Wednesday 14 March 2018

Country Bites News snippets March 5, 2018 – March 11, 2018

UK & Irish News, UK Chart News, Album & Single Releases, TV, Music News, Press Releases, Gossip, Birthdays, Links to Articles, Reviews (Critics and Fans react to the C2C Country To Country 2018 Festival) & Videos. 

UK & IRISH News
For a full listing of 2018 UK Tour dates PLEASE check out our Tour Dates Page

On the BBC Radio 2 Playlist for the week commencing Saturday 10th March 2018
A Playlist:
Bebe Rexha feat. Florida Georgia Line - Meant To Be
B Playlist:
Kelsea Ballerini - I Hate Love Songs added to the "B" Playlist
OUT
Faith Hill & Tim McGraw - The Rest Of Our Life removed from the "C" Playlist

(5 March 2018) The Wandering Hearts will be playing the Grand Ole Opry on Fri 8 June 2018 (Event): They tweeted "It’s actually happening! Thank you Marty Stuart We can’t believe it and we’re so excited. Bring on June 

(6 March 2018) Sasha McVeigh on the line up for '6th Annual Taste Of Country Music Festival'

The daily lineup for the "6TH ANNUAL TASTE OF COUNTRY (TOC) MUSIC FESTIVAL" has been revealed, with Eric Church, Florida Georgia Line, and Sam Hunt to headline. Taking place FRIDAY, JUNE 8th through SUNDAY, JUNE 10th at HUNTER MOUNTAIN RESORT in New York, the festival will also feature performances by Justin Moore, Dustin Lynch, Leann Rimes, Montgomery Gentry, Rodney Atkins, Kane Brown, Devin Dawson, Ashley McBryde, Jordan Davis, Danielle Bradbery, Jimmie Allen, Sasha McVeigh (Herefordshire, UK), and James Barker Band.

Lee Paul's upcoming album ‘Coming Home’ out 24th March.
Genre: Country Rock/Pop; Acoustic
Home Town: Gateshead
A singing/songwriter who has played music both as part of a band and as a solo artist. On Nov 7, 2017 he opened for Lucy-May at the Central in Gateshead on her tour.























The 10 track Coming Home (Video >> Title Track (live)) is a collection of songs written about the last 5 years of his life. The ups, the downs, his struggles with depression, how he managed it and how he felt that he come in a full circle his life and found his voice in this album. His journey as a musician has been about soul searching, finding his own way and the many miles he had to travel to get his music heard. It's also been about the people he met along the way, those who he lost and the others he had to say goodbye to. Looking back on this and the good times, the fun of living and following his dream is what has brought this album together. 
Having spent the last couple of years trying to find his music and his sound, He feels now is the time to share His journey through his album and through the first single ‘Singer on the Road’. This song was written about dreams, his journey, hard work, learning from the disappointments in life but ultimately about telling his story as him finding his way home. The people who ‘inspire him from artists to the people in his life have taught him that learning is the true meaning of life. 
His band THE WILD ONES are not only fantastic musicians, colleagues but have become great role models and friends.


(12 March 2018) Tim McGraw collapsed during a C2C Festival show in Dublin, Ireland, on Sunday night (March 11).
Multiple reported from fans indicate that McGraw had just finished "Humble and Kind" and was taking the crowd's response in before he fell to his knees and needed assistance getting off the stage. After a break, Faith Hill came to the front of the stage with the couple's band (it was a co-headlining date) and explained that her husband was dehydrated. She had made the decision that he would not return to the stage.
"We've all been a little bit dehydrated traveling so much," she said, adding that it was her call. The crowd erupted in applause at hearing this and began chanting, "Get well, Tim!"
Local entertainment journalist Eddie Rowley tweeted that a publicist said McGraw was treated on site and will be fine. After her announcement Hill performed a gospel song called "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" and ended the show.
The concert was at the 3Arena. The couple had played in Glasgow and London the previous two nights.
On an Instagram video Faith announced: "I apologise, but I made the decision that he cannot come back out onstage," Hill added, to cheers and applause from the understanding audience.
A representative for McGraw later said in a statement to Rolling Stone: "Tim McGraw was suffering from dehydration in Dublin this evening at the C2C show. He was attended to by local medical staff on-site and will be fine.
"He and Faith thank everyone for their love and support and look forward to seeing their Irish fans again soon."
McGraw previously performed on Friday in London, as part of C2C's three-day tour in various U.K. cities. He's not scheduled to take to the stage again until 31 May, when he's on the bill for the Soul2Soul tour in Richmond, Virginia, alongside Hill.
The singer recently made headlines for being one of the few country stars to speak out about gun control in America following the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School massacre in Florida last month.

What an epic weekend!! Check out all the Sunday highlights from #C2C2018 at @theO2!

