The Boot

Martina McBride Takes 'Shine' to UK and Ireland

Stephen L. Betts — 2009-07-16T18:00:00 00:00

Martina McBride is returning to Ireland and the UK for her first tour there in 15 years. According to Billboard, the upcoming summer dates are being mounted in preparation for the singer's highly-anticipated American tour slated to begin in November.

Martina will play London on July 31, followed by six shows in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland from August 2-8.

"I've got such a limited amount of time I can tour, with the kids and their schedules," says Martina, whose three daughters with husband John are ages 14, 11 and four.

Josh Turner's Bus Needs a Rebuild

Vernell Hackett — 2009-07-16T16:00:00 00:00

Josh Turner may soon follow the lead of Martina McBride when taking his family on the road. Josh tells The Boot that Martina reportedly did a total redesign of her tour bus before taking her kids on the road with her.

"I hear she had her bus reconstructed so there's a trap door in the floor of the bus. Now when the bus is stopped, the children can do down into the bays of the bus, where they've built a play room. That seems kind of weird but I guess if it works, you utilize the space."

Josh and his wife Jennifer welcomed their second son, Colby, born June 26. Their first child, Hampton, is now two years old.

Sara Evans' Former Nanny Settles Lawsuit

Stephen L. Betts — 2009-07-16T13:00:00 00:00

Sara Evans and her former nanny have settled a defamation suit and put an end to one aspect of a messy - and very public - divorce.

E! News reports that the $3 million suit, filed against Sara by Alison Clinton Lee and her husband Chris Lee in April 2007, was settled to the tune of $500,000.

The drama began in 2006, when Sara filed for divorce from Craig Schelske, her husband of 13 years, alleging, among other things, that Craig and Alison were having an affair.

Video Premiere: 'Runaway,' Love and Theft

The Boot Staff — 2009-07-16T12:00:00 00:00

Filed under: New Video

Artist: Love and Theft
Video: 'Runaway'
Why We Dig It: Hot new trio takes a sizzling summer road trip through the streets of Memphis.

Rodney Atkins Has "Surreal" Kevin Costner Experience

Vernell Hackett — 2009-07-16T10:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Chatter

Rodney Atkins is accustomed to fans running up to him, either to ask for an autograph or to simply shake his hand. But when the tables are turned, he has a better understanding of what fans feel when they meet him for the first time.

"It's still a trip for me to see somebody that I've only seen on television or in a movie," the singer admits to The Boot. "When they are there in real life, it's very different. When we played Detroit, Kevin Coster played before us."

Story Behind the Song: 'You Belong With Me,' Taylor Swift

The Boot Staff — 2009-07-15T18:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Story Behind the Song

Taylor Swift talks about the Top 5 hit that she recently performed at the CMT Music Awards (pictured left).

Just like all of my songs, 'You Belong With Me' is based on a real person. When I write a song, my goal is to confess what happened in a situation ... When I look at the track listing on my album, I can see a face pop out in my mind.

For this current single, I remember I was overhearing a conversation one of my friends was having with his girlfriend, and he was obviously getting completely chewed out by her! She was just screaming through the phone at him, and I think it was for something really small, like he told her he'd call her in ten minutes and instead it was fifteen minutes later ... something like that. I remember thinking to myself, 'Why does he let her push him around like that because she obviously doesn't appreciate him?' But instead of saying that out loud to him, I wrote it down in a song.

Next Story

Brad Paisley, Alison Krauss Invited to White House

Stephen L. Betts — 2009-07-15T16:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Country News

Brad Paisley is heading to Washington, D.C., where he's been asked to participate in the recently announced White House Music Series. Hosted by First Lady Michelle Obama, the goal of the series is to celebrate the arts and the importance of arts education. It was launched last month with a focus on jazz and will continue in the fall with classical music.

On Tuesday, July 21, Brad and fellow Grand Ole Opry member Alison Krauss will participate in an educational workshop with 120 middle and high school students from across the country - including 40 from Nashville.

Suzy Bogguss Makes Summer Tour a Family Affair

Stephen L. Betts — 2009-07-15T14:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Country News

While many country artists are traveling from show to show in buses or private planes this summer, Suzy Bogguss has hit the road in an RV, and she's combining her cross-country tour with a family vacation.

