Leroy of Hellbound Glory Talks Kid Rock Tour
I don’t think it is a stretch to say that Leroy Virgil of Hellbound Glory, and specifically his vast collection of remarkable country songs, is one of the most overlooked and untapped resources in country music. Music Row should be pilfering his song library, and yet the man sits here without even a serious publishing deal. Leroy Virgil is country music’s best kept secret, but the cat may soon be out of the bag as none other than Kid Rock has tapped Hellbound Glory as the opener on the first two legs of his 29-date arena tour.
With Kid Rock’s place as a polarizing figure to some of the same country fans that Hellbound Glory appeals to, the association has drawn some ire. At the same time, it’s hard to not credit Kid Rock for doing something that no other major music artist or entity has done up to this point: recognize Leory’s immeasurable talent and give it a greater outlet.
As Leroy Virgil does a circuit of small town gigs in Idaho to prepare for the big tour, I talked to him about the opportunity, about the concerns of some fans about the Kid Rock affiliation and their worries the opportunity is too much too fast, and about where Leroy and Hellbound Glory go from here.
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Trigger: In my review of Hellbound Glory’s last album Damaged Goods I said, “It’s time for someone to step up. It’s time for Hellbound Glory to graduate, for someone a step higher to step up and put these boys as the opener on a serious tour.” And when I said that, I didn’t have any names in my back pocket of who that would be. But Kid Rock was the guy that ended up stepping up, seeing the potential and talent and putting y’all on his tour. How did that come about?
Leroy Virgil: It’s kind of a funny story. When I first became aware that Chico (former drummer) was going to leave the band, I started doing this bass drum thing. And I started by going every Wednesday and Thursday night to a bar and play there for 4 hours. Rico (slide guitar player) would go down there as well. It’s a bar called Davidson’s in Reno, where we took the picture for the back cover of Scumbag Country. It was a biker bar, and they would play a lot of Kid Rock on the juke box. Me and Rico listened to it so much we were just like, “Yeah, someday we’re gonna tour with Kid Rock.” We never really expected it to happen, and then 6 or 7 months later we get a call, and it was an offer for that cruise ship thing (Kid Rock’s Chillin’ The Most Cruise), and of course we took it. I think Kid Rock may have had access to our music through our manager. I don’t know if it was his decision, but we got the call and there was no way we could turn that down.
Trigger: So you played the Kid Rock Cruise almost a year ago. How did that evolve to this tour? I mean this is a big tour–two months. You’re playing a lot of dates here.
Leroy Virgil: It’s 29 dates over the course of two months. And it’s the first two legs. I’ve got my fingers crossed that we will be invited to the 3rd and 4th leg. When we we’re on the cruise, we got a chance to hang out with him, my wife and I, partied with him some, had a good time. We all just hit it off, so that may have something to do with how we got on this tour.
Trigger: What do you have to say to folks who say, “I don’t want to see Hellbound Glory in a big arena. I don’t want to have to pay for an expensive ticket.” Will those folks still get a chance to see Hellbound Glory in a smaller, cheaper setting in the future?
Leroy Virgil: As far as the whole expensive ticket thing, I can understand. The economy is rough. I couldn’t afford to go to the show if I wasn’t playing at it. But if they’re fans of Hellbound Glory, the shows are going to be great. I’ve got a couple of new guys, a great drummer and bass player. NASCAR Nick came back, he’s on Old Highs & New Lows. So it’s gonna be loud, and it’s gonna be rocking. We’ve got a wild set going. I think it’s going to blow some people’s minds to be honest with you. I can’t wait for people to hear it. But as far as playing smaller show, I don’t think I’ll ever get sick of playing in small, intimate places. I enjoy playing small places, and four, five hour sets of my songs and country classics, drink whiskey on stage and bullshit with the crowd. It’s really becoming a thing where I’d like to play arenas and big places whenever I want, but I definitely don’t want to lose the grass roots, underground following that we have. I hope our fans and people that know our music come up to us and we get a chance to hang out. We don’t want to be isolated. That’s not where good songs come from.
Trigger: Along those same lines, do you think this tour will change Hellbound Glory? And if so, how?
