Dierks Art that Lasts Forever

On July 13, DB Congress member Rebecca Scott posed a great question to the Facebook page:

As someone with numerous tattoos adorning my body, I find this to be a perfect question, as I, too, have considered which Dierks lyric or image I should get. I was so excited to see I'm not the only one who feels this way!

DBCers shared their photos and inspiration in response to our question of, "Got Dierks [ink]?" Here is some of the art you shared!

Sandra Bowers Grubb shared, "In Sept. 2012, I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and the song "Every Mile A Memory" became my Walk Team name because "Every Mile I Walk is a Memory." The orange ribbon on the butterfly represents MS. Fast forward to 2014 and "Riser" was release, then that one became my anthem. This tattoo reminds me every day that I am a Riser and that I am a fighter, a survivor."

Nicole Snell said, "Here’s my Riser bird/long trip alone db! I wanted a Riser bird as a tattoo because of how much the song Riser means to me, but I wanted to make it unique, and something else I love about Dierks, and so I decided on the db symbol from the Long Trip Alone album. I love that song and album a lot, and always loved that db symbol so I thought it was perfect! I decided I HAD to get a tattoo of him in some way, after all these years of following him around 😉 It’s a perfect tattoo to show me everyday that I’m a Riser, and I get asked all the time what that symbol is and people get to learn about Dierks that way haha"

Elise Benjamin Taylor shared, "My “Riser” tattoo. There are several reasons behind this tattoo, because I’m a Riser. But mostly because my Dad was a Riser and taught me to be one too. His final days were fighting stage IV lung cancer and he fought like a “Riser”. He had a tumor on his spine and we all knew that when it grew he would lose his ability to walk. So up to that point every single day my Dad got up and would work on his farm. Every. Single. Day. Through radiation and chemo he never stopped. He just kept fighting. During this time, my mother in law was also diagnosed with stage IV cancer, and I lost several friends to cancer, other illnesses, accidents and suicide. There were days I was so depressed I didn’t want to get out of bed, but I did, every single day. The song and the album “Riser” helped me through these hard times. “I Hold On” and “Here On Earth” also have so much special meaning. “Riser” will always be my favorite album."

Kathy Butler shared, "It's the LTA db symbol w/ lyrics that have a lot of meaning to me."

Meredith Mauer shared, "I got this tattoo while in Nashville, on an impromptu trip to see Deirks at the Station Inn with Kathy Butler. When Riser came out, it resonated with the with me on several levels. At the time, I was struggling (and still am) with some health issues and the recent loss of my best friend, who was KIA in Afghanistan. This was MY SONG! I incorporated the American flag into the Riser bird, and placed it on my wrist so it would fly proud when my arm was raised above my head. Funny side story to this: after the show at the Station Inn, we got to talk to Dierks and he signed some Hashprints for some fellow DBC members who weren't able to make it to the show. When he saw my tattoo, he did a double take and asked if it was real. He said he asked to send a pic of it to him, which Kathy did for me. I MAY have had a few beers that night, so I proceeded to tell him the story of the flag placement on my tattoo. Then, I went on this long spiel about the history of the way the military carries the flag. Poor guy! 😂😂. My tattoo was also featured in the DBTV video from that night. It was a great night with a lot of laughs."

Cecia Guidry Benoit shared, "I incorporated a few things into my tattoo. There’s the RISER bird because this song means so much to me. The palm trees symbolize “Somewhere On A Beach.” (Dierks is obviously my favorite and the beach is my happy place.) The stars and lightning represents my favorite band, The Cadillac Three, which also represents the Tennessee state flag. All of these things are all inside of a music symbol. I guess you can say it’s kind of a collage of all of my happies! ☺️"

Leanna Gasiewicz shared, "I got this after I called my wedding off, 'my faith your love our freedom is what keeps me going strong' and nothing can hold me back!"

Kelsey Hodges shared, "Had this for about 7 years now, ready to [get] something "mountain" themed soon."

Kimberly Fischer shared this photo. No caption needed!

Elena Lotten shared, "My husband had Dierks sign his arm at a meet and greet and got it tattooed the next day!!!"

Stefanie McNelis Alyssa shared, "😘😘 Upper left corner picture you can see we have “every mile a memory.” Very meaningful ❤️ that was a weekend of 3 shows in 3 or 4 days. Bloomington IL - Franklin WI -Chicago IL. It was Franklin, Wisconsin, where it was POURING down rain during “Home”... it was amazing to say the least! Every time I hear that song I am reminded of that experience."

Stacy Sievers shared, "I have this one on my left leg, I'd like to someday get a song lyric around it!"