UK CHART NEWS
Official UK Top 100 Singles Chart (Week Ending 15 March 2018)
9 March 2018 - 15 March 2018
These Days topped the paid-for sales tabulation for the fifth time – but, as in its last four frames, the Rudimental track's inferior streaming tallies cost it dear, and it remained at No.2 on the singles chart, also for the fifth time, with total consumption of 46,621 copies, while Drake's God's Plan was No.1 for the seventh straight week with total consumption of 51,713 sales, including 44,264 from sales-equivalent streams. It topped the streaming chart but is only No.8 on paid-for sales.

The Top 40 looked more than a little bit country, with no fewer than four songs on which core country acts accompany more mainstream artists, three of which reach new peaks this chart week.
Chris Stapleton has had six country hits and is climbing the Top 10 with Justin Timberlake; 27-year-old Maren Morris, with seven country hits to her credit, is into the Top 20 with Zedd and Grey collaboration The Middle (31-18, 17,760 sales); and Nashville duo Florida Georgia Line (16 country hits), who have simultaneous Top 40 hits with Bebe Rexha collaboration Mean To Be powering 56-33 (9,702 sales) and Hailee Steinfeld, Alesso & Watt teaming Let Me Go, up 37-34 (10,717 sales), though it charted higher (No.30) three weeks ago.

(Sir Ken Dodd, 1927 - 2018) Chart Fact R.I.P: Ken Dodd's "Tears" spent five weeks at Number 1 on the Official Singles Chart, it was the best-selling single of 1965. As well as a million selling chart-topper he charted 18 Top 40 singles. See all the best sellers of the 1960s here . Farewell to a Liverpool entertainment icon.

Official UK Top 100 Albums Chart (Week Ending 15 March 2018)
9 March 2018 - 15 March 2018
The show goes on... The Greatest Showman was snubbed by Academy Awards voters last week, winning no Oscars but The Motion Picture Cast Recording is No.1 for the ninth straight week, and once again is way ahead of the chasing pack, with consumption of 41,547 units – its third best tally – including 13,191 from sales-equivalent streams.

First Aid Kit with RUINS rose 47-28 (3,000 estimated sales; 7-week total 38,400 sales)

Official UK Country Album Top 20 (Week Ending 15 March 2018)
9 March 2018 - 15 March 2018
Robert Vincent with I'LL MAKE THE MOST OF MY SINS climbed 3-1 (2 weeks; #1 peak)
Chris Stapleton with FROM A ROOM - VOL 2 held at #2 (14 weeks; #1 peak)
Chris Stapleton with FROM A ROOM -Vol 1 rose 4-3 (44 weeks; #1 peak)
The Wandering Hearts with WILD SILENCE fell 1-4 (4 weeks; #1 peak)
Grant-Lee Phillips with WIDDERSHINS climbed 7-5 (2 weeks; #5 peak)
Beth Nielsen Chapman with HEARTS OF GLASS fell 5-6 (4 weeks; #2 peak)
Tim McGraw & Faith Hill with THE REST OF OUR LIFE rose 8-7 (16 weeks; #2 peak)
Glen Campbell with ADIOS fell 6-8 (39 weeks; #1 peak)
Kelsea Ballerini with UNAPOLOGETICALLY held at #9 (18 weeks; #2 peak)
Darius Rucker with WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME advanced 19-10 (20 weeks; #3 peak)
Outside the Top 10
Brothers Osborne with PAWN SHOP fell 10-11 (40 weeks; #4 peak) 
Midland with ON THE ROCKS fell 11-16 (16 weeks; #8 peak)
Albert Lee with HIGHWAYMAN slipped 17-18 (5 weeks; #5 peak)

COUNTRY ALBUM & SINGLES RELEASES
For a full listing of 2017 Country/Alt/ Americana albums forthcoming and past releases PLEASE check out our Country Music Store Page

(5 March 2018) Ethan Hanson - So Long Small Town (2018 Ethan J. Hanson Music)
9 Tracks/ Time: 33:01 Amazon UK - UK iTunes - Amazon.com

(5 March 2018) Kimra - Songs for You (EP; 2018 Winter Records)
5 Tracks/ Time: 18:31 Amazon UK - UK iTunes - Amazon.com
Born in Tulsa, OK on April 1, 1987, raised Catholic and has been close to God all of her life.
First EP Released - Dec 1st, 2014 | 2nd EP Released - May 13th, 2016. Signed by Winter Records of Nashville, TN