Leroy Virgil: You know, I’m a really stubborn person, and I’m not gonna change any way I don’t want to change. In fact I think over the last couple of years I’m even more hardcore than I’ve ever been. And the new material is going to show that too. If anyone has any reservations about Hellbound Glory being on the road with Kid Rock or being mainstream or whatever, I just want the music to speak for itself. Just listen to the music and if you don’t like it, alright, then you don’t like it. But don’t write anything off just because of anything we’re doing. I’m not changing. I’m still the same person I’ve always been.
Trigger: So you’ll be standing up now, and playing acoustic, or electric, or a little of both?
Leroy Virgil: Yeah I just got this little Harmony guitar that I got from a friend. It’s a 1950’s Harmony arch top acoustic electric. It’s pretty old school. So yeah, I’ll be standing up. I’m trying to get back into that whole mojo of standing up, being a little big more of a front man just because I spent the last 2 1/2 years sitting on that bass drum. It’s exciting. A whole new venture, because I think we had gotten stale. Not with the lineup, just with the setup we had. And you know, I’ll probably continue changing. Who knows what I’ll be doing next year. I’ve got to do something to keep everything fresh. Wait till you hear the new material. You may hate it, you may dig it. No matter what, it’s country. Even if I was playing heavy metal, it’s still country. It’s where I come from. The whole Nashville thing would have never worked out for me anyway. Can you imagine Hellbound Glory, I don’t know, rubbing elbows with Jason Aldean? It’s two completely different worlds. So I’m just kind of eeking out my own thing. I feel like I part of a lot of the scenes, but at the same time I’m on the outside of it too. I think I’m in a pretty good place. I couldn’t be happier than where I am right now.
Trigger: You mentioned new material. I know that you’ve done some recording on this project you’ve called ‘Merica. When can people expect new music from you, or is that in the offing?
Leroy Virgil: I’ve done some work with Shooter (Jennings) but we really haven’t had the time to get everything to where it’s really moving yet. I mean, I don’t want to scrap these songs, I’ve spent a lot of time working on them. But I’m continuing to write new ones. And now I’m kinda sick of those ones so I want to do something new.
Trigger: So you’ve got a glut of material?
Leroy Virgil: I just want to have a microphone going all the time. Record old Hank Williams songs, old Lefty Frizzell songs and just give them away.
January 27, 2013 @ 3:14 pm
Hellbound Glory will get some much deserved exposure from this tour but let’s get real here for a second. Kid Rock went from being a Wigger to a flag waving Fake Patriot to a Fake Outlaw in no time flat. I’ll be skipping that show.
January 27, 2013 @ 3:25 pm
I can’t stand Kid Rock’s music, but I’m very happy for Leroy and the boys. I’m glad Leroy says he still loves playing small places, because the only time I’ve seen them play was at the Moose Lodge in Austin. It was absolutely incredible. The fact that they were playing not 3 feet away from me and I got to chat with him and his wife a bit was great, that’s an experience you can’t really have in an arena.
January 27, 2013 @ 3:27 pm
There were two things that stuck out to me in this article: 1. Free covers by Hellbound and 2. my grandpa had a very similar guitar to the one he just got.
And as far as anyone wishing that Hellbound would stay small. I’d never wish for any band to stay small. The more successful a band gets the more they can focus on the music instead of worrying about paying bills and putting food on the table.
January 27, 2013 @ 4:03 pm
Can we please put a moratorium on the Kid Rock Sucks talk?
I am over the moon that he sees in Hellbound Glory what the rest of us do. And if that gets HBG exposure that we could never give them, and puts them at after parties with people who can offer amazing projects, why the hell can”™t we shut our yaps and be supportive?
January 27, 2013 @ 4:44 pm
Seems to me both commenters who had negative things to say about Kid Rock said it was good that HBG was getting the exposure.
January 27, 2013 @ 5:43 pm
She may have been responding to folks spouting a different sentiment on Facebook and other places.
January 27, 2013 @ 6:15 pm
It’s a backhanded compliment that I see in the comments here, on Facebook, and in conversation. I’m tired of it.