In 1993, Suzy traveled to the upper reaches of the country charts with 'Outbound Plane,' and the John Hiatt-penned 'Drive South.' But throughout July, the singer, her husband Doug Crider, their 14-year-old son Ben and his friend Loren, along with their two dogs are driving west to picturesque locales including Albuquerque and Red River, New Mexico.

Def Leppard Contemplating Modern Country Music

Stephen L. Betts — 2009-07-15T12:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Crossovers, Country News

They've collaborated with Tim McGraw and recently hit the stage at the CMT Music Awards with Taylor Swift - but Def Leppard want to make one thing clear: after three decades these hard-rocking Brits have not "gone country."

Guitarist Vivian Campbell says the crossover buzz is more about country acts channeling their inner rock stars. He tells Virginia's Daily Press that even though the group's 2008 single 'Nine Lives' (co-written by and featuring Tim) was delivered to country radio, "country radio sent it right back."

And as for Taylor, he says, "I don't consider her to be country at all. If you took those instruments out of the mix, she's a pop singer. She's not singing about pickup trucks and her dog dying."

Campbell may have a handle on pop-flavored country music, but he's clearly not as up on traditional country acts as he offers this observation: "I'm sure Merle Haggard is turning in his grave, but this has been happening for years."

We are pleased to report to Mr. Campbell that at age 72, Merle Haggard is indeed alive and kicking.

Julianne, Chuck + More Want You to Have the Shirt Off Their Backs

Beville Darden — 2009-07-15T10:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Country News

The City of Hope is giving fans a chance to look (and smell?) like their favorite country stars, while helping out a great cause. Jerseys worn at the charity's annual celebrity softball challenge last month have hit the eBay auction block. Up for grabs are Julianne Hough's 'After Midnight' jersey, her boyfriend (and softball rival) Chuck Wicks' Grand Ole Opry jersey, plus shirts worn by Carrie Underwood, Jimmy Wayne, Darius Rucker, Keith Anderson, Jason Michael Carroll, Joe Nichols, Luke Bryan and Tennessee Titans quarterback Kerry Collins, among other stars who played in this year's game. All jerseys are signed by the celebrity who wore them.

New Video: 'The Way It Goes,' Gloriana

The Boot Staff — 2009-07-15T08:00:00 00:00

Filed under: New Video

Artist: Gloriana
Video: 'The Way It Goes' (Live on Tour)
Why We Dig It: If you haven't seen this hot new band in concert yet, now's your chance. Gloriana takes us to both the front row and behind the scenes of Taylor Swift's 'Fearless' tour, which they're opening to rave reviews.

Toby Keith Taking European Ride

Stephen L. Betts — 2009-07-14T17:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Albums, Tour Spotlight

Toby Keith is getting ready to take fans on an 'American Ride' with his new album, due out October 13, but he's also heading over to Europe for a tour beginning November 9 in Scotland. The trek was brought about by the success of his 2008 album, 'That Don't Make Me a Bad Guy,' in Norway, where the disc has achieved platinum status, with more than 30,000 copies sold .

"The powers that be just came and said, 'You're selling product all over Europe, why don't you do a tour?' so we're going over there," Toby tells Billboard. "I've stayed in Dublin, Spain, Germany. I've been all over. They like beer. They like a good time. They like to kick back, so there's no difference. I think they'll like what we do just fine."

Keith Urban Puts Dierks Bentley and Jason Aldean on the Spot

Beville Darden — 2009-07-14T15:30:00 00:00

Filed under: Concert News, Humor

Jason Aldean and Dierks Bentley found themselves a little red faced at a recent concert in Virginia, thanks to their buddy Keith Urban.

Our friends at Country Music Tattle Tale report that Keith surprised Dierks and Jason by asking them to join him on stage for a collaboration on the Eagles' hit, 'Take It to the Limit.' The problem: Keith's tourmates didn't quite know all of the lyrics. Thankfully, they had a few minutes to rectify their situation, so Dierks wrote the lyrics on his forearm and Jason taped some printed lyrics to his mic stand. But did the audience notice the stars' little cheat sheets? Yep, because Keith called them out! Watch the funny video on Keith's road blog.