(6 March 2018) Corey Hunt Band - North of Low Water (EP; 2018 Uwharrie Music Group)
6 Tracks/ Time: 19:17 Amazon UK - UK iTunes - Amazon.com
Genre: Southern Folk Rock
Band Members: Corey Hunt and Eric Wise
Home Town: Asheboro NC
Based out of Randolph County North Carolina, the Southern folk rock Band. They’ve found especially fertile ground for their sound – original country music shot through with acoustic folk and rock & roll attitude – in and around the state of Texas, where their approach fits in squarely with the tradition of regional favorites like Reckless Kelly, Jack Ingram, and The Randy Rogers Band. FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/CoreyHuntBand/  (9,100)

(6 March 2018) JT Thyrré - Range Road 90 Sign (EP; 2018 JT Thyrré)
4 Tracks/ Time: 16:55 Amazon UK - UK iTunes - Amazon.com
JT Thyrré is a Denmark-based country/folk artist writing and performing his own material. His music combines the sound of classic country with his own unique style. FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/JT.Thyrre

(7 March 2018) Wes Ryce - Enjoy the Ride (EP; 629995 Records DK2)
6 Tracks/ Time: 20:53 Amazon UK - UK iTunes - Amazon.com
Debut: #64 US Country iTunes Chart

(9 March 2018) Juliet Oliver - Juliet Oliver (EP;Independent) AUS *** BELLES ***
4 Tracks/ Time: 13:49 Amazon UK - UK iTunes - Amazon.com
Genre: Country | Pop
Home Town: McLaren Vale
About: Singer/Songwriter from Adelaide, South Australia. Graduate of the CMAA Academy Of Country Music.

(9 March 2018) Ashley Campbell – The Lonely One (Wrasse/Humphead)
13 Tracks/ Time: 46:19 Amazon UK - UK iTunes
Debut: #1 UK Country iTunes Chart (#61 overall), then #2 (#67 overall)

















This is the long-awaited debut album from Glen Campbell’s banjo maestro daughter who appeared during Glen’s farewell tour, and has also showed up here and there in recent years. She was originally signed to Big Machine’s Dot label, but when the label dissolved, it appears Campbell didn’t make the cut to be shifted onto another Big Machine imprint. She released a single on Dot called “Remembering” about her father, but it stalled at #55 in the charts.
Now it appears Ashley Campbell is a free agent. She released a new song called “A New Year” on December 1st ahead of The Lonely One. Though Campbell may be one of the most capable banjo pickers out there right now, don’t be surprised if The Lonely One has a very decidedly pop direction. Nonetheless, her pedigree and previous performances make this release one to pay attention to.
Country singer/songwriter Ashley Campbell will release her debut album in America on Friday, May 11th via her own Whistle Shop Records. As the late Glen Campbell's daughter, Campbell co-wrote all thirteen tracks on the album, including "A New Year," "A Taken Man," "We Can't Be Friends," and more.

(9 March 2018) Ross Cooper - I Rode the Wild Horses (2018 Ross Cooper)
12 Tracks/ Time: 37:04 Amazon UK - UK iTunes - Amazon.com
My 3rd full-length album. Produced by award-winning producer, Eric Masse. 106 backers pledged $21,298 to help bring this project to life using the Kickstarter crowd funding platform.

(9 March 2018) Spencer Crandall - 52 Eighty (Acoustic Mixtape) (2018 Spencer Crandall Music)
10 Tracks/ Time: 29:01 Amazon UK - UK iTunes - Amazon.com
A country artist from Denver, Colorado. FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/spencercrandallmusic  (11K)

(9 March 2018) Noah Smith - Long Cut (EP; 2018 Gargonia Records)
7 Tracks/ Time: 28:30 Amazon UK - UK iTunes - Amazon.com
An American songwriter and country artist who specializes in a natural musical inclination combined of native roots and road worthy storytelling. Walking the line between Country and Rock n Roll with a vivid, ambitious pace. 2017 Cincinnati Entertainment Award Winner for Best Singer/Songwriter
Noah Smith grew up exploring the endless trails of woods and still waters of Brown County, Ohio

(9 March 2018) Kevin Stokley - Kevin Stokley (EP; 2018 Gone Coastal Records)
5 Tracks/ Time: 18:41 Amazon UK - UK iTunes - Amazon.com
Home Town: Cincinnati, OH
Record Label: Gone Coastal Records
New single "Mexico" (ft. Clara Wilson)" released Feb. 2nd.
Biography: Being able to share what is on your mind in 4 minutes or less isn't easy, yet Cincinnati-based artist Kevin Stokley is up for the challenge. Over the past year, Kevin has released an array of singles that are hard to define in terms of a genre."Hurt" (March 2017 https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/hurt-single/1214022607) is a piano ballad that would fit right in with any episode of prime-time television. "If Heaven Has A Soundtrack", released in May (https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/if-heaven-has-a-soundtrack-single/1232903739), touches on the pain of losing someone and name-dropping several popular songs that would be included on a mixtape for the loved one. FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/kevinstokleymusic/ (260)

