Big Country Notes for AUG 16

RODNEY ATKINS SAYS SINGLE IS ALL ABOUT HIM

Rodney Atkins notes that his single “These Are My People” could have been written about him. The singer explains that when he was looking for songs, Dave Berg -- who co-wrote the hit single “When You’re Going Through Hell” -- asked him what kind of tunes he preferred. Atkins says he asked for, quote, “songs that I can sing and honestly say that I’m the guy in that song.” Berg and co-writer Rivers Rutherford then brought him “These Are My People” and Atkins admits he couldn’t believe how closely the lyrics applied to him, noting, quote, “I went to junior college, I shot BB’s at old beer cans, I grew up near the railroad tracks …it was like it was written about me.” “These Are My People” is Atkins' third single from his latest CD, “When You're Going Through Hell.”

FAITH HILL WORKING ON COMPLETION OF HER “GREATEST HITS” COLLECTION

Now that Faith Hill and Tim McGraw have concluded their “Soul2Soul Tour 2007,” Faith can turn her attention towards the completion of her greatest hits collection. But the singer's having one problem assembling the disc – too many choices. Since this is Hill's first best-of project in a 15-year career, she has lots and lots of hits to consider. In addition, Hill will be adding at least one new tune to the mix. “Faith Hill: The Hits” is expected to hit stores this fall.

REBA MCENTIRE SAYS SHE AND KELLY CLARKSON FIRST FRIENDS, THEN DUET PARTNERS
Reba McEntire says it was an almost instant friendship after she met first “American Idol” winner Kelly Clarkson. The two were introduced when Reba was a guest performer on the reality competition show. Because the two are from sister states – Texas and Oklahoma – Reba notes they immediately had something in common. She also recalls that at the time she was a little worried Kelly might lose some of her down-home personality, but the next time they met she realized that wasn’t going to happen. Reba adds that as they spent more time together, their friendship grew. Now the two have a hit duet, “Because of You,” and Reba couldn’t be more pleased. She says it's been a long time since a song has moved her like this one has. “Because of You” is the first single from the upcoming album “Reba Duets,” which will be released on September 18th.

DWIGHT YOAKAM, BUCKAROOS GATHER TO HONOR BUCK OWENS

Dwight Yoakam and Raol Malo continue to honor the late Buck Owens. The two took to the stage Tuesday night in a special tribute to the country legend to mark his birthday. Owens’ band The Buckaroos and other artists also took part in the event, at Buck’s club, The Crystal Palace, in Bakersfield, California, to pay tribute to the music innovator and Country Music Hall of Famer. Fans gathered from across the country to hear stories and listen to his friends and admirers perform his hits, including “Act Naturally” and “(I’ve Got A) Tiger by the Tail.” In addition, Buck's slated for another honor. The city of Bakersfield is planning to name a post office after him.

TRAVIS TRITT HEADS OUT ON MEDIA TRAIL TO PROMOTE NEW ALBUM

Travis Tritt is busy letting his fans know about his upcoming studio album. “The Storm” is his first collection of new material in three years. The singer will kick off a whirlwind media tour in New York City on August 28th with an appearance on NBC’s “Today” show, during which he'll perform songs from the disc, and later that day he'll also visit with CNN's Glen Beck. On September 5th Tritt will perform on NBC’s “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.” Tritt's “The Storm” will be released on Tuesday.

EMERSON DRIVE GETS “INKED”

The guys in Emerson Drive are planning to carry their number one record, “Moments,” with them forever. The group taped an episode of TLC’s new series “L.A. Ink,” a spin-off of “Miami Ink,” during which band members decided to get tattoos commemorating their first chart-topping single. When not going under the tattoo needle, Emerson Drive is out on the road, performing before sold out and record-setting crowds across the United States and Canada.
Emerson Drive will kick-off the 2007 Canadian Country Music Association Awards with “Moments” on September 10th. The group has four nominations heading into the event, including bids for Single and Video of the Year with “Moments,” Album of the Year for the CD “Countrified,” and Group or Duo of the Year. All five instrumentalists in the band also earned nominations for a spot in the 2007 CCMA All-Star Band.