January 28, 2013 @ 9:46 am
To me, a backhanded compliment is one where you’re insulting someone while you’re complimenting them, like “Bon Jovi is my favorite cheesy hair band.” I don’t see much knocking of Hellbound Glory in all this. I can see your point of “just shut the hell up and be happy for them,” though.
January 29, 2013 @ 6:58 pm
WOW!!! Hellbound Glory is gonna be taking their music to a whole new level. I am not going to trash Kid Rock. If he is helping Hellbound Glory get some place that is a good thing. I will even say thank you to him for helping helping too. CONGRATS Hellbound Glory and Leroy brother your time has come. May the road be good to you.
January 27, 2013 @ 4:14 pm
Im glad you finally got that interview Trigger man. I just hope Leroy keeps it the same old school sound we love with his rowdy attitude. I think Kid Rock is an excellent choice to bring his music out. Kid Rock changed over the years and I dont meant musically. He is now good friends with David Allen Coe, Hank jr and Im sure many other traditional artists. He has love for the music but not his record company. So I have high hopes for the band and Kid Rock’s help.
And about the expensive tickets. They are not real Hellbound Glory fans if they are too dam cheap to pay a full concert ticket for the greatest band out there now to get ahead. You all want Hellbound starving till they have to quit and never be known. Or even worse where they have to quit and get regular shitty jobs so they can support their families. Even better why wont yall cheap bastards get a job so we can help support the bands that give us our favorite past times.
January 27, 2013 @ 4:50 pm
I’m gonna have to disagree with not being a real fan if you’re too cheap to buy these tickets. I might pay $70 to see a full Hellbound Glory show, (though that would be insane for such an unknown band) however, when Hellbound will probably only have a 30 minute to one hour set and I have no interest in the other two bands, I can’t justify spending that much to see them.
January 27, 2013 @ 4:55 pm
There is no way in hell I would pay Kid Rock ticket prices (whose music I have no interest in) to see HBG do a short set in a big arena. If that means I’m not a “real HBG fan” in your eyes, I’m perfectly OK with that.
January 27, 2013 @ 5:45 pm
I get what Hillbilly Muslim is saying, and having seen him personally at numerous shows, he takes a gung ho spirit to supporting bands. As Leroy said above, “As far as the whole expensive ticket thing, I can understand. The economy is rough. I couldn”™t afford to go to the show if I wasn”™t playing at it.”
January 27, 2013 @ 5:16 pm
I always love to see a great musician who can get coverage using a shitty ones popularity. Kid rock sucks, but at least his fans will get to hear good music.
January 27, 2013 @ 5:23 pm
Kid Rock is a great musician. Fact. Might not be the greatest at one particular type of music but can play them all well. Those on the fence about him should go to give him a chance live.
January 27, 2013 @ 5:45 pm
Yes, Kid Rock made some music that I could do without, but he never said he was country. Listen to Cocaine and Gin off his new album. I think it’s a very solid track and much more country sounding than 90% of the stuff on the radio.
Kid Rock seems to be a lot more to promote good music than anyone else with exposure. Besides having Hellbound Glory touring, he is having Band of Heathens, Blackberry Smoke, and Shooter Jennings play on his cruise this year.
January 27, 2013 @ 6:10 pm
good luck leroy!
January 27, 2013 @ 6:17 pm
So Trigger, what’s your best guess on where the “Merica” project is. From watching the Lost Cause 2 video, I was hoping that it might be something we’d see out in the somewhat near future, but from Leroy’s answer in the interview, it seems like that may not be the case.
January 27, 2013 @ 6:54 pm
It seems a little complicated, and that’s probably a question better to broach with Leory in more detail. But the sense I got was that they have a good amount of material from the sessions he did in Nashville with Shooter, but that it is not “done” and its going to take some good time to decide on mixes and overdubs and such, and with Hellbound going on tour for the next two months, it’s probably not going to happen very soon. Also as Leory said, and my experience with seeing him live, he tires of his own material pretty quickly and moves on. He’s got some amazing songs that may never see a recorded version simply because he’s been playing them for years and got bored with them before they had a chance in the studio.