(9 March 2018) Casey Barnes - The Good Life (2018 Casey Barnes) AUS
8 Tracks/ Time: 27:26 Amazon UK - UK iTunes - Amazon.com
Genre: Country, Country/Rock, Pop
Home Town: Gold Coast | Record Label: Independent
Biography: 2018 Golden Guitar Finalist Casey Barnes is making an monumental impression on the Australian country music scene. He’s had hits in Europe, recorded and toured in America, appeared in a top-rating TV show in Australia and performed alongside many international stars including Mariah Carey, Lady Antebellum and Bryan Adams.
16th February saw the lead single ‘Ain’t Coming Back’ released ahead of the new album. ‘Ain’t Coming Home’ is an uplifting feel-good party track that is welcomed as we near the end of summer and is a song that no doubt will resonate with fans and have them on their feet. The album was recorded in Melbourne with Casey teaming up once again with Michael Paynter and Michael DeLorenzis from MSquared Productions. WEBSITE: http://www.caseybarnes.com.au/ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/CaseyBarnesOfficial/ (23K)

(9 March 2018) Texas Crossing - It's All Over (EP; 2018 Heart Songs Corporation)
5 Tracks/ Time: 17:46 Amazon UK - UK iTunes - Amazon.com
Bringing back traditional country with a modern twist!! That is why we are Country's Redemption!!
The Texas Duo known as "Texas Crossing" are native Texans. Their high energy traditional style country mixed with contemporary sounds is bound to bring your audience to their feet. They deliver the classic country sounds with a fun twist. Texas Crossing has played over 100 shows in 2017 across the region including; Clark Garden Botanical Park Antique Car Show, Crossroads Steakhouse and Saloon, Broken Spoke , The Brazos Valley Fair (Bryan/ College Station opening for Earl Thomas Conley), Laguna Bob's (South Padre Island), Alamo Ice House (San Antonio) Gatesville Country Music Hall of Fame, The Buchanan Dam Beach Club, The 33rd Annual Bluebonnet Festival, The 34th Annual Bluebonnet Festival, Old Main Ice House, Filthy McNasty's, Whiskey Girl Saloon, Daisy Duke's, Tubleweeds.
They have opened or co-billed headliner for Doug Stone, Jade Jack, Bri Bagwell, Jason Boland, The Stragglers, Steel Penny, JB and The Moonshine Band, Sam Riggs, Earl Thomas Conley Josh Ward, Doug Stone, Kevin Fowler, Austin English, Doug Supernaw, Holly Tucker, Kadie Lynn, Del Way, Freddy Pate, Cody Wayne, Darren Morris, SAMMI.

(9 March 2018) Katie Jo & the Mijos - Prairie Flower (EP; 2018 Katie Jo & the Mijos)
4 Tracks/ Time: 15:04 Amazon UK - UK iTunes - Amazon.com

(9 March 2018) Kristen McNamara - Gypsies (EP; 2018 Kristen McNamara) 
4 Tracks/ Time: 16:41 Genre: Pop  Amazon UK - UK iTunes
Home Town: Angwin, California | Current Location: Key West, FL
Influences: Stevie Nicks, Michael Jackson, Adele, Cher, Madonna, Marilyn Monroe
Biography: She has been homeless, she been on TV, She attracts fairy tale like love stories and she has been heartbroken. Experiencing every high and low makes her the artist she is, Kristen McNamara (KMAC). A northern California native, is a countryfied beach hippie at heart who wears paint like perfume and creates abstract artwork to canvas on stage while performing music. FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/kristenmcnamara/ (16K)

(9 March 2018) Waiting for Wednesday - Routes (EP; 2018 Waiting For Wednesday) UK
4 Tracks/ Time: 15:24 Amazon UK - UK iTunes
Debut: #27 UK Country iTunes Chart (#1166 overall), then off top 200

(9 March 2018) Derek Jones - Pray (EP; 2018 Derek Jones) 
6 Tracks/ Time: 21:59 Amazon UK - UK iTunes - Amazon.com
Debut: #42 US Country iTunes Chart

(10 March 2018) Brandon Poletti - My Biggest Fear (EP; 2018 Brandon Poletti)
5 Tracks/ Time: 19:10 Amazon UK - UK iTunes

(12 March 2018) Helena Mace - Chasing Dreams (Helena Mace) UK
10 Tracks/ Time: 42:01 Amazon UK - UK iTunes

SINGLES
(7 March 2018) Cliona Hagan - Born To Run (Single; Sharpe Music) IRE (Bruce Springsteen cover)
Amazon UK - UK iTunes  | Debut: #6 UK Country iTunes Singles Chart (#451 overall)

(9 March 2018) Jeannine Barry - Sweet Spot (Single; 2018 Jeannine Barry) UK
Amazon UK - iTunes | Debut: #116 UK Country iTunes Singles Chart, then #136, then #47, then #67, then #96

