Dierks Dubs Devin, 'The Interpretive Dance Guy'

Please leave a comment to welcome new Dierks Bentley Congress California rep - DevinErik! Discover his "Dierks" back-story here:

"I live out in CA, and I can tell you about some of my Dierks experiences. For starters, I've been a Dierks fan since "What Was I Thinkin'" hit radio stations everywhere. Bought his debut cd and haven't looked back. My favorite song is "Beautiful World." I won the Green Screen Contest on CMT for "Free & Easy" which was pretty cool, but that doesn't compare to my New York City trip.

So here's the story. Last October, I was sitting around checking out the fan club site when I noticed that Dierks was doing 4 consecutive shows at 4 separate venues in and around New York City. I remember thinking that it sounded like an amazing time, but I had never been to NY and didn't know anyone that lived out there. The more I thought about how awesome it would be to see the city and watch a Dierks shows each night, the more I realized I needed a vacation. So I booked it; bought tickets to all 4 shows, booked a flight, called my boss, looked for a hotel.

So the first night the show was at The Bowery Ballroom in Manhattan and I got there around 5 or 6 to scout out the line. When I arrived, there were already a dozen or so fans waiting. Luckily I ended up front and center anyway. Dierks came out pumped (coulda been the bottle of Patron he was sipping throughout the set). When he got to the line, "I guess the lord made me hard to handle," in "Lot of Leaving Left To Do," I put my fist in the air and started shaking it. Dierks continued, "So loving me might be a long shot gamble," and I let the dice fly (imaginary dice of course). Dierks almost started laughing mid song.

After finishing the song emphatically, he asked the crowd,"Can you all see this guy down here?" He was laughing in disbelief. "I looked down and saw him shaking his fist and thought, hmmm, shake-weight? Nah, couldn't be..." mocking my muscle tone (or lack thereof). Then he said, "I finally figured it out. He was rolling the dice for the 'Long shot gamble' line." He went on to describe me as an interpretive dancer and told the audience to watch for my moves and then said "Come on Devin, I expect a lot out of ya!"

The rest of the night he jabbed at me, doing some hand gestures and "moves" of his own. Later on in the evening he did a cover of George Strait's "All My Exes Live In Texas" and he had me face the crowd and hand-mime the lyrics. It was incredible.

Finally at the end of the show Dierks began to pull all of the girls wearing white tank-tops up onto the stage while rocking through "What Was I Thinking." He came over to me and yanked me up with everyone else.

I looked around a bit and noticed that I was the only one not wearing a tank-top...or was I? I unbuttoned my shirt a bit to show that I had one on under my flannel and the crowd went berserk.

When the last note of the song played and the drums given a final smash, I grabbed the mic and yelled, "We're going streaking!!!" - which got a big laugh out of Dierks...I'm pretty sure he's a big Will Ferrel fan.

The girls all started clearing the stage, but I was allowed to stay. I started river dancing to the Irish rock song he plays to close out his shows and everyone laughed. Dierks brought me into a huddle with him and the rest of the band and then we all gave an unorganized bow- again, the crowd laughed.

Of course my mind started wandering and I imagined myself tearing up New York all night with the crew, but it all ended with a signed photo of Dierks that said "THX Bret, God Bless" - guess the Patron made him forget my name a bit. But to me it was perfect. The perfect ending to the perfect day.

During my October 2010 trip to NYC, I made a music video of my Dierks trip: "Love Grows Wild." 



Last month I was lucky enough to watch the Dierks & Friends show at the Troubadour in West Hollywood, CA and Dierks came right over to me at the end and said, "The interpretive dance guy, right?" - yup, that's me.

It is a personal goal of mine to someday write a song with or for Dierks, but for now I'll settle for being someone that he recognizes as a fan. He is a fantastic musician and a cool dude. Thanks for letting me share!

Glad to be a part of the congress!"

-The Interpretive Dance Guy (DevinErik)

DB Congress Rep, California

Road Songs Take Over "The Thread", Dierks Bentley's Radio Show

George and Jake join Dierks again this week in the studio of "The Thread," his WSM radio show. As he runs down the road songs. "Jake and George have been with me out there on the road, they know what the road is like and they have a good time being out there and this week the songs are all about the road--"Highways and Byways." Dierks' canine friends are country music fans, too!

