makes me want to get back out there." 

Frank also hopes the moment motivates his son. 

"They want something in exchange. I think Dierks and guys, they're doing this but I think they think Nick, you can do it, and we want you to do it. You gotta just get out there and wade in, and just get back on that path."

We are all rooting for you Nick. You are incredibly brave and resilient. We hope you resume making music again, there are alot of us out there who want to hear what you have to play.

You can find the Nick Malloy Band here.

And thank you Dierks and the guys for being so generous and having such huge hearts. Time and time again you give us all more reason to love ya.

~Tara DBC Rep NY

Dierks Bentley's CMT Unplugged Performance to Debut May 29

Dierks Bentley's gravelly voice is distinctive even with full-blown electric.  But in "CMT's Unplugged" special, his impassioned vocal shines even brighter, with acoustic instrumentation and his band of brothers complimenting him beautifully--Dan Hochhalter's fiddle, Steve Misamore on the snare, Tim Sergent on the banjo, Cassady Feasby on guitar, Brian Layson playing dobro, and of course Dierks on his trusty Martin.

“I love breaking my songs back down to their original acoustic foundation. When I write these songs by myself or with friends, we just use acoustic guitars… so, it’s fun to sometimes go back to just the simple groove and idea you had to begin with.”

During the acoustic set, Dierks sings a few of his own hits like, "Am I The Only One,” “Up On The Ridge,” “Home,” and current single already at #13 on Mediabase, “5-1-5-0.”   But the standout song might be his poignant interpretation of Adele’s “Set Fire To The Rain.” See video below.

Of the Adele cover, CMT.com says, "His signature vocals capture the remorseful tone of the song... Some covers come across like a cheap gimmick, but he shows how a great song in the hands of a great artist becomes a classic."

A few DB Congress reps were on set the day they taped the show, like Emily Morgan from Tennessee.

Dierks & Emily, 2-2-12, The Ryman

The taping was Wednesday, April 25 at the CMT studios in downtown Nashville.  The casting call for the audience was 7:45 a.m. and around 9 they were taken into the performance room. Dierks and the band  came in about 10, and the show lasted until 12:30.

"There were only about 35 people total, sitting on stools around the stage,"  Emily tells us. "Several stand-out moments come to mind.  One was when the stage manager was giving Dierks a Red Bull since it was 10 o'clock in the morning; we all needed a pick me up, so the first song was "Am I The Only One," to get the crowd going.  The band was making up lines fitting for breakfast like, 'it was Wednesday in the a.m.,' (vs. Friday in the p.m.)

They probably did 6-8 songs all at least twice to get the right sound.  Dan's fiddle playing was amazing! He is always great, but it may have been given that it was acoustic where you can focus on voices and instruments more directly, but especially on "Home."  He put chills down me and it may have been because I was sitting closely to the right of Dan, so I could hear it better.

"I know its already shown (really wish CMT would have waited on that surprise for the actual airing), but the Adele cover was last and he did it three times.  For me, he could have sang that all.day.long! Incredible! Then as a backup (in case the Adele cover didn't work) they sang "Pride."  Cassady's vocals were great as usual.

After the taping, Dierks took off his jacket while talking to Janet and me, showing us the mark his jacket had made on his arm from being too tight."

The show will debut exclusively on CMT.com Tuesday, May 29 at 1 pm/CT.

The episode will also air as a half-hour special Saturday, June 2 at 8 pm/CT on Palladia; Monday, June 25 at 9 pm/CT on CMT and CMT PURE. Fans of CMT’s Facebook page will be able to see the episode in a dedicated tab starting Tuesday, May 29.

Happy Mother's Day - DB Congress

We'd like to wish all the moms of Dierks Bentley, Tim Sergent, Steve Misamore, Brian Layson, Cassady Feasby, and Dan Hochhalter a very happy Mother's Day.  Without you we wouldn't have these talented bunch of guys! You're OUR heros!

Happy Mother's Day to all our DB Congress reps who are mothers, have mothers still here with them, and all the mothers in heaven.

Take a look at the DBTV episode this week where all the Dierks and Eli Young Band crew send a special wish out to their mothers.