(9 March 2018) The Shires - Guilty (pre-grat rack from Accidentally On Purpose) UK
Amazon UK - UK iTunes | Debut: #13 UK Country iTunes Singles Chart (#648 overall), then #2 (#169 overall), then #1 (#82)

(9 March 2018) Jordan Davis - Singles You Up (pre-grat rack from Home State expected 23 Mar 2018)
UK iTunes | Debut: #29 UK Country iTunes Singles Chart (#1366 overall)

NEWS
(12 March 2018) Check out the latest single from Kim Richey's upcoming record EDGELAND. Kim wrote this one with one of her most favorite people - Mike Henderson. You might recognize his name from the beginnings of The Steeldrivers when Chris Stapleton was singing in the band.  He and Chris teamed up on a bunch of songs on Chris’ latest record. She shares "I’m proud to know this fellow and to get to make up songs with him"

If you Pre-Order the album bundle and you'll receive your choice of CD or LP version of Edgeland, a set of photo prints autographed by Kim Richey, and an Edgeland enamel pin!. 

TV
(5 March 2018) ICYMI: “Pioneering independent” (Cowboys & Indians) Aaron Watson spent much of his weekend in the Big Apple, with an appearance on Fox News Channel’s “Fox & Friends Weekend” following his headlining show at New York City’s Gramercy Theatre. Fans can catch the full band live performance of his new single “Run Wild Horses” from Saturday’s (March 3) show HERE.


MUSIC NEWS
(6 March 2018) U2, Taylor Swift and Bruce Springsteen are among the myriad artists prepping special releases for Record Store Day 2018.
The annual event will be held April 21st at independent record stores around the world. Swift will re-release three of her albums – TAYLOR SWIFT, 1989 and FEARLESS – on special colored vinyl, while Springsteen will reissue his 1995 Greatest Hits collection as a double-LP set pressed on red vinyl.
A complete list of Record Store Day releases is available on the event's website.

(7 March 2018) Mel C: 'All five Spice Girls should perform or the reunion deal is off'
Victoria Beckham has stalled the Spice Girls comeback by making it clear to her bandmates she still wants no part of a reunion tour.
The quintet met up for a shock get together at Geri Horner's home in England last month (Feb18), prompting rumours of new music and a summer tour of Europe and the U.S.
But Posh Spice Victoria quickly made it clear she was not interested in returning the stage with her former bandmates, telling reporters the meeting was a business summit to discuss the legacy of the band.
It seems the other four didn't quite see it that way and now her bandmate Melanie Chisholm told The Sun that the designer's decision not to play a part in a possible tour has stalled get together talks.
Speaking backstage at The Prince’s Trust Awards in London on Tuesday (06Mar18), Mel C said, "Victoria has been quite vocal, it’s really not something she wants to do at this time."
And her decision is making the former Sporty Spice think twice about the reunion, adding, "I think it has to be all five, so it’s tricky."
She also told The Sun there are "no plans" for the Spice Girls to tour as a foursome, adding, "It’s very early stages, we’re not talking about new music or going out on the road together at this time. It was just getting together to reignite all the things that we have had together and to work with (manager) Simon (Fuller)."
The svengali, who led the Spice Girls to the top of the charts around the world, recently hinted the reunion tour is on, whether or not Beckham is involved.
Asked recently by TMZ if the Spice Girls are indeed planning a few shows, he nodded, smiled and said, "It may be four, not five," suggesting Beckham might simply sit out a tour and let her four bandmates take the spotlight.

PRESS RELEASES
(5 March 2018)  Reigning ACM and CMA Vocal Duo of the Year Brothers Osborne, prolific hit-maker Kelly Archer, all-around entertainer Mac Davis and ACM, NSAI Song of the Year winner Natalie Hemby took the stage to a sold-out crowd at City Winery Nashville last week to perform the very first and worst songs they have ever written as they divulged the stories and the songs that led to their biggest hits, all to benefit Music Health Alliance. The fourth annual “The First And The Worst” event raised more than $127,000 for the non-profit, which provides access to invaluable healthcare support and services, at no cost to members of the music industry. 

(7 March 2018) ACM Male Vocalist nominee CHRIS YOUNG took the stage at Nashville’s Tin Roof Broadway for a special live performance of his ten No. 1 singles as he joined his music industry friends, including country icon Randy Travis, and family last night in celebrating the chart-topping success of “Losing Sleep.” Renamed “Ten” Roof just for the momentous occasion, the RCA Records Nashville artist performed each of his ten chart-toppers to cap off the party honoring Young (BMI), “Losing Sleep” co-writers Chris DeStefano (ASCAP) and Josh Hoge (SESAC) and co-producer Corey Crowder.  Sony Music Nashville EVP/COO, Ken Robold also surprised the singer with a Double Platinum plaque for his multi-week No. 1, “I’m Comin’ Over.”