CHRIS YOUNG PERFORMING SERIES OF SHOWS IN NASHVILLE

Former “Nashville Star” winner Chris Young is in the midst of a series of concerts in and around his hometown of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. “The Tennessean” reports that the singer has scheduled eight shows for his Nashville followers because the local fans told him they don't see him enough. Young explains the shows benefit both him and his supporters, noting, quote, “We’re doing a mini-concert series just for them and I get to test material for the new album, which will be out next year." Upcoming shows include full-band concerts tonight and on August 30th at 3rd & Lindsley, and acoustic performances on August 28th and September 18th at Dave & Buster's.

QUICK BITES

Kenny Chesney will soon be trying his hand as an NFL wide receiver. Nashville's WKRN-TV says the singer will be suiting up with the New Orleans Saints for their practice tomorrow morning in Cincinnati. Chesney’s expected to be decked out in pads and helmet for the workout, in advance of the Saints' game against the Bengals. He'll get to test his skills in catching passes from quarterback Drew Brees.

Carolyn Dawn Johnson and Brett James, who co-wrote Carrie Underwood's “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” will perform for the Carriage House Music Series at Belle Meade Plantation on September 26th. The intimate series is the first of its kind to be held at Belle Meade.

Heartland’s lead singer, Jason Albert and his wife Kelly, welcomed the arrival of their baby girl, Kelson Noël, on Tuesday. She was born in Huntsville Hospital in Huntsville, Alabama, tipping the scales at seven-pounds, six-ounces. Mama, baby, and Jason are all doing well.

Tim McGraw's latest single, "If You're Reading This," is debuting at number one on the iTunes Top Songs list. The track has also given his CD "Let It Go" a boost, as it's once again on the rise.


TODAY MARKS 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF ELVIS PRESLEY'S DEATH

Today marks the 30th anniversary of rock and roll icon Elvis Presley's death. The singer passed away August 16th, 1977 after suffering a heart attack at Graceland -- his home in Memphis, Tennessee. He was 42-years-old. Last night, the annual Candlelight Vigil was held in front of the mansion, where thousands of mourners participated in a moment reflection and remembrance into the wee hours of the morning. Elvis had multiple number one hits songs during his career, including "Love Me Tender," "Jailhouse Rock" and "Don't Be Cruel." His only child, now 39-year-old daughter Lisa Marie Presley, told "USA Today" that she has recorded a duet of sorts with her father to mark the milestone anniversary of his death. The song is a reworking of Elvis' "In The Ghetto" and features Lisa Marie's voice tracks laid down with his.

Big Country Notes for AUG 15

JOHN MICHAEL MONTGOMERY BEING SUED BY POLICE OFFICER

John Michael Montgomery now has something in common with a few members of the Lexington, Kentucky police department – a lawsuit. The “Lexington Herald-Leader” reports that former officer Joshua Cromer, who arrested Montgomery in February 2006 for drunk driving, filed a slander suit against Montgomery on Monday. He's accusing the singer of not being honest when talking to the police department's internal affairs unit during its investigation of him. He claims John Michael falsely accused him of stealing his cowboy hat when arresting him, and lied when he said Cromer handled the case inappropriately and that he was targeted for arrest because he's a celebrity. In facing his DUI charge, Montgomery entered an Alford plea, which implies an understanding that authorities had enough evidence to convict him.
Cromer's also suing the three investigating officers, the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government, and the city council. Internal affairs was looking into Cromer's conduct in the arrest after he posted an altered picture on his MySpace page of Montgomery with a fan, with his face superimposed on the fan. Cromer was fired following the investigation in February. Cromer is asking for his job back, as well as awards of compensatory and punitive damages through a jury trial.

WILLIE NELSON PLAYS AT AUSTIN FREEDOM FEST

While Willie Nelson has a reputation for indulging a particular smoking habit, the legendary singer is explaining his support for legalizing marijuana. In an interview with Channel 8 in Austin, Texas, he says the goals are to get the weed out of the control of illegal drug dealers, and to keep pot smokers out of jail so there's, quote, “room for child molesters and pedophiles.” Nelson is the co-chairman of the advisory board for the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, which was a co-sponsor of last weekend's Austin Freedom Fest. The benefit concert was hosted by former Dallas Cowboy Mark Stepnoski and included performances from Willie as well as the band Asleep at the Wheel.

