Now that the tour is over Rascal Flatts will work to finish their next album and spend time with family in Nashville, TN. The trio consisting of Gary LeVox, Jay DeMarcus and Joe Don Rooney have announced that the scheduled release for their next album is April 3, 2012. This will be the second release under the Big Machine Label following thier current Nothing Like This album. Nothing Like This has produced two number one hits Why Wait and I Won't Let Go with the most recent single Easy currently in the 15th position on Billborad's Top 100 Country Songs and making a steady climb up the charts. This will be the groups eighth studio album since hitting the airwaves with Praying For Daylight in 2000 off their self titled debut Rascal Flatts.
Check out this video (recorded at the iHeart Radio Festival) as Rascal Flatts along with Natasha Bedingfield discuss their latest video Easy and the upcoming album release.
Gary LeVox, Jay DeMarcus and Joe Don Rooney newest members of the Grand Ole Opry
Last night, September 27, 2011 Vince Gill, long time friend and hero to Joe Don Rooney, Gary LeVox and Jay DeMarcus appeared on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry to hand Joe Don the guitar that he would use for the next song. The surprised Joe Don announced "I got a new guitar tech by the way guys" to Gary and Jay as Gill made his way to the circle. Vince Gill then explains that he played golf with the three about a week ago and he "kicked the crap outta them" so he was there to collect his winnings of $500. After a minute of promising to he would not leave the stage without his money Vince becomes serious about his true mission. He tells his friends that they Rascal Flatts have been chosen to become the newest members of the Grand Ole Opry family. It was obvious that the men of Rascal Flatts were overcome with emotion as the packed house of the Opry roared with approval.
Watch the video below to see Vince Gill surprise long time friends Joe Don Rooney, Gary LeVox and Jay DeMarcus with the news that Rascal Flatts and their fans have longed to hear.
In one very sweet short second Rascal Flatts went from being the Special Guest to becoming the newest members of the Grand Ole Opry family. Watch the second half of this historic evening as Rascal Flatts are joined by Vince Gill performing Gill's song Whenever You Come Around.
Rascal Flatts will be officially inducted Saturday, October 8, 2011 at the 86th Birthday Bash for the Grand Ole Opry. There are a few tickets left that may be purchased here .
A final note to Gary, Jay and Joe Don ...
There are not adequate words to express what this achievement means to your fans ... your fam and the pride we felt, the tears of joy we shed as your friend Vince Gill extended the Opry invitation. We believe in you and your gift of music touches our hearts and souls. We laugh and cry embraced by the lyrics and melodies you have given us. We love deeper and fight battles harder encouraged by the words you share through your musical expressions that are passionate and personal to our very lives. You have given us so much and our response is to love you, holding you in our hearts as though each of you are a part of us. To be a part of the Opry family is an honor that we have wanted for you and to us, your fam, this acknowledgement is as priceless as each of you. Congratulations!!
Opry Live will begin broadcasting again on October 4, 2011 with six star studded shows. Among the guest performing are Rascal Flatts, Carrie Underwood, Dierks Bently, Sara Evans and many more.
Go to Opry News for more detail. Be sure to catch your favorites at the Opry.
I found this interview with Jay and Wayne DeMarcus tucked away where I had prepared it (in March 2011) but had not actually posted it! So now, 6 months later for your enjoyment 3 videos of Jay and Wayne DeMarcus on Long Road To Nashville with Jonalee White.
Check out this video of Gary LeVox, Joe Don Rooney and Jay DeMarcus as they discuss the upcoming iHeart Radio Music Festival in Las Vegas, Nevada. The sold out festival will run September 23 and 24.
Once again Rascal Flatts is in the running for the Billboard Touring Conference & Awards Eventful 2011 Fans' Choice Award for the Best Tour of The Year! I know that Flatts Fest was incredibly fun and I for one would love to have Rascal Flatts return to my area soon. You too can show your love for Gary, Jay and Joe Don by demanding their tour in your town. Just click on the link below.
Details:
Demand your favorite artist. The artist with the most Demanders will win the Eventful 2011 Fans' Choice Award for Best Tour of the Year!
One Demand per person per artist. Tell everyone you know to join in!
Competition ends 11/7/2011 The last chance to Demand is 2pm PST Monday, November 7, 2011.
National Suicide Prevention Week begins today September 4th and runs through Sunday September 10th. Rascal Flatts along with the Jason Foundation are working together to bring attention to the third leading cause of death for youths in America. Click the banner on the left to take the B1 pledge and learn more about recognizing the warning sings of youth suicide, what you can do to help and more information about the Jason Foundation.
Rascal Flatts single I Won't Let Go is the second release from their Nothing Like This album to make it to the number one spot giving Gary LeVox, Jay DeMarcus and Joe Don Rooney their 13th song to top the charts. The group celebrated the occasion at the Hard Rock Cafe in Nashville, TN and Y'all*Wire was there with their cameras rolling. Check out this video of Rascal Flatts acceptance speech and an interview with songwriter Jason Sellers.
Congratulations Rascal Flatts on your 13th #1 hit!