ARTICLES
(11 March 2018) From Nashville with love: how Britain is taking country music to its heart: A growing army of fans for both US stars and UK acts has seen the genre go from corny to cool as 80,000 people attend the C2C festival......The Guardian

(12 March 2018) Music Week Interview with Amy Wadge about writing in Nashville.

REVIEWS
(9 March 2018) Omaha.com Country star Miranda Lambert commands the stage at CenturyLink Center by Kevin Coffey / World-Herald staff writer Mar 9, 2018


(10 March 2018) Entertainment-Focus: C2C: Country to Country 2018 – Jeannine Barry live review (by LAURA COONEY)

(9 March 2018) Entertainment-Focus: C2C: Country to Country 2018 – Old Dominion live review by Pip Ellwood-Hughes (Rating: 4/5)
THE GOOD: Feel-good and uptempo, The band left everything on the stage, The perfect way to start C2C | THE BAD: I wish they'd been higher up the bill so they could have played for longer

(9 March 2018) Entertainment-Focus: C2C: Country to Country 2018 – Kelsea Ballerini live review by Pip Ellwood-Hughes (Rating: 4.5 / 5)
THE GOOD: Fantastic stage presence, strong vocals, Perfect set list for C2C


(9 March 2018) Entertainment-Focus:  C2C: Country to Country 2018 – Faith Hill and Tim McGraw live review by Pip Ellwood-Hughes (Rating: 4.5/5)
THE GOOD: The set list was incredible, The moments where they performed together were sizzling, Hill's vocals were stunning, especially during Breathe | The Bad: The sound quality was pretty poor for the first half of the set.

LYRIC reviews: C2C Festival Day 1, March 9th 2018 Featuring Tim McGraw & Faith Hill, Kelsea Ballerini, Old Dominion And More Posted on March 13, 2018 by James Daykin: It was the type of show that we’ll look back on and be thankful that we were there for. It was truly, ‘One of Those Nights’......

ShowUserReviews Went to C2C to see Tim McGraw, level 4 seating. Never have I seen so many people leave when the main act started. The sound was terrible, the seats are so small



  • Walked out sound terrible and Tim and Faith a joke really if that’s top of the bill the organisers need bending over and giving one,
  • Completely disappointed - the sound system was a joke - couldn’t hear most of the artists - highlight of the night the crowd singing ‘live like you’re dying’ you could hear them much better than Tim.
  • We thought the sound was ok except for Tim and Faith. They sounded rubbish.
  • Have seen better performers down my local pub on a Saturday night doing kareoke
  • Me too, awful sound. I went to guest information and they have advise me to send an email complaining. I would advise everyone else does the same. We have all paid good money to go and that wasn’t good enough.
  • Agree totally. The bass was so loud it actually hurt! Ruined Tim and Faith for me, and was a particular shame during their final song.
  • Agree as well!!! What a let down. Not enough video screen shots...awful sound...too much Faith too little of Tim...and we had farely good seats in the Arena but could not see much due to everyone standing and no video screens. I am gutted!!!
  • Totally agree. We were in block 405 and the sound was shocking, far to much bass drowning singers out. Old Dominion and Kelsey sound was just about passable but for Tim and Faith was a let down not just for the sound but from them to much showmanship was like we've made it for 20 odd years look at us.
  • Where we were in 413, just above the boxes, it was the worst sound mix that I have heard in 40plus years of concert going. I heard the piano twice in the 2 hours, the only reason we knew there was a guitar solo was if they put the guy up on the screen and the voices were drowned out by a thumping, pounding bass that hurt your ears. As big fans of Tim and Faith, we stuck it out to the near the end, but when we left our whole row was empty. Hundreds had left from around us. I don’t think that the crowd further down, or the sound crew have any idea how bad it was.
  • Agree the sound quality was shocking on Friday but no issue at all on Saturday and Sunday. They just cocked up the sound levels on Friday.
  • The sounds levels were dreadful on Sunday too. The whole of Emmylou Harris’s set was almost impossible to enjoy and she has the most amazing voice, totally drowned by the bass.
  • Sound was horrendous, do the sound engineers get any feedback!! Bass over powered everything ... very disappointed, had to leave early..
  • Left during Tim McGraw, couldn’t stand the bad sound system.
  • Please please sort out the sound quality C2C!!!! Too loud, too bassy, no clarity whatsoever. Country music is all about the lyrics, but sadly we heard few. Amazing artists, but seriously poor support from techs!!!
  • Tim and Faith were incredible but the sound was absolutely horrific. Horribly distorted and almost unbearably loud. Faith in particular was painful to listen to because of it. It's a real shame
  • Won’t be going again next year, despite the early bird ticket sale. Glasgow sound was equally terrible. Bass far too loud and bands drowned out headline vocals.
  • Far too much bass for Tim and Faith. Extremely disappointed. My daughter and I walked out early. C2C should refund people.
  • So disappointing not to be able to hear such amazing voices because of bad technic! Such artists, such a great venue and a disastrous sound quality!
  • Drove 300 mile and 4 hours to see Tim McGraw, ended up with a very bad Faith Hill show drowned by excessive bass, been for the last 4 years, have to say this could.be the last
  • Two out of three nights I left the 02 feeling disappointed...comes to something when the support acts put on better shows than the headliners! Thank goodness LBT ended the weekend on a high !!
  • Truly terrible sound. I saw Soul 2 Soul in Indianapolis last April and it was a fantastically produced show.
  • The 02 have seriously let themselves and the artists down tonight.
  • One of the key elements of all country music is clarity of lyrics and ‘the story’ being told by the songs. To not be able to hear the singers properly is an extremely poor show.
  • Same thoughts here. Walked out early as the sound drowned their voices and no big screens. Absolute waste of money. Very disappointed
  • Really disappointed this year, the sound was terrible. You couldn't even hear Faith and Tim. Walked out early.
  • Last year the Armadillo was a fantastic venue with great acoustics. Moving it to the Hydro to pack more people in was a terrible move. Sound dreadful and atmosphere totally diluted. Waited 25 years to see Tim and so disappointed. He was great should have left Faith at home
(10 March 2018) Entertainment-Focus: C2C: Country to Country 2018 – Luke Combs live review by Pip Ellwood-Hughes (Rating: 3.5/5)
THE GOOD: Honky Tonk Highway was a highlight, Combs' vocals are strong | THE BAD: The material doesn't always do him justice