A part of the interview I did not post, but that may be coming up if I post the audio on a podcast or something, is that one of the new members of his band is really good with setting up mics and doing DIY recordings. This possibility really excited Leroy because he wants to record and release covers for free like he said, and this gives them an opportunity to capture more of his original material, or maybe even make an album that way. Hellbound is already booked for the first two legs of the Kid Rock tour, but apparently there is a possibility that the could be booked for the 3rd and 4th. If that is the case, they may only have time while on the road or between legs to record new material.
So long story short, I wouldn’t hold my breath, but with the DIY recording possibility, we may see some new material sooner than later.
January 27, 2013 @ 6:54 pm
I love Kid Rock, and I love what he has been doing with his tours the last few years. He’s had Ragweed, Shooter, Leroy Powell, and Jamey Johnson all open for him and numerous other lesser known bands. I feel like some people just write him off because of some perception that he’s either not talented and/or a completely fake artist. A LOT of his older stuff is ridiculously country and southern rock, it’s not just his last two albums that have that sound like some believe. And he has created a hell of a career without ever really getting all that much radio play, at least where I’m at. I guarantee that if you were to go to a Kid Rock show with an open mind you will walk away happy that you attended. He’s very skilled on several instruments and puts on a legitimate show every time.
As for the people complaining that the prices are too high or that HBG isn’t going to be playing but for an hour, I think this tour is more about the people that don’t know about Leroy or Hellbound Glory than people that are already fans of his music. I’ve never had the chance to see them live and I don’t know that they’ve ever even played within 100 miles of where I live but this is a great opportunity for them to get in front of people that will watch and listen and accept them and probably come out loving their stuff. It’s going to be a step forward for the music and bands that we love the hear because word will spread and hopefully this will open up some spots on other tours for some of these other bands.
January 28, 2013 @ 8:39 am
Kid Rock played the Riverbend Festival here in chattanooga a couple of years ago. I’ve been a fan for awile but was expecting this to be heavly sencored concert because Riverbend is mostly a family friendly festival. He held nothing back & did such a great show that when I returned five days later everyone was still talking about his show.I think it’s odd how he gets tuns of respect from other artist but not from fans.
January 27, 2013 @ 7:53 pm
this is purely opportunistic. it has nothing to do with any creative venture…they want their pay day and we all know they deserve it…deserving it is not the issue. how they get it is the issue. and if how they get it is by ridding the coat of a corporate artist well…you lost me cause there is someone else underground that deserves my respect and ear. we – fans and artist – can do better than this. not saying i have any answers but for a blog that is anti corporate music to suggest we all pay $80 to ultimately boost kid rocks rating and ticket sales seems very odd. there are a lot of bands that made it above ground without riding the coat of corporate music. not sure how that happens, maybe a new path needs to be cut, i really dont know. but i do know that i hate corporate music. black flag redesigned how we tour, so many punk bands we all love started DIY record labels. im up for anything that is trying, this just seems opportunistic, not trying. to hell with corporate music….even if that means my favorite country band -hellbound glory- doesn’t get this opportunity.
January 27, 2013 @ 8:17 pm
…for a blog that is anti corporate music to suggest we all pay $80 to ultimately boost kid rocks rating and ticket sales seems very odd.
Whoa, tap the brakes here dude. Where in this article or anywhere did I suggest anyone pay $80 to go see Kid Rock? I simply interviewed the guy, and I think I asked him some very direct questions with the express purpose of addressing people’s concerns about this pairing. I’m reporting. It is up for the readers to decide. In no way is that an “endorsement.” Truth is I love this Kid Rock/Hellbound thing, and I hate it at the same time. I’ve been on the record many times saying I don’t like Kid Rock, calling him the “Wet Cigarette” of country music. But that is not going to keep me from being happy for Hellbound Glory for the opportunity. And thirdly, I am not going to let my personal feelings about a guy allow me to overlook that he’s doing a really standup thing by putting Hellbound Glory on his tour.
Now as for this anti-corporate thing. Whether music originates from the industry or the underground is not a sonic element, and judging music simply on where it originates is prejudice that can lead to a less fulfilling musical experience. Of course, I would rather listen to music that resides in the independent/underground world, but narrowing perspectives is not a path to growth. I am completely behind the DIY, independent spirit, but there’s a point where pragmatism is called for. Not all industry is evil, just as not all underground is good. Kid Rock may be evil, but he made a good decision that will give an independent band some much needed exposure. In the end, I hope the positives will outweigh the negatives, but it will take some time to see if that is the outcome or not.