Dierks kicked off the show with the "King" of the road song--Roger Miller--"King Of The Road." More songs on the play list include:

Give Me The Highway (Vince Gil and Del McCoury)

Route 66 (Asleep At The Wheel)
Dierks mentioned how this song means a lot to him since he's from Arizona and Route 66 runs right through it, and that he'd been on that famous road many times on the 25-hour ride to and from Phoenix, AZ and Nashville, TN in his Truck with over 200,000 miles on the odometer.

Last Highway (Steve Wariner) Dierks said he just LOVES hearing that song!

Highway 40 Blues (Ricky Skaggs) "One of my favorite bluegrassy country songs about the road--we used to play this song down at a little bar called Market Street on 2nd Avenue..."

Lost Highway (Hank Williams) "No song speaks more about the road."

18 Wheels and a Dozen Roses (Kathy Mattea) "That song just really strikes a chord with me...such a powerfully written song...Gene Nelson and Paul Nelson wrote that song."

Callin' Baton Rouge (New Grass Revival) Later recorded by Garth Brooks. Garth brought in Same Bush and others to play on this track because he couldn't get it the way he wanted it to sound.

Drivin' My Life Away (Eddie Rabbit)

Readin' Writin', Route 23 (Dwight Yoakam) - Class of '89; Dwight had a huge influence on Dierks.

On The Road Again (Willie Nelson) "The road song of my generation. Willie recently cut off his hair - I've have had some experience with cutting off my hair and getting a similar reaction - pretty unfavorable."


The Outlaw Story Song: Highway 17 (Rodney Crowell) "This song gives me goose bumps...it is so mesmerizing - really showcases Rodney as a story teller."

Red Dirt Road (Brooks and Dunn) "Me and my band have been known to do a bluegrass version of that song!"

"Looking at this sheet of songs Shannon [McCombs, Producer] has prepared for me, and I'm up next!"

Free and Easy Down The Road I Go (Dierks Bentley!)

Listen to the entire August 9 Episode here.

Next Monday on The Thread, Dierks will go through the lying songs of country. Don't miss "Can’t Tell The Truth" on Monday, August 16 at 2 pm Central time! You can listen online at wsmonline.com.

DIERKS PERFORMS FREE ON INDEPENDENCE DAY

Wikipedia's July 4th description: In the United States, Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain. John Adams wrote to his wife Abigail:
“The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more."

Adams' prediction was off by two days. From the outset, Americans celebrated independence on July 4, the date shown on the much-publicized Declaration of Independence, rather than on July 2, the date the resolution of independence was approved in a closed session of Congress.

This sentence has been called "one of the best-known sentences in the English language and the most potent and consequential words in American history. The passage has often been used to promote the rights of marginalized groups, and came to represent for many people a moral standard for which the United States should strive. This view was greatly influenced by Abraham Lincoln, who considered the Declaration to be the foundation of his political philosophy. (Remember, he freed the slaves.)

So what does all this have to do with DIERKS BENTLEY? Well for starters, Dierks is very patriotic. His dad served in WWII and Dierks has always been a huge supporter of our American Troops, and often dedicates Long Trip Alone and My Last Name as a thank you to them in his live shows.

And he sings about freedom - Free and Easy (Down The Road I Go); and he "Sings For Free" (another song performed a few times live but never released on an album); his friend Jordan is breathing free and easy in heaven now; and Dierks is singing free of charge on the Fourth of July at a live show at Ft. Hood for the troops and the American public in Killeen, Texas!

But what really linked Independence Day to Mr. Bentley for me was when I read the phrase above: "a moral standard for which the United States should strive." My first thought was, that's how I think of Dierks--a moral standard for which we all should strive. His caring nature and "do the right thing" attitude sets him apart from other artists. He lives life (Can't Live It Down), and he pursues happiness. He treats all his fans, friends and family with equality and respect. And that is the self-evident truth!

Dierks performed at the Capitol in Washington DC two years ago. Please enjoy his performance from July 4, 2007 of Free And Easy:



Have a safe holiday!

