Going From Two Kids To Three Is Great

Joe Don Rooney of Rascal Flatts and his wife Tiffany welcomed their third child, Devon Olivia, into the world two months ago, and Joe Don says it has been a little challenging, but mostly it’s been great to see how his kids all interact. “It’s pretty cool to see Jagger being six, Rocky being four and now Devon Olivia being a little over a month old.”

Joe Don smiles and says, “Jagger’s kind of like, he walks in the room, we might be feeding Devon, and he’s like, ‘Oh that’s sweet, a little baby.’ And he pats her on the head like she’s a puppy dog and then he pretty much leaves the room. He’s kind of like in and out. Rocky being four years old, she’s a girl obviously, and she wants to hold Devon and feed her. She’s very motherly, very hands on, very one on one with Devon and she just loves her. It’s so sweet.”

It’s been fun to see how the kids react differently to the baby, but Joe Don admits, “It’s challenging in some ways, just because your time is spread out a little bit more, but coming home to a full house is really, really sweet. It’s a really amazing, powerful feeling that I feel blessed to get to feel.”
Rascal Flatts just released their new single, “Riot.” Now they’re taking some time off for the holidays before getting back to work in 2015.

Rascal Flatts Still Loves The Vibe of Bar Gigs

They got their start playing in small bars and clubs, and although they’ve since graduated to arenas and amphitheaters, they still remember and appreciate those early gigs. “There’s somethin’ to be said for havin’ a little intimate crowd and bein’ able to connect with each and every person in the room,” says Jay DeMarcus. “Unfortunately, that doesn’t pay the bills. So we have to go to larger arenas in order to do what we do. But, we do love goin’ back. Every once in a while we’ll go back to a club and sit down and do a couple sets just to remind ourselves how much we love the old days.”

Rascal Flatts is currently out on their Rewind Tour playing their arena-size hits like “Fast Cars and Freedom,” “Me and My Gang” and their current single, “Payback.”

Country Goes Motley

Country stars lined up to pay homage to iconic rock group Motley Crue on the new Big Machine release, Nashville Outlaws: A Tribute To Motley Crue, which arrives at retail on August 19th. 

Justin Moore, Florida Georgia Line, Rascal Flatts, Brantley Gilbert, LeAnn Rimes, Darius Rucker, Eli Young Band, Cassadee Pope, The Mavericks, Big & Rich, The Cadillac Three, Aaron Lewis, Nashville stars Sam Palladio and Clare Bowen, Lauren Jenkins and Gretchen Wilson all recorded Motley Crue’s hits in tribute to the band, who, after more than 30 years together and over 80 million albums sold worldwide, have decided to call it quits.

The idea for Nashville Outlaws: A Tribute To Motley Crue at first didn’t make sense to the band, but Vince Neil says they quickly came around to giving their stamp of approval. “I just kind of couldn’t wrap my head around it because my head is still like what country was 30 years ago, say when I was growing up, and I didn’t really realize that country music has become the new rock ‘n’ roll, and so all of a sudden I started listening to these bands and going, ‘This actually makes sense. I mean, this is really cool! So it became really exciting and after listening to the songs for the first time of all the acts I was like, ‘These guys all hit a homerun on this record.’”

The first single from Nashville Outlaws: A Tribute To Motley Crue is Justin Moore’s version of “Home Sweet Home,” featuring Vince Neil.

Rascal Flatts Believes The Right Tour Openers Are Extremely Important

They are currently out on their Rewind Tour with special guests Sheryl Crow and Gloriana, and Joe Don Rooney says picking the right opening acts is a crucial part of any good tour. For one, the entire package has to be entertaining, but also he says, “I remember in the 80’s, when I was a kid, I went and saw this group Aerosmith. Pretty good band. And they had this young artist named Bryan Adams that was openin’ up for ‘em. It was like; wow, I got to see Bryan Adams for the first time and he went on to be a mega-star, but I went to a Aerosmith concert not knowing he was gonna be openin’ up, or who he was. So, I think the experience and the package is very important.”