COWBOY TROY PARTNERS WITH SHARPIE TO BENEFIT SCHOOLS

Cowboy Troy knows his efforts are appreciated. When he exited the black Hummer at Nashville’s Pearl Cohn High School yesterday morning, applause and whistles erupted from the couple of hundred students who had gathered there to greet him. The singer was visiting the school as part of Sharpie’s “Autographs for Education” program. In exchange for the signatures of the students he obtained during his visit, Sharpie will donate more than six thousand dollars worth of supplies to the school. Troy says he's proud to be involved in the effort, noting, quote, “It’s wonderful to be a part of improving the educational experience of students here at Pearl Cohn High School and across the country.” Last year the country singer/rapper donated money and supplies through his own Hick Hop Humanitarians association. The goal of the Sharpie program is to collect one-million autographs and donate 100-thousand-dollars for school supplies that will go to educational institutions across the country. More than 700-thousand autographs have already been collected.

TOBY KEITH READIES CHRISTMAS ALBUM

Toby Keith and his record label are preparing to celebrate another first for the company. His upcoming CD “A Classic Christmas” will be the first holiday album issued by Show Dog Nashville. The disc is Keith's first collection of seasonal material in more than a decade. With the two-disc set Keith is offering his unique take on a new collection of traditional yuletide favorites. Toby says that on his new Christmas album he's getting the chance to sing the holiday tunes that were bypassed on his last set. He adds that by making it a double album, he's been able to cover nearly every major Christmas song. Keith co-produced the project with Randy Scruggs. “A Classic Christmas” is slated for a fall release.
Toby Keith's “A Classic Christmas” Track Listing:
Disc One
1. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
2. Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow
3. Winter Wonderland
4. Silver Bells
5. I'll Be Home for Christmas
6. Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree
7. The Christmas Song
8. White Christmas
9. Frosty the Snowman
10. Please Come Home for Christmas
Disc Two
1. Little Drummer Boy
2. Go Tell It on the Mountain
3. The First Noel
4. O Come All Ye Faithful
5. Silent Night
6. Away in a Manger
7. We Three Kings
8. O Little Town Of Bethlehem
9. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
10. Joy to the World

KEITH URBAN’S OPENING ANTHEM NOW RELEASING AS SINGLE

Keith Urban's next single will be the song “Everybody.” He's been using the track, which he co-wrote with pop singer Richard Marx, to kick off the concerts on his “Love, Pain & the whole crazy World” tour. Keith admits the song's lyrics might not be completely unique, but notes that the message is universal and timeless. He adds, quote, “When you hear a song that speaks to what you’re going through, there’s reassurance in knowing that there are others that have been through what you’ve been through.” Urban's tour will roll into East Rutherford, New Jersey for a show tonight, while he'll be performing in Washington D.C. On Friday.

MIRANDA LAMBERT ADMITS TO HAVING MULTIPLE CREATIVE TALENTS

Miranda Lambert is opening up about some of her other talents. She's revealing that in addition to her abilities as a singer and songwriter, she's also adept in decorating and painting. Miranda says, quote, “I get bored sitting on the couch watching television so I watch a lot of HDTV and get ideas for things I want to do.” Not only does she do projects for her home in Texas, she's also been sprucing up her boyfriend Blake Shelton’s home in Oklahoma. Lambert describes his home as “very guy, with dead animals everywhere.” But she notes that if he leaves her alone in his place, quote, “he’ll come back and go ‘Where did that come from? I was only gone two hours.’”

VAN ZANT SAYS THEIR UPCOMING ALBUM SONGS THEY BELIEVE IN

Brothers Johnny and Donnie Van Zant say that on their second album they'll continue with their own special brand of country music. “My Kind of Country” is the follow-up to the duo's Gold-certified 2005 release “Get Right with the Man.” Johnny notes that like on the previous CD, the new disc features songs that reflect their values and beliefs. The new project draws from their southern rock roots and their country upbringing with tunes like “Friends,” and “That Scares Me,” and their new single “Goes Down Easy.” “My Kind of Country” is scheduled for an October 9th release.

