Image Courtesy John Peets/Capitol NashvilleUnlike most country headliners, Eric Church doesn’t pay attention to country radio when choosing his opening acts. Instead, he books musical acts he’s passionate about, whether or not they could ever fit in the country format. That’s why you’ll see everyone from hard rock group Halestorm to Americana group The Lone Bellow on the road with Eric this year.
He tells the Lexington Herald-Leader, “I just thought it was cooler than who everybody else takes on tour. Everybody just repackages tours. That’s what happens in country music. That’s what happens in all kinds of music. They just take the same four or five people, whoever had a hit this year, whoever’s hot, and sticks them on the bill.”
Eric’s approach to booking supporting acts comes from his experience as a brand-new act opening for rock legend Bob Seger. Eric got the gig because Bob liked his music, an opportunity Eric wants to pass that opportunity on to his favorite up-and-coming acts.
“There is just so much music out there I love that doesn’t have the outlet,” Eric explains. ” You know what? We didn’t used to have the outlet, either”
He adds, “Going forward, this is something we’re going to continue to do.”
Check out Eric’s full tour schedule at EricChurch.com.
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