Big & Rich Reunite to 'Escape Reality'

Stephen L. Betts — 2009-07-14T14:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Concert News

Big & Rich are back together for a summer concert tour, and while the show will feature plenty of the duo's best known hits, the pair also plan to bust out a few of their respective solo tunes.

John Rich tells CMT that making his new solo album, 'Son of a Preacher Man,' was a complete turnaround from the records he's made with Kenny.

"Big Kenny is such an entity and such a racehorse unto himself," says John. "Honestly, it's a 180 for me on a lot of different levels. When we come together, it's a very interesting sweet spot we find when we make those really great Big & Rich songs."

Kenny Chesney Has 'Normal' Girlfriend in Abnormal Life

Stephen L. Betts — 2009-07-14T12:30:00 00:00

Filed under: Chatter

Kenny Chesney knows his life is unconventional. And when it comes to dating, he's apparently given up on romancing Oscar-winning actresses. In an interview with the San Francisco Chronicle, Kenny reveals that he's currently in a relationship with a nurse (now, that's healthy!).

"I'm dating a girl who's pretty levelheaded," says the country superstar. "She's a nurse. She's a real, normal girl. Which is what I need because my life isn't normal."

That's about all Kenny will reveal about his love life, as he has a new rule when it comes to dating: discretion.

Taylor Swift to Perform at VMAs

Beville Darden — 2009-07-14T11:30:00 00:00

Filed under: Movies and TV

Taylor Swift is the first performer to be confirmed for MTV's 2009 Video Music Awards.

"I'm so excited that MTV and the VMAs have invited me to perform, because I think this year's show will be unlike anything they've ever done!" Taylor says.

The 19-year-old superstar is also excited to shake things up on the notoriously unpredictable show.

"I love incorporating theatrics into my performances, and the VMAs have always allowed artists to run with that," Taylor says. "MTV has been so good to me, and I could not be more excited about this year's VMAs."

Jeremy Piven Wants to Go Country?

Gayle Richardson — 2009-07-14T10:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Humor

Music City is rubbing off on Jeremy Piven. The 'Entourage' actor is in Nashville this week for the premiere of his latest movie, 'The Goods: Live Hard. Sell Hard,' produced by Will Ferrell's company. And while Jeremy's acting career is thriving, he admits being in the country music capital is giving him some new dreams.

"I would consider a career in country music," he told Nashville's Tennessean newspaper, "but the only variable is that I cannot sing, so it could pose a problem. I could act in a Brad Paisley video or the Pickler gal, but in terms of just performing, it would be a problem."

Video of the Week: 'Do I,' Luke Bryan

The Boot Staff — 2009-07-14T08:00:00 00:00

Filed under: New Video, Video of the Week

Artist: Luke Bryan
Video: 'Do I'
Why We Love It: Luke shows his softer side in this heartfelt video about a rocky relationship.

Lady A Celebrating First No. 1 Single!

Stephen L. Betts — 2009-07-13T18:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Charts

Lady Antebellum has their first No. 1 tune in both the US and Canada this week, as 'I Run To You' ascends to the top spot in both countries. The song, Lady A's third single, was co-penned by all three members of the group -- Dave Haywood, Charles Kelley and Hillary Scott, along with veteran tunesmith Tom Douglas.

"This is absolutely surreal," said Dave, from Boise, Idaho, today. "A No. 1 is something you never think will actually happen, and it is certainly something that we will never forget! We are so overwhelmed from the support of the fans and country radio, and we want to give a special shout out to Tom Douglas for pushing us as songwriters and challenging us to put these beautiful lyrics into a song."

Katie Armiger Shares Mall Memories

The Boot Staff — 2009-07-13T17:00:00 00:00

It's week-three of Katie Armiger's mall memories. This set of exclusive photos takes us to Oklahoma City's Penn Square Mall, one of many cross-country stops on Katie's summer mall tour.

The 18-year-old songbird tells us that traveling so much has gotten her creative juices flowing.

"It is so true what artists say about being inspired on the road and how writing becomes almost a necessity while on tour," Katie tells The Boot. "This is my first time out on a real tour, and I am finding that I need to take time out each day to just sit and write."