January 27, 2013 @ 8:52 pm
good point….clearly was not an endorsement. i dont like it but i have mixed feelings too and have too narrow a perspective so i will just shut up and see how it plays out. you make great points and i suppose thats why i read this and dont write it. but to be honest i think the narrow perspective argument is off – at some point we are all narrow…the measurement is in degrees. i like many genres, all underground and i could spent a whole life searching and never know it all…is that narrow. yup. but there are things you just dont like…someone else does. does that make you narrow. yup. its all in degrees….not trying to pick a bone, i love 99% things you write, you have helped enrich my musically experience a ton! hellbound glory is easily one of my favorites and i guess im looking at the downside without appreciating the upside. thanks for the perspective.
January 27, 2013 @ 9:48 pm
at some point we are all narrow
I totally agree, and I think realizing that is what truly makes people open minded or not. You can only branch your perspective out so wide, but you can always realize you’re only seeing things from one narrow perspective.
Since I started this website, I’ve tried to branch out my perspective as much as possible, a lot more than most people would normally. And still I find myself making dumb observances or decisions because my perspective is too narrow.
And over time, broadening musical perspectives has been a focus of this site. And folks who pride themselves for having narrow perspectives have become disillusioned with what I’m trying to do.
Good discussion Travis.
January 27, 2013 @ 10:37 pm
If memory serves me right, Leroy told me back in May that Kid Rock is a country boy at heart but his record companies has him make the music he makes. I heard David Allen Coe this year on stage how he enjoys hanging out with Kid Rock, and everyone knows his friendship with Hank jr. However how you hate his music (I been hating it since High School, late 90s and I always loved new rock bands back then)he changed as a person and a big supporter of this new outlaw music/movement. In that regards he has my respect as Shooter has my respect.
If they dont have that perfect sound you all love o well. I dont care for some of the punk sounds in our movement but dam, artists like Jayke Orvis and Rachel Brooke love them so I respect them cause of the support those punk bands gave them long the way.. When I heard Black Flag was headlining Muddy Roots I cringed. I dont go there to here punk music but hey they help out the scene and I m all for that. And I dont mind paying 80$ to see Hellbound which I doubt. When they come into town I spend more money than that on them buying drinks and merchandise even though dam Rico wont even spare me a dam ciggeratte lol.
January 28, 2013 @ 7:40 am
I think Kid Rock stinks. He sucks. His musical crimes are well documented; he’s sinned against hip-hop and country equally to the point that no serious fan of either genre takes him seriously.
All of that said, what’s wrong with a band you like touring with him? The worst thing that can happen is more people like them. As long as they don’t get offered a music row contract and lose their soul in the process, good enough for them. They make money and maybe a few mainstream folks get turned onto real music.
January 28, 2013 @ 8:49 am
“His musical crimes are well documented;”
Can you elaborate on this? As someone below points out, every single artist that has crossed paths with Kid respect him a lot.
Also, he does work for a record label that might be calling some shots on the music that is put out, but he gives 100% to whatever he is asked. Aren’t we familiar with another artist that was under the thumb of a label and couldn’t always put out what they wanted?
January 28, 2013 @ 9:19 am
I don’t have all day to troll youtube listening to awful Kid Rock music, but this is a shining turn… the worst Warren Zevon sample ever, a cliche piece of shit that was on in in every Supercuts in America:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwIGZLjugKA
And lest we forget, stripped from the DVD but still preserved for eternity on the DVR’s of horny teenagers from 2003… The original theme song from “Stripperella.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lhV-0mZEFlE
January 27, 2013 @ 9:34 pm
Thanks for the great interview with the band. I put this current tour together for Hellbound. After seeing four shows this week so far I can verify that the band has a big new sound. The new arrangement and songs bring more ROCK than their other stuff but still contains the signature Hellbound Glory feel and attitude. They really have some great energy going on in the band. The crowds have been blown away this week at the shows. I couldn’t be happier for them and this opportunity of a lifetime they have recieved. IThey have been working their asses off to get ready for this tour and are tight and sharp as ever. I can’t wait to hear the reactions and reviews of their new material from fans old and new. It’s some of their best and most original music yet. I’ve been recording/filming the shows and hope to get some up on youtube soon. Thanks again for the publicity. Catch them tomorrow in Salt Lake if you can!
