November 2023

Old Friends, New Friends, No Shoes Nation Kenny Chesney knows how to throw the summer into high gear. Having spent last spring and early summer with his taking-it-to-the-roots ‘I Go Back 2023 Tour’ of those arenas and markets where he rose to major headlining status, the only country artist to be on Billboard’s Top 10 Touring Artists of the Last 25 Years for the past 14 years is bringing old friends and new to 18 stadiums with a few more major surprises to come. Joining Chesney is the Zac Brown Band, enjoying their 12th CMA Group of the Year nomination; 2023 CMA Song of the Year and New Artist nominee Megan Moroney; and multiple-week No. 1 ‘When The Sun Goes Down’ duet partner Uncle Kracker, known for his own hits ‘Follow Me’ and ‘Drift Away.’ “I wanted a name that suggested – obviously – when all the good stuff starts to happen. The one thing I’ve learned about No Shoes Nation and these stadium shows is they start the good times early and they just keep it going,” Chesney says of his 2024 tour name. “But we all know, when the sun goes down, that’s when people really get loose and enjoy themselves. “That was the thing about Uncle Kracker and my song. It captured a vibe and a moment so perfectly. No matter how much fun you’re having all day long, ‘everything gets hotter when the sun goes down…’ I know from years of experience that’s true. “So, I can’t wait to get back out there, stadium-sized ’cause there’s nothing like 60,000 members of No Shoes Nation singing these songs. It’s gonna be awesome.” Kicking off April 20, 2024 at Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium, the tour will run through August 23 at Foxborough, Mass.’s Gillette Stadium for what has become a tradition: closing out the tour in a venue Chesney has played to well over a million people. Tickets for these major stadium shows will go on-sale next Friday, Nov. 17. “Zac Brown Band understands high-energy country, the same way Alabama did, and they’ve got our friend Caroline Jones in their line-up now, too,” Chesney says of the group joining as direct support. “Megan Moroney isn’t just one of the smart new voices in country, she’s really bringing a sense of heart and joy to the music – and I’m fired up to be bringing her out to No Shoes Nation. “And Uncle Kracker has been part of so many fun times, crazy moments and memories made, it always kicks things up a notch when he’s out there with us. So, it really is old friends, new friends and a whole lotta love.”     To read more exclusive articles and latest news, see our last issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on: Instagram: @Maverick.mag Twitter: @Maverick_mag Facebook: Maverick Magazine Media Contact Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: editor@maverick-country.com  

Jason Aldean has released his highly-anticipated 11th studio album, ‘HIGHWAY DESPERADO’, Aldean also recently wrapped a whirlwind headlining tour in Florida. ‘HIGHWAY DESPERADO’ includes fourteen total tracks, including Aldean’s breakthrough Hot 100 chart-topping single ‘Try That In A Small Town,’ which recently became his 28th career #1 single at Country radio. The album also features his next single, ‘Let Your Boys Be Country’ and three tracks co-written by Aldean. Aldean sat down with CBS Mornings last week from his Nashville-based studio, where he spoke about working on his 11th studio album including getting back in the writer’s chair, his sold-out ‘Highway Desperado Tour’, career milestones, and reaction to his new music.   ‘HIGHWAY DESPERADO’ follows Aldean’s double album ‘MACON’, ‘GEORGIA’, which earned Aldean his 27th career-charting #1 single, ‘Trouble With A Heartbreak,’ as well as a Billboard Music Award nomination for “Top Country Song” and awards from ACM, CMT, iHeart, and a GRAMMY nomination for ‘If I Didn’t Love You’ with Carrie Underwood. Since making his chart debut in 2005, the Georgia native has earned the most Top 10 songs on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart – more than any other artist – his “songs of small-town living, love and loss have resonated with a loyal fanbase” (Billboard) and have “vaulted him to the pinnacle of Country music success” (Atlanta Journal Constitution). ‘HIGHWAY DESPERADO’ Track Listing: 1. Tough Crowd – Kurt Allison, Marv Green, Tully Kennedy, Kelley Lovelace, Neil Thrasher 2. Let Your Boys Be Country – Jaron Boyer, Allison Veltz Cruz, Micah Wilshire 3. Knew You’d Come Around – Kurt Allison, Ben Hayslip, Tully Kennedy, John Morgan 4. Hungover In A Hotel – Jason Aldean, Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, David Lee Murphy, Neil Thrasher 5. Try That In A Small Town – Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, Kelley Lovelace, Neil Thrasher 6. Whiskey Drink – Kurt Allison, Jonathan Edwards, Tully Kennedy, John Morgan 7. Whose Rearview – Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, John Morgan, Lydia Vaughn 8. I’m Over You – Josh Phillips, Michael Tyler, Micah Wilshire 9. Rather Watch You – Jessi Alexander, Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, Kelley Lovelace, Neil Thrasher 10. Breakup Breakdown – Jason Aldean, Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, John Morgan, Lydia Vaughan 11. Get Away From You – Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, John Morgan, Lydia Vaughn 12. Changing Bars – Kurt Allison, Jonathan Edwards, Tully Kennedy, John Morgan 13. From This Beer On – Kurt Allison, Jonathan Edwards, Tully Kennedy, John Morgan 14. Highway Desperado – Jason Aldean, Kurt Allison, Jonathan Edwards, Tully Kennedy, John Morgan   To read more exclusive articles and latest news, see our last issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on: Instagram: @Maverick.mag Twitter: @Maverick_mag Facebook: Maverick Magazine Media Contact Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: editor@maverick-country.com

Cirque du Soleil will bring audiences of all ages a new theatrical touring show starting in Nashville in July 2024 in collaboration with Universal Music Group Nashville. While introducing the perfect harmony of captivating acrobatics and soulful melodies of beloved country legends and contemporary stars, this ode to country music’s rich heritage promises an unforgettable experience. With deep roots in storytelling, heartfelt emotions, and the ability to resonate with audiences from all walks of life, both country music and Cirque du Soleil embody themes of love and resilience – as well as a passion for breathtaking, powerful performances. “Our collaboration with Universal Music Group Nashville presents an exciting opportunity for us to expand our creative horizons and reach new audiences, as we delve into the vibrant world of country music entertainment.” Stéphane Lefebvre, President, and CEO of Cirque du Soleil. “We are thrilled at the idea of joining forces with Cirque du Soleil to offer a one-of-a-kind show celebrating classic and modern country music. Cirque du Soleil is a shining example of making the impossible, possible through creativity, collaboration, and emotion. The opportunity to highlight our incredible catalog and bring the history of country music to life in a live theatrical setting, will allow our music to live on with a new generation of audiences and country music fans,” said Cindy Mabe, Chair and CEO of Universal Music Group Nashville. To read more exclusive articles and latest news, see our last issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on: Instagram: @Maverick.mag Twitter: @Maverick_mag Facebook: Maverick Magazine Media Contact Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: editor@maverick-country.com