(10 March 2018) Entertainment-Focus C2C: Country to Country 2018 – Kip Moore live review by Pip Ellwood-Hughes (Rating: 4.5/5)
Moore showcased why he really should have headlined, High energy, Powerful vocals

(10 March 2018) Entertainment-Focus:  C2C: Country to Country 2018 – Sugarland live review by Pip Ellwood-Hughes (Rating: 4.5/5)
A very energetic performance, Perfect set list, Great chemistry and vocals..

(10 March 2018) Entertainment-Focus: C2C: Country to Country 2018 – Kacey Musgraves live review by Pip Ellwood-Hughes (Rating: 5/5)
Musgraves put on a spectacular show, The new songs worked well in the set, Great use of the stage and the arena, Beautiful vocals



  • Kacey fan and she did disappoint sadly. You don't throw new material out arcs festival and not play all the crowd pleasers she set herself up to fail I'm afraid. I think there were a lot of her fans disappointed
  • I love Kacey and was really looking forward to her set but it felt a bit flat - too many slow numbers, too much new material (which I know I’ll come to love and didn’t mind listening to a couple but she overdid it) for a headline act of this scale, not enough of her quirky/upbeat songs and not enough banter or pace between numbers. Did you see how many people left when she just disappeared for 5 mins after the number she did on the spotlight stage? I saw her here 2 years ago and she was so different, not the headliner but really engaged with the audience. Last night didn’t live up to that.
  • Couldn’t agree more. Seen her three times before Saturday. There won’t be a fifth. Love her music so will stick to CDs and Spotify in future
  • What happened to Kacey? She was so much fun last time but barely cracked a smile tonight. And she left out most of her fun songs and played stuff from an album that’s not even out yet so nobody knows. There were only a handful of people left at the end.
  • If that was a handful, you must have very large hands, lol. But yes, a lot of people gradually left during Kacey's set. A shame.
  • After such great sets from Kip and Jennifer, Kacey was a big let down. Barely a smile, barely an up tempo and only a couple of real country songs. V disappointing
  • Looks like you had the same experience as Glasgow. She has not cracked a smile once and people are starting to leave.
  • Fourth year attending and came away disappointed to be honest. Having Town Square outside with a huge queue to get into meant the atmosphere had gone for us. You couldn’t also easily stage hop between the acts you wanted to see. Love Kacey but she was a let down - needed more energy and smiles in her act. Kip was the best for us, Luke not far behind.
  • What a disappointment with Kacey Musgrave. Beautiful voice however too slow, lacked atmosphere. We along with many others left early.
  • Tonight, started off so much better until Kacey Musgraves. The embarrassment of so many people getting up and walking out. So many people going to be asking for refunds.
  • Omg! Kacey Musgraves what a letdown. She was so boring we left early. Kip Moore should have headlined for sure
  •  She really looked as though she was doing us all a favour. No way was that a headline act performance. I mean look at the way Jennifer [Nettles] interacted with the crowd and she looked like she was having a total blast....Kacey then comes on with a face like a smacked a**e and an attitude that seemed like she'd rather be anywhere else?! Worlds apart in their performances.