QUICK BITES

Montgomery Gentry has a couple of TV appearances coming up tomorrow. The duo will be guests on the syndicated “The Morning Show with Mike & Juliet” as well as the Fox News Channel's “Hannity & Colmes” tomorrow evening. They'll be helping to promote the Hannity Freedom Concerts. The final show this year is set for New Jersey on September 11th.
Big & Rich's John Rich has another single to his credit. He co-wrote and produced Heartland's new release, "Once A Woman Gets A Hold of Your Heart.”

Country Music Hall of Famer Hank Thompson has 18 digital albums now available for download. The sets includes the first-ever concert album to be released in country music, “Live at the Golden Nugget.” Hank’s hits include “The Wild Side Of Life” and “A Six Pack To Go.”

Big Country Notes for AUG 14

MARTINA MCBRIDE SAYS COMPARISONS TO CARRIE UNDERWOOD NOT EXACTLY RIGHT

Martina McBride’s changing her tune a bit regarding similarities between her and Carrie Underwood. When Carrie sang Martina's “Independence Day” during the “American Idol” competition, it was obvious that Carrie was a big Martina fan, but now that the two singers are peers and label-mates, Martina says the comparisons between them aren't valid. McBride tells “The Tennessean” she thinks Underwood, quote, "is a great singer, and I think there's a connection with the song on ‘American Idol,’ but that is kind of where it ends.” She adds that otherwise they're very different performers who sing different types of songs. Martina says she doesn’t feel threatened by Carrie but is happy for her, adding, quote, “She is doing awesome. Just to have an artist sell as many records as she has and be in country music is fabulous." McBride says she only competes against one person -- herself. She explains, quote, “Certainly, I want to be successful, and it's great to be recognized for what you do and get recognition, but it's not like I look at the female vocalist category and say 'I don't want them to win; I wanna win.' I'm happy for anybody who wins or is successful." McBride adds that she believes everyone wins when anyone in the business does well, as it bolsters the industry.

TRISHA YEARWOOD ENJOYS WORKING WITH HER NEW TEAM

Trisha Yearwood says working with producer Garth Fundis and her new record label has been very rewarding. She explains that it's exciting to be making new music, and adds that she's had fun with the recording process. The work is progressing quickly, as Yearwood notes she's cut eight songs in just two days – something she says typically never happens for her. Trisha's first single, the title track for her CD “Heaven, Heartache and the Power of Love” is also climbing the country charts quickly. The video for the tune will be released later this month. The album is due in stores November 13th.

JACK INGRAM MEETS JESSI COLTER AT PHOENIX SHOW

Jack Ingram says he's trying to carry on the Outlaw tradition of such legends as Waylon Jennings, and now he's received some confirmation that he's on the right track. During a recent tour stop in Phoenix, Ingram performed for Jennings' widow, Jessi Colter. Ingram notes that he knew she'd be in the crowd, so he added Jennings' “Only Daddy That'll Walk The Line” in his set. He explains that after the show Colter met him backstage and told him he did the song well and Waylon would have been proud. Jack says that was such a huge compliment, and he finds it very gratifying to receive such validation from a member of the original Outlaw movement.

TRACY LAWRENCE READYING CHRISTMAS ALBUM FOR OCTOBER RELEASE

It might be hot outside but Tracy Lawrence has Christmas on his mind. The singer is in the process of completing his upcoming Christmas album, which will include seven standards and three new songs. Lawrence describes the sound as “jazzy” and “less produced,” noting, quote, “We used a lot of upright bass and kept it very open and airy.” He says his favorite song on the disc is “The Christmas Song” but his daughters have different preferences. Lawrence explains that he included “Here Comes Santa Claus” for Skylar and “Frosty the Snowman” for Keagan. “All Wrapped Up In Christmas” will arrive in stores in mid-October, and will be released exclusively through Wal-Mart.

LUKE BRYAN SAYS NEW ALBUM IS REALLY HIM

Luke Bryan says he followed the advice of people who told him to write songs about what he knows. As a result, the singer says his debut effort, “I'll Stay Me,” reflects the life he had in Georgia, before he moved to Nashville. The tracks are about little country towns, farms, riding around in trucks, going fishing and partying with the kids he grew up with. Bryan adds that he his favorite songs are the ones that are visual and tell stories of the events in people's lives, citing Alan Jackson's “Chattahoochee” as an example. Luke also admits that he enjoys listening to his own music, and he's proud of the album he's putting out. Luke will be in his home state of Georgia celebrating the release of “I’ll Stay Me.” He’ll be taking part in a tailgate party at the Ledo Road Wal-Mart in Albany, where he'll meet with fans and sign autographs.

