Gilbert was named New Male Vocalist of the Year at the 48th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards. He kicked off the second leg of his HELL ON WHEELS TOUR with a bang having already performed to seven sold-out arenas in Kansas City, MO; Lincoln, NE; Mankato, MN; Corbin, KY; Morgantown, WV; Augusta, GA and Chattanooga, TN.
Music critics have noted the close connection Gilbert maintains with his fans during the live performances: The Kansas City Star notes, “…what he does say in his blue-collar way resonates with fans, an even mix of males and females, from their 20’s to their 40’s. That big crowd hooted and hollered and sang through much of it, from the love ballads like ‘Saving Amy’ to the Southern rock anthems like ‘G.R.I.T.S.’” Gilbert’s set includes an array of music from his rowdy hits “Country Must Be Country Wide” and “Kick It In The Sticks” to the softer #1 “You Don’t Know Her Like I Do” and “More Than Miles.”
Beyond the tragedy, the history, the raging guitars and the killer songs, ultimately, Lynyrd Skynyrd is about an indomitable will, survival of spirit; unbowed, uniquely American, stubbornly resolute. Led by core members Gary Rossington (guitar), Johnny Van Zant (vocals) and Rickey Medlocke (guitar), along with longtime drummer Michael Cartellone, Lynyrd Skynyrd has maintained a tremendous legacy that began more than 40 years ago in Jacksonville, FL and continues with the recently released “Last Of A Dying Breed (Roadrunner).” With a catalog of more than 60 albums, sales beyond 30 million worldwide and their beloved classic American rock anthem “Sweet Home Alabama” having more than 2 million downloaded ringtones, Rock & Roll Hall of Famers Lynyrd Skynyrd remains a cultural icon that appeals to all generations. “Last of a Dyin’ Breed,” the New Studio Album, is on sale now.
Justice’s star continues to rise. The 19-year-old, originally from Hollywood, FL is the star of her own hit Nickelodeon series Victorious. Her vocal talents are showcased on Victorious, the first official soundtrack from the series. A number of the songs have already turned into bonafide smashes, including the driving “Freak the Freak Out,” which has sold more than 600,000 copies on iTunes. Other hit singles off the record include “Beggin’ On Your Knees,” “Best Friend’s Brother” and the show’s theme song “Make it Shine,” which was co-written and produced by Dr. Luke. Combined the album’s first four singles have surpassed 1.8 million total digital downloads on iTunes to date. The busy starlet recently starred in her first-ever lead in a feature film entitled “Fun Size,” alongside Chelsea Handler and Johnny Knoxville.
An avalanche of powerful moments tumbles into an engaging live show. The moment when band and fan become one and the same, the moment of interaction, is the type of moment that lasts forever. Twenty years into its pioneering journey, Gainesville, FL natives Less Than Jake have had their fair share of moments. Ever-adapting to the constant change in an unsure music industry, Less Than Jake is still making cannonball-sized splashes in the deep end while many of its peers timidly eye shallow waters. With the release of “Greetings And Salutations” this sentiment is as true as ever. The 12-track release recorded at The Moathouse in Gainesville and produced by Less Than Jake’s own Roger Lima, includes both limited edition EP’s Season’s Greetings and Greetings From Less Than Jake plus two unreleased songs. The 12 tracks are pure un?ltered LTJ, Sunny ska mixed with barn-burner punk rock, more intended to get long-time fans and ?rst-time listeners warmed up and moshing in their living rooms and singing along to every lyric. Keeping its signature mix of punk roots and horn-driven melodies, songs like “A Return To Headphones” and “Finer Points of Forgiveness” take the best of old-school Less Than Jake and put on a fresh coat of paint for an amped-up listening experience.
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