Did DB Discuss "Pride" With U2's Bono?

It's no secret how much the band U2 means to Dierks Bentley. So much so that Dierks covered (albeit with meticulous vocals, mandolin, fiddle, and banjo instrumentation) the U2 hit single, "Pride (In The Name Of Love)" in his critically acclaimed 2010 bluegrass project, Up On The Ridge.

"Pride (In the Name of Love)" is the second track on U2's 1984 album, The Unforgettable Fire, and was released as the album's lead single in September 1984. Written about Martin Luther King, Jr., the song received mixed critical reviews at the time, but it was a major commercial success for the band and has since become one of the band's most popular songs.

The iconic rock band made it's first appearance in Music City (Nashville, Tennessee) on Saturday, July 2, 2011--the first time since 1981--in the round - a 360 degree stage, nicknamed, "The Claw."

DB Congress rep, Kalen, who represents Dierks in Oklahoma, is also an avid U2 fan and follows them all over the country (kind of like many of us DBC-ers do for Dierks!).  Kalen was in Nashville for the U2 concert at Vanderbilt Stadium and tweeted from the audience:

"Wow! my @DierksBentley just got a shout out from Bono from the spaceship stage at Vanderbilt. Awesome Dude! @DBCongress"

So of course I had to know more!

ME: So Dierks got a shout out from Bono? I need details! Gotta post that on dbc.com! Do you think D was there?

KALEN: Yes. Dierks' name came out of Bono's mouth onstage last night! I about died! Bono said it when he mentioned how great it was hanging out with the singer/songwriters "last night" (which would have been the 1st).  Before that, I am about 99% sure we saw Dierks on the floor with Cass.  I tried to get a pic but we were 14 rows from the floor & the lighting wouldn't take pics. But I saw a white Tshirt, dark jeans & blonde curls and a dark-haired girl with him.  He walked like Dierks...so that's why I say 99% sure it was him. Then when Bono names off all these names and says...and "Dierks" not Dierks Bentley, just Dierks! They are on a first-name basis. D got to meet Bono. Happy for him but jealous.

ME: Did they sing Pride? Aren't you from Oklahoma? What are you doing in Nashville?

KALEN: Yes. They sang Pride--one of my favorites of U2. I am from OK but kinda follow U2 around when they tour. Staying in Nashville through the 4th. Hope to see another Blonde Curls sighting!

According to Billboard.biz, "Backstage hospitality was filled with notable Nashville music business figures and artists, including Clement, manager Ken Levitan, singers Dierks Bentley and Michael W. Smith..."

Thanks for sharing, Kalen! So it seems our DBC president met his idol, Bono! Congrats! Wish we could've been a fly on that wall!

~Ronna Clark
DB Congress Chair, FL

Dierks Bentley's Many CMA Fest Appearances

Dierks Bentley's Last Call Ball was only the first of three major appearances at the 2011 CMA Music Festival.  Other performances were on the field - LP Field Friday Night for the big stage show and  the Greer Stadium baseball field for the Celebrity Softball Challenge that benefited The City of Hope.  DBTV Episode #22 gives you a glimpse of Dierks's busy week, and below that are some photos from fans.  Enjoy!

Photo Credit: Angela Mueller; Dierks arriving at Greer Stadium in his Camero



Photo Credit: Ronna Clark; Dierks signed for all the fans all the way across the first base line





Photo Credit: Stephanie Lanham; Dierks couldn't decide if he wanted to play hockey or softball



Photo Credit: Ronna Clark (from the photo line); LP Field



Photo Credit: Ronna Clark; LP Field

Photo Credit: Ronna Clark; background while Dierks was singing Up On The Ridge

LP Field background screen

Photo Credit: Ronna Clark; LP Field



LP Field



Dierks to Perform at 2011 CMA Music Fest June 10

CMA Award-winner and multi-Platinum-selling artist Dierks Bentley will perform at 2011 CMA Music Festival as part of the Nightly Concerts at LP Field on Friday, June 10.

CMA Music Festival takes place Thursday through Sunday, June 9-12, in downtown Nashville. The event, which celebrates its 40th birthday since beginning as Fan Fair® in 1972, will once again be filmed for an ABC television special to air in late summer.

“Dierks has been highly requested by our fans, and we are excited to welcome him back to CMA Music Festival this year,” said Steve Moore, CMA Chief Executive Officer.

Am I the only one who now has to change my flight and hotel to stay through Friday night?

The Reason He Rides: Country Weekly Reports on Dierks Bentley's MM4K

Dierks Bentley landed a three-page feature article with some great photos in the November 22, 2010 Country Weekly issue. Country Weekly spoke to Dierks at his fifth annual Miles and Music For Kids event. He talks about the reason he rides motorcycles and raises funds for sick kids. "More and more bikes every year. The support from the community is always a surprise. You never know what to expect...it's a great energy when you get a bunch of motorcycles together all going down the street together...it raises awareness." The ride/concert raised over $250,000 for Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt in Nashville in October. Be sure to buy your copy if you don't subscribe to Country Weekly.

Cannery Gets Crowd Closer to Bentley for Americana Music Fest

Strum Magazine's Rick Amburgey says the best ever Dierks Bentley performance for him was the September 10 Americana Music Festival at Nashville's Cannery Ballroom. News of the surprise event leaked out just one day before, but that didn't stop the crowd from coming a little closer. Check out Rick's review here.

Dierks Bentley and Sam Bush perform "Gold Heart Locket" Sept. 10:

HANDS ON NASHVILLE, THE TODAY SHOW, AND DIERKS BENTLEY TEAM UP

Dierks Bentley tweeted a mere 30 minutes before he was to sing on The Today Show this morning. Too bad I didn't see it until 2 hours later. Wish I had known and could have alerted the DB Congress to set their DVRs!

Apparently he also participated in helping Hands On Nashville, an organization whose most recent project is to lead flood recovery efforts in the Nashville area through volunteers. This message is posted on their website: "Hands On Nashville (HON) expresses sincere gratitude to the thousands of volunteers who are leading flood recovery efforts. Your incredible gifts of time and talent showcase the spirit of Middle Tennessee."

"going to be singing love grows wild at 845 central on the @Todayshow. #fb"

"Great morning hanging out with @todayshow and all the volunteers to help out @honashville"