LORI MCKENNA RELEASES DEBUT ALBUM TODAY

Lori McKenna is releasing her debut album, “Unglamorous,” today. She'll help promote the effort with a performance on ABC’s “Good Morning America” this morning. McKenna, who wrote all the songs on the disc, is perhaps better known as a songwriter. She penned three songs for Faith Hill's CD “Fireflies,” including the single “Stealing Kisses.” Most of McKenna's new tunes are about her husband, while one track is about her mother, who died when McKenna was six. She notes that receiving national attention with the release of her album is a dream come true.

QUICK BITES

Brad Paisley will be a guest on “Live with Regis and Kelly” today. He'll perform his current hit “Online” and also chat with the show's hosts.

Bluegrass/Americana artist Sam Bush has a new gig. He'll host the International Bluegrass Music Awards on October 4th from the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville. Bush says he feels honored and thrilled to be tapped for the job.

Taylor Swift's presence in movie theaters continues to grow. In November her likeness will grace 500 thousand bags of popcorn in cinemas across the country as part of a Verizon Wireless music campaign. Swift's song "Our Song" is currently being used in a Screenvision campaign that plays in advance of the featured films.

Newcomer Sarah Johns was in the middle of her showcase at the Station Inn last week when she looked in the audience and spotted new Country Music Hall of Famer Mel Tillis in the crowd. Later she and her band joined Tillis at another nightspot for drinks. Sarah’s new album “Big Love in a Small Town” will be in stores August 28th.

Big Country Notes for AUG 13

GARTH BROOKS TO RELEASE NEW BOX SET WITH FOUR NEW TUNES

Garth Brooks has new songs on the way. “Billboard” magazine says four fresh tracks will be included in the upcoming three-disc box set “The Ultimate Garth Brooks,” which is slated for release in November. One of the new cuts is reportedly a remake of Huey Lewis' 1982 hit "Workin' for a Livin'," and Lewis is said to have contributed harmonica to the tune. The new collection boasts two greatest hits discs and a DVD with videos for all tracks on the CDs. Many of the clips were filmed recently. The first single from the upcoming package is expected to be released next month. The new project will be sold through all CD retail outlets, unlike the singer's previous effort, which was issued through an exclusive deal with Wal-Mart. In addition, Garth will re-release his full back catalog. Some of those titles haven't been available through general retail since 1998. Brooks will be holding a press conference in Nashville on Saturday to announce the details of the releases.
Brooks hasn't said whether he'll be touring to support this release. His most recent live performance was with his wife, Trisha Yearwood, for the Live Earth Concert on July 7th. However, he has repeatedly said he would not hit the road again until his youngest daughter graduates from high school, which will be in 2015.

BIG & RICH NOW BIG AND GOLD

Big & Rich's John Rich and Kenny Alphin have a good deal to be celebrating these days. The duo’s album “Between Raising Hell and Amazing Grace” has been certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America, just nine weeks after it debuted at number one on the “Billboard” country charts. The duo just finished celebrating the success of their first number one hit single "Lost In This Moment." That song, which recently spent two weeks at the top of both the “Radio & Records” and “Country Aircheck/Mediabase” charts, has also gone Gold. Kenny says he and John are amazed at how the hit track has affected CD sales. He calls it “outstanding” for them to have sold more than a half-million copies of the disc in just nine weeks. John adds, quote, "The exciting part is that this is just the beginning of what we feel is the best album of our career. There is just so much on this album that we are proud of and we can't wait to start digging into it." Big & Rich will shoot the video for their next single, "Between Raising Hell And Amazing Grace," in Los Angeles next month.

MARTINA MCBRIDE ALIVE ON TELEVISION THIS SUMMER

It’s been a big summer for Martina McBride. Not only has she had a successful tour, performing in front of thousands of her fans, she’s been in their homes via television. The singer has appeared on TV more than 80-million times since her album “Wake Up Laughing” was released back in April – and the media blitz still isn't over. McBride has upcoming performances scheduled on NBC’s “The Today Show Summer Concert Series” on August 24th and CBS’s “Saturday Early Show” on August 25th. She'll also grace the covers of “Reader's Digest” in October and “USA Weekend” on November 4th. Next month Martina will be one of the performers for “Fashion Rocks.” Others participating in the show include Fergie, Alicia Keys, Jennifer Hudson, Jennifer Lopez, and Maroon 5. “Fashion Rocks” will take place at Radio City Music Hall in New York on September 6th, and air as a special on CBS the following night.