Cassie Robinson shared, "I had him write out grateful for me last month ❤️"

If you have Dierks ink, we'd love to see it! Please share in the comments!

Jessica Borrelli

DB Congress Rep, WA
@AllTheWayToMe

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!

Every Mile a Memory On the Way to 100 Shows

Hey everyone! Stephanie here - your DBC Historian. I recently attended my 100th Dierks Bentley show and Ronna asked that I guest blog about my awesome day so here goes.

It started out like any other day. Takara, Leigh and myself hit the road around 7:30 towards Council Bluffs. My anxiety level was high to begin with, as it is on every concert day, but this day was special. Once we passed the city limits sign I could almost feel my stomach trying to leap out of my throat. Will there be anyone in line yet? Is the venue set up like it was several years ago when we were here? Is my ticket at will call? Did my m&g pass transfer? So many questions!!

We finally got to the venue and there wasn't a soul around. Whew. One good thing to help calm my nerves. We managed to snag a parking spot at the golf course across the street from the venue and made our way inside the casino for a quick potty break. Since there was literally nobody in line, we plopped down underneath a tree across the street from the entrance to the venue and stayed in the shade. Overall, it was a gorgeous day!

The buses were parked along the street by the venue so we were hoping to get lucky and catch Dierks out and about like we did several years ago. Around 3:30, I look up and see him walking across the street to visit with another group of fans that were waiting outside too! He was gracious enough to take pics with everyone and sign autographs even though he was on his way to lunch. What a great guy! Even though many of my friends and fellow DBC reps were tweeting about this being my big day (thank you all for that by the way), I wasn't too confident on him reading it so I just opened my mouth and flat out told him. He said he'd have to figure out something special to do for me during the show! Umm...cue me freaking out!!!!!

There still weren't a lot of people in line which really surprised me since the show was sold out. It was a pretty laid back line too. People weren't shoving or cutting. It really didn't get crazy until half an hour before doors. That's when all these VIPs started showing up and getting in their own special line. We were really hoping that they would all just head to the VIP area, but we didn't get that lucky. As it got closer and closer to 6, we got more and more worried that even though we had waited outside all day long, our spots were about to be taken.

Once they opened the general admission gate, me and Takara took off running. Leigh was our designated bag holder so we didn't have anything weighing us down! As we got closer to the front, we noticed that quite a bit of it was taken up already. We did manage to pass (and possibly scare) a group of teenage boys and took the spots they were aiming for. You don't mess with Dierks fans bound for the front row!

Leigh, me and Takara

Around 7:20, I headed for the m&g area. They were running a bit late which only added to my nerves as I saw the space around my spot getting filled with more and more people! Finally Mel came out and got the group. They led everyone into a little room backstage and we stood there waiting for Dierks. As I got up to the front, Tom asked me to unroll my poster and started looking at it. He's such a nice guy! The person before me stepped out and I walked up to Dierks. He looked at all the pics on my poster and said he remembered some of them, even knew when some of them were taken! He turned it around to face the rest of the people and says "has anyone else been to 100 shows?" Nope, just crazy me! We took the pic and he laid my poster down on the bar and he signed it. He told me he was still thinking of something special to do for me and asked where I was for the show. Front row, of course!

Surprisingly, I had zero problems getting back to my spot! After that, it was just a matter of time before the opening act was done (who wasn't bad at all) and it was time for Dierks to hit the stage!
He took notice of where we were pretty much right away! One thing I like about this venue is that it allows easy access to get on and off the stage and you better believe he made good use of that. I won't go too much into the details of the show performance wise, but the guys gave it their all despite them missing the big amphitheater set-up. And the crowd ate up every bit of the show, especially during Drunk On a Plane! Crazy how big of a hit that song has become for Dierks!

The first round of stage lovies came during Feel That Fire. Dierks hopped off the stage and walked along the front row shaking hands. He got to our group and this happened:




I was curious if that was all that was going to happen until he started his Every Mile a Memory intro:



You could not have wiped the big cheesy smile off my face for that entire thing if you tried! And to look over and see Leigh tearing up nearly made me start bawling in the front row. I've made a lot of concert buddies over the years, but I think I've seen Dierks more times with Leigh and Takara than I can even remember and I was so thankful those 2 were standing right there with me when all of this went down.

The end of the show came and out came the guitar. Part of me wondered if I was going to be going home with another one, but what I got was even better! Dierks starts making his way along the front row again, gets to me and stops. He makes a lifting motion with both of his hands and my immediate thought is "oh man, I'm going on stage again!" quickly followed by "how do I get over this barricade in a dress without flashing the crowd?" Once again, it all happened in a flash. Dierks lifted me down from the top of the barricade (he's really strong by the way) and up I went on the stage to join the guys for the final bow!

