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

MUSIC CITY KEEP ON PLAYIN BENEFIT

Dierks joined up with several artists last night, including Brad Paisley, Lady Antebellum, Kellie Pickler, Martina McBride and Will Hoge, at Nashville's historic Ryman Auditorium to aid in flood relief! The fundraiser, titled Music City Keep On Playin' - A Benefit For Flood Relief raised over $1.7 million via donations from country music fans, artists and several companies!

For his first performance, Dierks brought Sam Bush on stage for their cover of Jeff Black's "Gold Heart Locket." Despite his nerves, expressed through twitter, the song sounded amazing!

phew! was nervous singing that beautiful jeff black song with my buddy sam bush. didn't want to mess it up! back to phones. pls call

For his second performance, he did one that you don't hear live very often, "You Hold Me Together." He also joined Brad Paisley's band during "American Saturday Night."


The Congress was following right along with the benefit on Twitter and Dierks took a few seconds to acknowledge that!

@dbcongress thanks for helping spread the info on how to help Nashville flood relief. fun teaching @bradpaisley a couple licks at end

And between performances, Dierks was also answering phones and taking donations! Was anyone lucky enough to get him on the other end?



The whole benefit was awesome...performance wise to the amount of money raised to help out flood victims! If you'd like to check out more pictures of Dierks from the benefit, go HERE!

Remember, every bit helps! Have a great week everyone.

-Stephanie, DBC Historian

DIERKS ON NATIONAL TV TELETHON FOR NASHVILLE FLOOD AID

Dierks will join the star-studded lineup for Music City Keep On Playin' - A Benefit For Flood Relief, which is the first nationally-televised telethon for Nashville flood aid. Other performers include Brad Paisley, Lady Antebellum, Rodney Atkins, Kellie Pickler, CeCe Winans, Jaci Velasquez and Will Hoge.

Music City Keep On Playin' will be broadcast live and commercial-free on GAC this Sunday, May 16 from 8-10pm EST.

Tickets to the live event at the historic Ryman Auditorium are available now! Reserved tickets are $25 and a limited number of gold circle tickets are $150 and include preferred seating and a commemorative Hatch Show event poster. There is a limit of four $25 tickets per person and two $150 tickets per person. Tickets may be purchased online at www.ryman.com and www.opry.com, by phone at 1-800-SEE-OPRY (733-6779) or in person at the Ryman box office.

GAC has partnered with WKRN TV in Nashville to simulcast the live telethon on Comcast channel 245 (over the air delivery at 2.2). They will also run the telethon as an encore presentation on May 16 at 10:30 p.m./Eastern on channel 2 (over the air delivery at 2.1). XM Satellite Radio will also simulcast the live telethon.

The concert will re-air on GAC at 10:00 p.m., 12:00 a.m. and 2:00 a.m. and the phone banks will remain open during the re-airs.

All money raised will go to those in need in Middle Tennessee. Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee will be the organization processing and distributing donations. This event is being presented by GAC, the Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau and Gaylord Entertainment.

Source: Dierks.com