SARA EVANS SAYS CMA AWARDS ARE SPECIAL TO HER

Sara Evans is thrilled to be one of the artists who will be announcing the CMA award nominees this year. She says the CMA Awards have a special place in her heart – her 2001 award Video of the Year for “Born To Fly” was her first major award. Sara will be in New York City to appear on ABC’s “Good Morning America” to read the nominees in the top categories. In addition, Montgomery Gentry and Taylor Swift will be in Nashville to make a special appearance on CMT to announce additional contenders. Montgomery Gentry has CMA awards in their homes too – the pair won Vocal Duo of the Year in 2000. Newcomer Swift could become a first-time nominee this year. The 41st Annual CMA Awards will be held on November 7 in Nashville and air on ABC. The CMA Award nominees will be revealed on August 30th.

RASCAL FLATTS TAKE BEATLES TUNE TO THE COUNTRY CHARTS

A Lennon-McCartney composition is on the country charts for the first time in 12 years. According to “Billboard,” Rascal Flatts' cover of John Lennon and Paul McCartney's “Revolution” debuted at number 60 on the Hot Country Songs chart. It entered the chart almost exactly 39 years after it was originally released as the flip side of the Beatles’ single “Hey Jude” in 1968. The legendary rockers have been on the country charts several times as songwriters. The last time they hit the list was in June 1995, with Steve Wariner’s version of "Get Back," which went to number 72. The Rascal Flatts single is the highest-charting of the former Beatles' tunes since Rosanne Cash's chart-topping version of "I Don't Want to Spoil the Party" in June 1989. In March of that year Sweethearts of the Rodeo took “I Feel Fine” to number nine. Meanwhile, Johnny Rodriguez recorded George Harrison's "Something," which peaked at number six in 1974.

LUKE BRYAN RELEASES ALBUM TOMORROW

Luke Bryan will be performing in his home state of Georgia tomorrow when his album “I’ll Stay Me” is released. Bryan wanted to be home to celebrate with family and friends when his debut arrives in record bins. He’ll be performing in Ridge Ferry Park in Rome as part of his celebration. Another thing Luke says he'll do is visit a local record store to buy his CD – noting he'll likely pick up a few copies. He also expects some of his friends to be hitting the records stores as well, explaining, quote, “I went out and bought all my friends’ CDs when they came out so I’m going to require them to go out and buy mine.” His single “All My Friends” is in the top 20 on the “Billboard” country charts, while the video for the song is at number 14 on CMT. Bryan was the only country entertainer to be named one of “Billboard” magazines “New Faces to Watch” this year. He also drew a lot of attention as the co-writer of the Billy Currington number one hit “Good Directions.”

QUICK BITES

Josh Turner will perform at the Nashville Superspeedway on Saturday. The South Carolina native will participate in pre-race ceremonies before dropping the green flag at the Craftsman Truck series' Toyota Tundra 200. His concert takes places following the race. "Firecracker," his current single, will be promoted on the bed of driver Willie Allen's Number 13 Chevy Silverado. On Sunday Turner will be shooting the music video for "Firecracker."

Gary Allan has new music ready for fans. The singer has been busy in the studio when not on tour. He told audiences over the weekend that he had turned in the completed album to his record label. He is already performing his new single from the upcoming disc, “Watching Airplanes,” at his shows.

Brenda Lee and Pam Tillis will perform at “Honky-Tonk Angels for Habitat,” a fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity, coming up in Nashville on August 21st. According to CMT.com, nine other artists will also make surprise appearances at the event. Tickets are 200-dollars and include a meet-and-greet with the artists at the Cannery Ballroom.

Bucky Covington gave fans a special concert in Chillicothe, Ohio after rain, hail, and wind caused damage to equipment onstage. Not wanting to disappoint folks who had come out for the “Rock For Tots” show, Bucky went out into the grandstands to play an acoustic set and sign autographs for fans.