The Boot News Roundup: Chris Stapleton Will Tour With the Eagles in 2018
Welcome to The Boot's News Roundup, a morning rundown of the news country music fans need to know. Read on to learn more about the latest goings-on in the country, Americana, bluegrass and folk genres.
In addition to his multiple Grammy Awards nods, Chris Stapleton's winning streak continues with a pretty incredible gig: The reigning CMA Male Vocalist of the Year is set to head out on tour with classic rock icons the Eagles. Stapleton will appear as a special guest at the band's show on June 23 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The Eagles' 2018 tour kicks off on March 14 in Chicago, Ill., and will continue for at least 12 dates, though new shows are expected to be announced in the coming months. Other special guests include James Taylor and Jimmy Buffett. Tickets for the Eagles' Arlington show featuring Stapleton go on sale on Dec. 1.
A country music-focused feature film called Forever My Girl is headed to the big screen in 2018, and it's going to feature musical contributions from a few big-time country stars. According to Sounds Like Nashville, Lauren Alaina, Travis Tritt (who also appears in the movie) Josh Turner and Little Big Town's Phillip Sweet will contribute tracks to the film's soundtrack. Forever My Girl is set for a limited theatrical release on Jan. 26.
In addition to headliners Sam Hunt, Luke Bryan, Toby Keith and Dierks Bentley, the lineup for Country Thunder Wisconsin in 2018 includes Brothers Osborne, Midland, Ashley McBryde, Lindsay Ell, Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives, Tyler Farr and more. Country Thunder Wisconsin 2018 will take place July 19-22; passes are currently on sale.
In what may be one of the most natural pairings in all of country music, Big & Rich's John Rich has signed a deal with Portland, Ore.'s Eastside Distilling. Rich's Redneck Riviera-branded spirits will include flavored and premium-blended whiskey, vodka and other spirits, all at "the working-man's price point." "It has always been my goal to have a spirits line, and to be announcing this so young into the company's launch is such a thrill and an honor," Rich says in a statement. "To be able to roll out this custom-blend whiskey made in America by some of the top distillers in the country is a big win for us."
The Brothers Osborne, Natalie Hemby and Mac Davis have all been tapped to headline The First and the Worst 2018. The annual event, hosted at Nashville's City Winery, benefits the Music Health Alliance, which works on behalf of uninsured musicians. At the event, Hemby, Davis and the Osbornes will show off both the very first songs they ever wrote and, perhaps most hilariously, the worst ones. After the performances, the audience will vote for the "silliest and most shameful song," and the "Crappy" trophy will be presented to the winner. The First and the Worst 2018 will be held on Feb. 28; tickets are currently on sale.