Unfortunately Rascal Flatts had to cancel their shows this weekend because Gary LeVox is suffering from an unforeseen illness. It’s very rare for them to ever cancel a show, so to cancel three was definitely a difficult but necessary decision. Their latest song, “Payback,” is top 30 and climbing.

Rascal Flatts Look To Examples Of Longevity To Keep Their Career Going

They have now been making music together for 15 years, and give credit for a lot of their success and staying power to their predecessors in country music who have had such tremendous longevity and staying power.

“Through the years [we] have had so much inspiration from other artists,” says Joe Don Rooney. “You look at the Reba McEntire’s of the world, the George Straits, the Tim McGraws and groups like Alabama that have had longevity. This genre has probably the biggest list of artists with longevity that there is, so we had that early on in our career to look up to and to have as inspiration. I believe that’s part of the reason we’re still here today.”

Rascal Flatts just celebrated the 15th #1 song of their career with “Rewind,” and they’re hoping their latest single, “Payback,” will be #16. They’re also spending their summer on the road on their Rewind Tour with Sheryl Crow and Gloriana.

Rascal Flatts Focus On Sincerity and Harmonies On Their New Album

The supergroup is releasing their new album, Rewind, on Tuesday, and they say when it came to picking the songs for this project, it was all about songs that moved them, that they believed in and that made them feel something. “We cut songs that touch us because if they don’t touch us first, there’s no way in the world we’re going to be able to sell those songs to somebody else,” explains Jay. He also adds, “Gary is a terrible, terrible faker. If he gets in the booth and he doesn’t whole-heartedly believe in a song, he’s gonna have tough time deliverin’ it, and that’s not to slight him as a singer, but he’s gotta feel it in his soul before he delivers it.”

Jay also explains that they took a different approach with the production on this album. “We also made a conscious effort to make it more about the song and more about the harmonies and the presentation than about the production. So, as opposed to like puttin’ a track together where something’s happening every single second and filling every hole, we really kinda stripped it away and only put the parts in the tracks that mattered most.”

The guys will celebrate the release of Rewind with a unique launch party in Los Angeles, where they will perform an acoustic set, while those in attendance enjoy wines that have been specially chosen to pair with the songs. Jay admits, “I haven’t for a second thought about what song would be paired with what wine. First of all, I’m not a really big wine enthusiast.” But Joe Don enjoys good wine and he says, “I’ve got some ideas … I think light wines, like a little Merlot might be good for like ‘Memphis,’ something that’s a little lighter. But then you get something bold that’s got a blended, like a Sauvignon, like maybe a Chardonnay or something like that that’s mixed, I don’t know. Maybe some reds and some whites and just throw ‘em in a box and see who can drink it down first.” Jay jokes that he’d love to see a boxed wine at the event, which is being hosted exclusively for CITI card members on Rewind’s release day, May 13th.

The Week Las Vegas Goes Country Keeps Growing

EVENT: Join us during The Week Vegas Goes Country® for the 2^nd annual ACM PARTY FOR A CAUSE FESTIVAL being held April 4^th and 5^th in Las Vegas at The LINQ, Caesars Entertainment’s new open-air retail, dining and entertainment district at the heart of the famous Las Vegas Strip. The two-day, ticketed outdoor music festival will feature multiple stages for ongoing LIVE country music performances, interactive games, a country marketplace, and more.

Headliners Rascal Flatts will kick off the ACM PARTY FOR A CAUSE FESTIVAL on Friday, April 4^th with Thomas Rhett, The Cadillac Three, and special guests to be announced. Keith Urban headlines Saturday, April 5^th with Joe Nichols, Jerrod Niemann, Chris Young, and more yet to be announced including the ACM New Artist of the Year nominees! 

A portion of proceeds from all tickets sales from the ACM PARTY FOR A CAUSE FESTIVAL will benefit worthy charities selected by the performers and our partners. You’ll be helping to raise awareness and funds while watching your favorite stars perform! This is truly the “feel good party of the year!”

To purchase tickets, please visit www.ticketmaster.com and search keywords “Academy of Country Music” or “ACM.”

General Admission two-day ticket packages are available for $65 each. The ticket gives you access to the festival grounds and performances on both Friday and Saturday from Noon until 12:00 a.m.