Dierks led me backstage where he was raving about how awesome the crowd was! The energy he has when he walks off the stage in insane! He wrapped me up in a giant hug and called the rest of the guys over to do the same. Sweaty group hug haha! I adore all the guys so very much!!! Dierks asked me if I needed anything and I said I needed water (being on that stage is frightening...I don't know how he does it) so he grabbed my hand again and runs me up the hill to his bus.

I go inside the bus and take a seat next to Steve. Dierks asked where my first show was and the guys got a kick out of my whole "he stayed for 3 hours signing autographs and I fell in love" story. Dierks gathered everyone up for the group picture that he insisted needed to be "blasted all over social." We took a couple more individual photos and I said bye to the guys, got some more hugs, another big hug and an "I love you" from Dierks and walked back outside with Tom.

We headed back into the venue to say bye to all the crew guys! I got big hugs from Jay and Reade... Dierks seriously has the best crew out there! It was about that time that my phone started blowing up and I opened up Twitter to see that Dierks has already put our group shot up!

I could've been struck dead by lightning in that moment and been perfectly okay with it!! After grabbing some post concert food, we hit the road for Kansas City. Normally I would've been passed out in the backseat in about 20 minutes, but this post concert high got me through the entire 3 hour drive home and then some.

I never could've dreamed up a day this amazing. I'll never forget this show and I don't think any other show will ever top it in my book. I'm so thankful for Dierks' friendship over the years, getting to know so many of his band members and crew members and more importantly, all the amazing friendships that have come from meeting people at his shows (special shoutout to my FRHs)! I know those are friendships that I'll have throughout my entire life wherever I end up in the future.

So here's to another 100 - already counting them down with 101 in St. Louis the next night! #everymileamemory

DB Congress Winners: Every Mile A 2010 Dierks Memory

We are happy to announce the winners of the Dierks Bentley Every Mile A Memory Contest!  We asked fans to post their favorite 2010 @DierksBentley memories on our DBC Facebook page for a chance to win a 2011 DB Congress poster calendar. 

And the winners are:  Adrian Taylor, Monica Mcmaken, Michelle Woodall, Amy Shepheard, Debbie Hale, Luann Cook, and Andiee Michelle Bentley! Congrats!   Below are their favorite Dierks memories of 2010!

Adrian Taylor My Favorite Dierks Memory was meeting him at Merle Fest 2010. He is truly a remarkable, down to earth guy. He took extra time to take pictures with fans, and even after the photos, as we were walking back stage to the artist r&r tent, he took time to sign more autographs and pictures. He even took time to sit down with some fans and have a snack with them. I worked artist transportation at Merle Fest and  he was really friendly. He sat backstage at a table and ate snacks with some locals...and some fans. I hope he comes back to Merle Fest.  He is by far the best country music artist! I hope to see him again in concert very, very soon. But as for now, I'll let him relax and spend time with his new baby girl.

Monica Mcmaken I wil never forget going to see Billy Idol in August 2010 and looking up to see Dierks Bentley taking the seat right next to me. Dierks and I were pumping our fists in the air together to "Rebel Yell!"

Debbie Hale My favorite 2010 Dierks memory was seeing him at DuQuoin, IL Sept. 1st. I had a M&G and was telling him that my granddaughter was with us and that I had made her a onesie with his picture on it and it said "I heart Dierks." He said he would be looking for her. I was sitting separately from my husband, son, daugher-in-law and granddaughter, Brianna! Brianna was only 11 months old. Well, it was getting close to the end of the show and my husband, Steve, wanted Dierks to see the outfit I had made for Brianna to wear. He took Brianna down to the stage when Dierks was singing Sideways. Dierks sang to her and the crowd went crazy when they saw her. Everyone was cheering when Steve went back to his seat with her. After the show Dierks put the picture of him singing to Brianna on Twitter!! It made a great night even more special!!! Thanks, Dierks!

Amy Shepheard My favorite memory of 2010 has to be connecting with other fan club members from all around the country. I am a pretty shy person, so it takes a lot for me to open up with people I don't know. I'm so glad that I did because I met some fantastic people in Nashville and in New York! I can't wait to see everyone next year! Thanks, Dierks! :-)

Luann Cook My favorite 2010 memory of Dierks this year has to be seeing his performance of "Gold Heart Locket" with Sam Bush - for the Flood Relief Benefit 2010. I saw him live in Greenville, S.C. and that was more awesome than awesome. But the "Gold Heart Locket" song performance and seeing and feeling his passion to help Nashville was very special. My favorite.