(11 March 2018) Entertainment-Focus: C2C: Country to Country 2018 – Midland live review by Pip Ellwood-Hughes (Rating: 5/5)
THE GOOD:The harmonies were impressive, The band are really tight musically, Entertaining and charismatic performers.

(11 March 2018) Entertainment-Focus: C2C: Country to Country 2018 – Margo Price live review by Pip Ellwood-Hughes (Rating: 3.5 / 5)
Vocally Price sounded fantastic, Lukas Nelson was an unexpected highlight,  Little Pain struck a chord with the audience, it took a while for the set to get going, THE BAD:Everything felt a little too static until the end

(11 March 2018) Entertainment-Focus: C2C: Country to Country 2018 – Emmylou Harris live review by Pip Ellwood-Hughes (Rating: 4/5)
THE GOOD: A great celebration of Harris' incredible career, vocally superb, Engaging and entertaining between songs, THE BAD: A little too mellow for the penultimate slot of the day

(11 March 2018) Entertainment-Focus: C2C: Country to Country 2018 – Little Big Town live review by Pip Ellwood-Hughes (Rating: 5/5)
THE GOOD: A spectacular headline show, The perfect way to end this year's festival, As always, vocally outstanding

(13 March 2018) Entertainment-Focus: Ashley McBryde, Borderline, London live review by Laura Cooney (Rating: 5/5)
Stunning vocals, High energy performance, Warm and engaging
Overall McBryde delivered another fantastic performance. Her gorgeous vocals, songwriting talents and mesmerising stage presence all combined to make for an incredible show that left the crowd wanting more. 

Country To Country Festival 2018: The Music Week Review Review by George Garner March 12th 2018

(12 March 2018) Three Chords And The Truth GIG REVIEW: Emmylou Harris + Margo Price + Midland - C2C Festival, O2 Arena, London. Sunday 11th March 2018

WATCH
(6 March 2018) Check out an exclusive acoustic version of Sarah Darling's new single, 'Wasted' (acoustic)



(7 March 2018) Stephanie Quayle's "Selfish" music video is >> here
"Selfish" just hit New and Active on the country radio charts and what that means is that the support from radio is making it possible for all of the Flock of Quayle to hear this song across America!!

COUNTRY GOSSIP
(6 March 2018) Nashville Mayor Megan Barry Resigns In Wake Of Extramarital Affair Revelation, Investigation
Nashville Mayor Megan Barry pleaded guilty Tuesday to felony theft of property over $10,000 related to her affair with former police bodyguard Sgt. Rob Forrest.
Barry first Nashville mayor to leave before end of term in nearly century
A former two-term at-large councilwoman elected in September 2015, Barry was a favorite among liberals whose popularity only expanded after taking office.
Five weeks after admitting to an extramarital affair with the head of her security detail, NASHVILLE Mayor Megan Barry announced her resignation from office (Tues March 6). During her initial disclosure of the relationship on Wednesday, January 31st, BARRY made assurances that no laws were broken as a result of a two-year personal liaison with Nashville Metro police Sergeant Rob Forrest.
In spite of her claims, BARRY quickly became the subject of three investigations, one of them a criminal inquiry by the Tennessee Bureau Of Investigation, the latter of which was spurred by Davidson County, TN District Attorney Glenn Funk. At issue were questions about overtime fees incurred by FORREST during his time with BARRY.
According to today's TENNESSEAN, "The review found, in some instances, there were no events on BARRY’s calendar during hours Forrest earned overtime pay." This morning Barry pleaded guilty to felony theft, agreed to reimburse the city $11,000 in unlawful expenses, and was sentenced to three years probation.
Forrest also pleaded guilty to property theft today, agreed to reimburse $45,000 of overtime pay, and, like Barry, was sentenced to three years probation. Both Barry's and Forrest's pleas and sentences were the result of negotiated agreements with the DA's office.

PHOTO
(12 March 2018) All the best photos from Country 2 Country Festival 2018! #C2C2018 Facebook/Country2Country

BIRTHDAYS
Birthdays in the week ahead
March 12: James Taylor (1948)
March 13: Jan Howard (1930), Michael Martin Murphey (1945), Billy Yates (1963)
March 14: Jann Browne (1954), Jerry Jeff Walker (1942)
March 15: Ry Cooder (1947), Little Ginny (1953), the late Carl Smith (March 15, 1927; died Jan 16, 2010 (aged 82))
March 16: Ray Benson (1951), Tim O'Brien (Hot Rize) (1954), Patty Griffin (1964), Sasha McVeigh (1994) UK,
March 17: Paul Overstreet (1955) 
March 18: Charley Pride, Phillip Sweet (Little Big Town) (1974)

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