Rascal Flatts’ Families Keep Them Grounded Amid Success

The threesome just released their brand new single, “Rewind,” which will be on a new album they’re working on for release in early summer.  

To date they have had 14 #1 singles, sold more than 21 million albums and continue to sell out venues around the world with their tours, but even with all of that success, Jay DeMarcus says it’s not hard to stay humble because of people in his life like his mom and his wife.  

“It’s really easy to be grounded again when you get back home and you sing in front of 20,000 people a night and your wife hands you the kids and tell you it’s your turn to be on diaper duty and take out the trash,” he laughs.  “So it’s easy to keep things in perspective when things like that happen.”  Rascal Flatts will be launching a new tour this spring with Sheryl Crow.

Rascal Flatts, Martina McBride and Scotty McCreery Among Winners at ICM Awards

The 19th Annual ICM Faith, Family & Country™ Awards were held last night at The Fellowship at Two Rivers in Nashville to honor artists, songwriters, radio personalities and others in the genres of Christian and Inspirational Country Music.

Winners included Rascal Flatts for “Mainstream Inspirational Country Song” and “Video,” Martina McBride for “Mainstream Country Female Artist” and

Scotty McCreery for “Mainstream Country Male Artist,” along with the top Inspirational Country Music artists: Kali Rose, Tommy Brandt, Mary James, The Roys and many more.

For a complete list of winners, please see below or visit www.FaithFamilyCountry.com.

Taylor Swift RED Tour Nashville Week

What happens when Taylor Swift's crowd is surprised with an appearance by Luke Bryan, Rascal Flatts, Hunter Hayes and Ed Sheeran.


Click here to watch!

Rascal Flatts Show Rescheduled Due to Rain

RF had to cancel their Thursday show in Clarkston, Michigan, because of severe thunder storms.

It has been rescheduled at the DTE Energy music Theatre on August 15th.

The group heads to Europe in July.

Artists React To Moore, Oklahoma Storm

Country Aircheck reports:

Miranda Lambert will join Blake Shelton tonight (5/21) on The Voice to perform an acoustic version of "Over You" and urge donations for recovery. "They're going through hell there right now," Shelton said as the program aired live last night. "Lot of fatalities, lot of children. It makes it hard to actually sit here and do this tonight, but [I've] got a job to do and my team's counting on me, so here I am." Other Oklahoma natives and residents have expressed sympathy and concern via social media:

• Carrie Underwood: "Growing up in tornado alley, you always know what could happen ... it doesn't change how devastating it is when something does happen. #pray" 
• Joe Don Rooney: "My thoughts & prayers are with my home state of Oklahoma. May God's love & grace be with all affected by these horrible storms."
• Reba: "All my prayers go out to the folks in Oklahoma dealing with these tornados.  Stay safe everyone!" 
• Trisha Yearwood: "Pray for everyone devastated by these storms, but especially for those families in Moore, OK right now … God, wrap your arms around this community."

Rascal Flatts Encourages "Change" In Their Fans

When your album is titled "Changed," and you perform songs from it night after night, you know you're going to hear great stories from your fans.

The supergroup has been getting them, and no wonder. (click for details)

The Band Perry Are Ready To Rock "Down Under"

The Band Perry will be in Australia this Friday for CMC Rocks the Hunter, Australia’s biggest international country and roots festival. 

They’re all excited because Reid says, “This will be the first time that we head to Australia,” but Kimberly admits there is one thing she is not excited about. “I’m a little bit nervous about the spiders, though. I hear they’ve got those Huntsman Spiders that are as big as my hand, which I’m a little terrified over.” 

Neil is looking forward to trying out his Australian accent when he orders some shrimp on the barbie, although we’ve heard it, and he might want to use the long flight over to practice a little. 

The three-day outdoor festival will be a great place for The Band Perry to introduce Australian fans to some of their new music, including their most recent #1, “Better Dig Two,” and their current single, “DONE.”

Rascal Flatts Look Forward To Family Time

The guys spend so much time away from home and on the road throughout the year that the one thing they look forward to the most at the holidays is spending time with their families. 