~Ronna
DB Congress Chair

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

DIERKS BENTLEY ROCKS "ROCK BAND"

Not being a gamer myself, I am a little behind the times on this Dierks-related news. It is a well-known fact among DB fans that Dierks and the guys in the band love spending their free time playing video games on the bus. Among those games might be the popular Guitar Hero and/or Rock Band--especially now that one of their very own recent Number One songs--Free And Easy (Down The Road I Go) has been added to the game's playlist.

Lori Hollanbaugh wrote a very comprehensvie article, that outlines the huge impact the Rock Band phenomenon can and is having on country music artists' careers:

Pickers and Power Chords: Country Joins the Rock Band and Guitar Hero Revolutions.

As Guitar Hero and Rock Band build their epic momentum as video games, their customer base is expanding beyond wannabe musicians of all ages into a whole new marketplace for lovers of Country Music. With the introduction in December of a "five-pack" that allows downloads of Country tracks into the Rock Band playlist, gamers can now jam out to some of their favorite Country tunes along with songs by rock acts. In January, Guitar Hero World Tour debuted Country Rock Track Pack featuring Brooks & Dunn's "Hillbilly Deluxe," Willie Nelson's "On the Road Again," Brad Paisley's "Ticks" and Rascal Flatts' "Me and My Gang."

An alt-Country release followed in February, available for purchase and download from the Rock Band Music Store catalog. In April, Toby Keith made his Rock Band debut with the "Toby Keith 6-Pack," featuring "Should've Been A Cowboy," "How Do You Like Me Now," "Beer For My Horses," "Who's Your Daddy," "I Love This Bar" and "She's a Hottie."

While it might appear that Country is a little late at joining the party, it has actually been targeted from the earliest days of product development, according to Steve Schnur, Worldwide Executive of Music and Marketing for Electronic Arts, the company that distributes Rock Band. "Country has always been part of the marketing vision of EA, even more so since I began aggressively featuring Country acts in franchise titles like NASCAR and The Sims," said Schnur. "We also knew that Rock Band was going to be unlike any other gaming phenomenon.

Two summers ago, six months before the game came out, I arranged a presentation for my colleagues on the CMA Board. Clarence Spalding [President, Spalding Entertainment] was one of the very first people to respond enthusiastically, and I arranged a meeting between him, myself and Paul DeGooyer [Senior VP, Electronic Games & Music, MTV] to discuss marketing Rock Band on tours. CMT, as well as other artists and managers, quickly got involved. I'm happy and proud to say that Country Music understood this game's potential immediately."

MTV Games and Harmonix, the companies that developed, programmed and now manufacture the games, chose the five songs that appear on the Going Country collection: Dierks Bentley's "Free and Easy (Down the Road I Go)," Brooks & Dunn's "Hillbilly Deluxe," Dixie Chicks' "Sin Wagon," Miranda Lambert's "Gunpowder and Lead" and Brad Paisley's "Mud on the Tires."

Their subsequent "Alt Country 01" five-pack includes Neko Case's "People Got a Lotta Nerve," Drive By Truckers' "Three Dimes Down," Steve Earle's "Satellite Radio," a live recording by the Old 97s of "Timebomb" and Lucinda Williams' "Can't Let Go." "

As a longtime A&R guy and fan of both rock and Country, I think they couldn't have picked better tracks," said Schnur, who served as Sr. VP, A&R at Capitol Records prior to joining EA. "A great riff is a great riff no matter where it comes from, and we all know that some of the badass musicians on the planet are playing in Country bands. Anyone who thinks these Country songs won't be as challenging or fun to play as the game's rock tracks is in for a huge surprise."

Country artists have been fans of interactive music games long before their tracks were made available to Rock Band. Dierks Bentley expressed his enthusiasm for the game in a CMT interview, and Brooks & Dunn manager Spalding introduced Rock Band to Ronnie Dunn. "Steve knows that I love the game," said Spalding. "My son, daughter and I play it all the time. We downloaded the Country package that included 'Hillbilly Deluxe.' I had Ronnie and Reba [McEntire] over to the house before Christmas and we all played. They were more interested in playing drums than singing - go figure! Ronnie went out the next day and bought one for a Christmas gift. It's very infectious - that's why I took the one I had at the office home. I couldn't get any work done for playing 'All Right Now.'"

