A sign of solidarity

Eric Church on Serving the Fans, Not the Country Machine

I love this. 

"They would probably stay for five hours, because they’re not like other fans — especially country fans. They sing along and know every word, and are more excited for deep cuts than singles like “Springsteen.” The camaraderie in the crowd, the fervent dedication, the way people in the audience respond to each song — offering up some Jack Daniel’s during “Drink in My Hand,” or raising a shoe during “These Boots,” as a sign of solidarity, but also in hope that Church might grab one and sign it onstage — are more like the rituals of the traveling rock cults associated with Phish or the Grateful Dead."

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“It’s taking the power away from the entitled,” says Church. “It’s all about exclusivity, everywhere in this country. We’re trying to take that away, and make it about the people. Everyone is equal. You shouldn’t have to pay more for a ticket. You shouldn’t have to get the record last because of the critics or radio.”

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"Making the labels happy is not of particular concern to Church, who was once most famous for being the guy who got kicked off the Rascal Flatts tour — he kept playing over the allotted opening-act time, and was replaced with a then-little-known Taylor Swift."

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Also, I have a lot of respect for Brothers Osborne because of this article. Seeing them live just got put on my bucket list.