“I think Christmas, for me, has always been about is family, as clichéd as that sounds,” says Jay. “You know, it’s a time to reflect on the year and what you’ve been doing and a year for us goes by so quickly because we’re on the road so much and we’ve got so much going on throughout the year.” 

And Jay doesn’t need big parties or huge celebrations. He says, “It’s always a wonderful time to be able to settle down by the fire, enjoy the Christmas tree and the decorations and just spend time with the ones you love and surround yourself with the people that you don’t get to see enough throughout the year. And I can’t wait to spend those couple of weeks solely focused on my family and Christmas time.”

Rascal Flatts Takes Full Credit For Blake Shelton's Success

... with tongue firmly in cheek on Chelsea Lately.

Eat At Rascal Flatts

The Arizona Republic reports that Rascal Flatts is opening the first in a nationwide chain of restaurant-and-live music establishments at CityNorth in northeast Phoenix.

According to the Rascal Flatts Restaurant Group website, it will be a 14,000-square-foot facility that seats 163 indoors and outside.  It also will include an exhibition kitchen, raised lounge, two full-service bars to seat an additional 144 customers, state-of-the-art performance stage, green room and dressing rooms.  An additional 500 guests will be able to stand to watch performances.

Future locations will be in Washington, D.C., Columbus, Ohio; Madison, Wisc., Pittsburgh, Pa..; Raleigh, N.C.; Minneapolis; Long Island; Charlotte, N.C.; Tampa and Boston.

Hot Country (Web) Links

Thanks to Country Aircheck:

• Kenny Chesney "keeps his eye on the big picture." –USA Today
• Rascal Flatts tour "highlighted the power of a group versus the prowess of a solo superstar." –Boston Globe
• Lady Antebellum turn in a "terrific performance." –Ottawa Citizen
• Trace Adkins brought "quality musicianship and entertainment." –Lehigh Valley Express-Times
• Scotty McCreery and The Band Perry are "planets circling a Paisley sun." –Cleveland Plain Dealer
• Rain helps Miranda Lambert douse this leg of the On Fire Tour. –St. Louis Post-Dispatch
  

The Opry Requests The Pleasure Of Your Company

Opry member Vince Gill along with fellow members Rascal Flatts, Diamond Rio and Oak Ridge Boys during Urban’s “All For The Hall” benefit at Bridgestone Arena. New Zealand-born and Australian-raised Urban will be the first artist from outside North America to become an Opry member. He will formally be inducted into the Opry on Sat., April 21st live on the premiere of “NOTEWORTHY at the Opry” on GAC at 8 p.m. Central. The 16-episode series will feature musical performances and personal stories from the top acts in country music plus interviews with other celebrities about the artists and music featured in each episode.

Near the end of last night’s show, Gill called Rascal Flatts back out on stage to bring a gift for Urban. As Urban opened a large black duffel bag revealing the Opry’s signature microphone stand, Gill said, “We would like to invite Keith Urban to be the next member of the Grand Ole Opry!”

Urban covered his face in surprise as he began, “I don’t know what to say – but first, YES! Thank you very much to everybody at the Grand Ole Opry who made this possible. I’m shocked. How beautiful for this to happen tonight of all nights.”

“I will always remember the first time I played the Opry,” Urban continued, “seeing this stand and standing in the circle was an extraordinarily surreal moment. So this right here is just a whole other stratosphere! Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

“We are extremely excited that another of today’s most popular country music superstars will be joining our Opry family,” said Opry Vice President and General Manager Pete Fisher. “Keith has become a master at forging a unique musical path and building an incredibly successful career. He generates amazing enthusiasm from fans every time he plays the Opry, and he continuously demonstrates the deep regard he has both for the Opry and the entire country music community.”

Nashville's Big Machine Spearheads "Outnumber Hunger"

Label group artists Rascal Flatts, Reba, Martina McBride, The Band Perry, Eli Young Band, Justin Moore, Brantley Gilbert, Sunny Sweeney, Edens Edge, Ella Mae Bowen and Thomas Rhett are banding together to help fight America’s hunger problem.

They have teamed up with General Mills and Feeding America to create the Outnumber Hunger campaign. The Outnumber Hunger initiative officially kicked off on Friday (March 30th) with a press conference in Las Vegas.