Even more noteworthy than the popularity of these games is the potential for encouraging purchase of music recordings. Microsoft reports that players of Guitar Hero and Rock Band purchase an average 3.8 million songs a month and have bought more than 45 million tracks for both games to date. According to data compiled by The NPD Group and Nielsen SoundScan, Guitar Hero and Rock Band brought in $935 million in 2007, well above the $835 million earned through digital music downloads.

An NPD report noted that in the third quarter of 2008, 22 percent of those who purchased music in any format and 35 percent of all consumers under age 35 played "a music-based video game, such as Rock Band or Guitar Hero" and that "many of these music gamers reported that the gaming experience had a positive outcome, such as creating music discovery or triggering a digital music or CD purchase." "The majority of artist income comes now from licensing, publishing, sponsorship and performance," said Schnur. "Today, all artists want to be a part of new opportunities that allow them to be heard by the largest possible audience.

And being associated with a phenomenal game makes an artist's image - as well as their records, concert tickets, merchandise and publishing - an even bigger part of their fans' lives. "Certainly the success of Rock Band and Guitar Hero has enabled some unprecedented deals," he continued. "Just look at AC/DC, Aerosmith and Metallica. Record companies and retailers have seen sales of songs by scores of bands increase 200 to 300 percent after their inclusion in both these games.

In fact, Guitar Hero: Aerosmith, which has grossed more than $50 million since its release last June, has resulted in more revenue for the band than any individual album they've released in their 38-year career. The record business may be ailing, but the music business, led by games like Rock Band, is now entering the most profitable and creative epoch of our time. And I love the fact that Country will now literally and figuratively help change the game forever."

Country artists should definitely benefit from the cross exposure they could receive by being part of this story. "It no longer matters what kind of music you pledge allegiance to," said Schnur. "Everyone loves playing Skynyrd and Creedence songs on Rock Band. I like to think that there are Brooks & Dunn fans out there who have discovered The Killers through playing the game. And I'm really looking forward to Megadeth fans discovering Miranda Lambert.

Best of all, this is just the beginning. Gamers have always craved a music-themed experience because music has always been an integral part of games. But what's amazing about Rock Band is that it has single-handedly created a whole new medium of interactive music discovery. Have you ever played Rock Band with a 12-year-old? It's jaw-dropping to see them rock out to Molly Hatchet, get excited about Dixie Chicks and want to download more songs by Brad Paisley. It's an extraordinary new connection that reactivates the power and promise of music like never before.

Rock Band has, and will continue to, change the way we experience music forever." Anyone looking for evidence of how much the games have already influenced pop culture needs to look no further than Brad Paisley's video with Keith Urban for "Start a Band." In the clip, two young boys duke it out on their axes in a fictitious Guitar Showdown video game. These images mirror Schnur's conviction that younger generations may discover their music more from video screens than from radios or computers. "To my mind, there is no longer any distinction between rock and Country fans when it comes to gaming," he said. "That's not just because the lines of the genres themselves are blurred.

Today's teens have never known a world without Internet, cell phones or video games. In fact, they are an entire generation raised on video games as a major entertainment source in their lives. Consequently, they've discovered much of their music through gaming consoles. Thirty-five years after the first electronic blips of Pong, video games and the music we can deliver with them have become the most essential cultural force of our time. And within the next few years, the ability of video games to expose music of any genre will be beyond anything the industry or the consumer has ever known before."

DIERKS MAKES A NIGHT OF IT

The next best thing to being there in person, is listening to The Grand Ole Opry live via wsmonline.com. The longest running radio broadcast (since 1925), the Opry morphed into an iconic live entertainment experience, dedicated to honoring country music’s rich history and dynamic present.

It's even sweeter when GOO Member Dierks Bentley is on the line up! Tuesday night Opry was such a night, and a few of us DB Congress reps were listening online and chatting on dierks.com when the one and only Eddie Stubbs, an announcer on WSM’s Grand Ole Opry, and evening DJ on 650 AM WSM, introduced our prez: "It's a treat to have this young man with us tonight...he wanted to be a part of the Opry family so bad he could taste it!"

Dierks began his set with Free and Easy 1,2,3,4! And it was obvious the feeling was mutual, because Dierks plugged in "Eddie Stubbs is rockin' on the radio" in place of the normal lyric. ...someday I know it's gonna take me home...I could just picture him pointing to the sky! Love that banjo, Tim!