Michelle Kinstle Woodall Too many memories this year! Think I followed him everywhere. The Ryman for the final Up On The Ridge concert, where I got the hatch print from the show signed. The Last Call Ball/CD Release party. HullabaLOU in Louisville, Miles and Music for Kids in Nashville, The audience for Good Morning America show, and ending the year at Harrah's in Cherokee. Meet and Greet with Dierks in Louisville and Cherokee, and right up on the stage for GMA show. The miles covered in the thousands and every one of those is a memory that cannot be replaced. Hoping to cover at least as many miles next year. Got to love Dierks!

Andiee Michelle Bentley My Favorite Memory Was When I First Met Dierks♥ I Was A Huge Fan When He First Appeared On 2003. I Was In Like. Third Grade And I Had Dreamed Of Meeting Him For YEARS. So I Went To The Fair With My Best Friend Like, Three Months Ago And I Made A Tshirt That Said I♥ Dierks Bentley And I Was Like, Standing Outside His Tour Bus And He Waved To Me And Idkay I Was So Happy I Started Crying! Then Someone Came Off The Bus And Told Me To Come In And I Freaked Out! I Ran In And He Was Sitting There And I Started Bawling. And He Hugged Me And Said Whats Wrong? And I Was Like I Am Soo Happy I Met You! Ive Been Dreaming Of This Day Since I Was Eight! And He's Like Thats So Sweet! And We Were Talking And It Was Just Amazing(: So He Signed A Picture For Me And Ever Since Then I Want To See Him Again!(:

Congrats again, and if you haven't already, please email me at Ronna@dbcongress with your mailing address!

TATS FOR DIERKS

Most Dierks Bentley fans are happy just to listen to his music. Others have a strong bond to each emotional lyric, vocal bravado and personal connection with Dierks’ charisma. So much so, that everything from db logos to lyrics, on ankles and backs, dedicated Dierks fans and DB Congress reps have him “inked” into their skin in the form of “all things dierks” tattoos.

According to DB Congress rep, Rachel, from Florida, “Its more than just Dierks…I’ve made a lot of friends…that’s why I got a Dierks Bentley tattoo--music notes that stand for Every Mile A Memory…” Listen to Rachel’s story here as she shows off her tattoo, and hear Dierks’ response:



“Man, that’s just the ultimate form of gratitude…people really incorporate my songs into the fabric of their lives…you wanna make sure you always make them proud to have gotten that tattoo.” (Dierks)

Nebraska DBC rep, Sarah, says, “A buddy of mine had a friend in town who does tattoos so I got it at my friends house in May of 2008. I'm such a huge Dierks fan. I love his music and everything he stands for. No matter how big he gets he always is loyal to his fans by keeping his meet and greets down so he can actually spend time with each fan--unlike some other groups that just make it seem like you’re being herded through like cattle. And even though I haven't had the chance to actually meet Dierks, I hope one day to get him to autograph my tattoo and have his signature tattooed on with it. It just wraps around my right ankle and connects so it looks kinda like an ankle bracelet.”

A thankful Erin (DBC Florida rep), explains: “I got this tattoo because Dierks and his music helped to pull me through the hardest time in my life. Not only that, but I have met some of my very best friends because of him. No matter what happens, I will always be grateful to him for that!"

Kim (DBC rep, MO) was struggling with a lot of decisions. She decided to get a Dierks tattoo “because he was the first artist who touched my heart through his music, and he helped me through some tough times. Listening to his music I felt I could tackle any situation--it's very inspiring. His music has brought me together with some of the greatest friends a person can have!”


"The reason I got the Tattoo was because it represents my loyalty to Dierks. His songs have gotten me through the darkest days of my life and I couldn't be more thankful for his music! He also has the name (Dierks) of my ex's last name who was killed in a car accident! I thought it was a perfect time to get both men that mean the most to me in one tattoo. So Dierks is stuck on me until I die! I wouldn't have it any other way. I got the tat on my birthday 2-5-08. I wouldn't change a thing about it! Dierks knows me as Samantha (DBC rep from Wisconsin) with the tattoo!"

Keesha, was so moved by the "Free and Easy Down The Road I Go" lyric, that she had it inked into her instep. Dierks himself had to see it a little closer.


Cassandra,(DBC rep, CA) and Hannah, (Ohio DBC rep) both got tats for Dierks, too! (Awaiting photos). How many other DB Congress reps have committed to permanently promote and pay homage to Dierks? Leave your comments below!