Next up, Feel That Fire. Perfect! So Steph, David, Debbie and I tried to guess what the third song would be (hoping there would be a third song), Sideways, Better Believer, Beautiful World....nope! He launched into Lot of Leavin' Left To Do, right after introducing the guys. I was really impressed that this time he actually said their names slow and clear enough to understand.

Right before LLLTD, Dierks told a story of staying out late after the Brad concert and coming home, having to kick in the doggie door. Really funny.

And then at the end of the Opry show, Eddie said Dierks was gonna join him in a few minutes in the WSM studio (next door to the Opry House in the Gaylord Opryland hotel). So we stayed online and cotinued to listen, and Dierks came in! He was there with Eddie for over two hours talking and playing most of the songs from the new CD! (Little Heartwrecker, I Can't Forget Her, You Hold Me Together, Better Believer, Last Call, Feel That Fire, I Wanna Make You Close Your Eyes and Beautiful World).

Dierks talked about each song, and said FTF was written as a heads up to all the guys to know what makes a girl want to feel that fire.

When they played Beautiful World, Dierks said if there was just one song he would want to be known/remembered for, that would be it. So they asked listeners to call in and comment on the song. David called in to tell them he loved BW! They said they would pass it on to Dierks, and they actually said on the air, "this guy called from Louisville, KY, couldn't even wait for the song to be over to let you know how much he loves the song." So then I called and it rang again and again and again and again and again (sorry, I type in Dierks lyrical rhythm), then they picked up and I said "I'm calling to comment on Beautiful World," ok, hold on--click. So I'm on hold forever--really thought about hanging up, when they came back on the line.

ME: Hi, This is Ronna, from Tampa, Florida.

DB: Hey, this is Dierks!

ME: You're kidding?! They've got you on the phones?

DB: Yeah, so how ya doin?

ME: Great! We just listened to you on the Opry, you guys sounded great! We are so proud of you!

DB: Thanks! So what do you think of Beautiful World?

ME: You know I love that song...

DB: So do you think between 'close your eyes' and BW, which one should be the next single?

ME: I love both, but I think close your eyes has a better chance of making it to #1 on radio.

DB: I know, that's the cold hard truth (*he said disappointedly).
(*I felt bad, cos he had just said on the air that he wanted to be remembered for that song).

ME: I was at the March 14 Nashville/Brad concert--but up in the stands...you know I am used to being down on the floor by the stage.

DB: So how did we sound up there?

ME: Awesome!

DB: Well I gotta get back on the air, tell everyone I said Hi!

ME: I will!

OK, so after that, I did not wanna close my eyes! Was I dreaming?
ME: Honey, I just talked to Dierks on the phone!
Hubby: I know, I heard you. I told you he was a good guy!

And still tonight as I write this--nearly 24 hours later, Eddie Stubbs continues to show so much admiration for Dierks on his radio show: "We are so blessed to have artists like Dierks come by and spend their time with us...he was here for 2 hours last night...talking about his new album, and to get somebody of his stature in this day in time to give up his time...with wife and 6-month old daughter waiting at home, that speaks volumes."

Yes it does!

TACOMA, WA STOKED FOR DIERKS

TheNewsTribune.com
Published: 02/27/09

Rising star Dierks Bentley makes a stop in Tacoma

ERNEST A. JASMIN; ernest.jasmin@thenewstribune.com

Brad Paisley might be the main attraction Saturday night (2-28-09) at the Tacoma Dome. But a lot of fans will be equally stoked for his opening act, hunky rising country star Dierks Bentley. The singer, best known for anthemic hits “What Was I Thinkin’” and “Free and Easy (Down the Road I Go),” will perform cuts from his new disc “Feel That Fire” during his 45-minute opening slot. We caught up with him just to get an idea of what to expect Saturday.

Jasmin interviews Dierks about the tour highlights, video treatments, The tone of the Feel That Fire album, and special guests on the CD. "It’s got everything in the past (fans have) always dug, as far as the rowdy stuff and the sexier stuff," replied Dierks about the album. When asked about the set list, Dierks said, "It’s a fun show for us to play. There’s zero fluff. Not that there ever was, but it’s really tight."

Read the rest of the story here.

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!