January 28, 2013 @ 7:41 am
DISCLAIMER: THIS IS NOT AN ADVERTISEMENT
“I put this current tour together for Hellbound……songs bring more ROCK (are you fucking kidding me hahafuckingha really gonna pull that card……has nothing to do with the fact they’re touring with kid ROCK does it??) than their other stuff ……… Catch them tomorrow in Salt Lake if you can!”
I was actually considering going until I read this…..I just can’t that type of advertising comes off like a Monster Truck rally or something…..TRUCKS TRUCKS TRUCKS KID ROCK KID ROCK TITS BOOZE YOU CANT RESIST IT……..I’m just thinking of that dude from squidbillies that runs the mega-corporation “And now country music…..WITH EXTRA ROCK” Thanks but no thanks I’ll wait til they’re touring small venues again. It’s a way to squeeze a little more profit for whatever conglomerate owns kid rocks soul. Fuck that.
For the record been to several shows recently and bought all the different bands merch & what not – I get that bands got to make a living, and support them as much as possible myself. I also want HBG to have the exposure they definitely deserve but not so sure this is the right route. What is? Don’t know.
I would ask Kid Rock if his fucking number wasn’t private…..fucking elitist ……..lolol
Either way Leroy Virgil is the fucking man & will continue to be so in my books (I liked his quote about how he couldn’t/wouldn’t go on his own tour – talk about an honest guy)
January 28, 2013 @ 8:53 am
your the only one that you are screwin’, when you put down what you don’t understand.
January 28, 2013 @ 9:29 am
It’s actually spelled you’re…..sorry just had to…….and for what its worth I checked out the booking agents facebook page and by the artists listed on there (James Leg, Etc) it looks like they’re fighting the good fight……but I still get a bad taste in my mouth mentioning Kid Rock & Leroy Virgil in the same sentence. I’ll leave it be and we’ll all see what happens!
Awesome Dale Watson Video by the way!!!!
January 28, 2013 @ 10:00 am
I get not liking a guys music, but don’t throw out that some record company owns a guys soul, when it clearly doesn’t. Blake Shelton just showed us what sellout looks like.
Do any research on Kid Rock (not just judgement on some radio played songs) and you would know he is true talent, and very respectful of music.
That is what upsets me. We just had a united uproar over Blake Shelton, and here we are hours later, when a big time act recognizes underground talent, and we gotta be bitches about it again. Hellbound will never get Nashville or the nations attention with out a break like Kid. So, people can say they don’t like Kid’s music, but you can’t deny or rip him for trying to fight the good fight.
January 28, 2013 @ 1:24 pm
Just to clarify my comment that was misinterpreted above. I am in no way affiliated with Kid Rock. I meant I booked the small Idaho/UT tour mentioned in the article. Maybe I should have said the music is more rockin? so it didn’t get construed as marketing kid rock. I’ve worked and been friends with Leroy and band for years and I am honored that he let me book him some shows at little places on his way to the ‘big tour’. The new band is working on their repertoire for the arena tour in front of fans for the first time at these shows. If you are a fan and supporter I do not understand your rationalization for missing tonights show- the last time you’ll see them for $5 for at least 2 months. Me being affiliated with any big corporate music entity couldnt’ be further from the truth. I am a small independent promoter in a small town. I work with independent artists, many of whom are also supported by this excellent website. I thought it would be ok to promote a show by Hellbound on here because that is what this article is about. If it’s against the policy they certainly could delete my post. I normally don’t promote shows at sites like this but the show tonight didn’t get announced by the venue until yesterday due to a mis- communication. Just in case there was someone out there who would want to attend and didn’t know it was happening.
January 28, 2013 @ 2:25 pm
Well I apologize and feel like a dumbass, I’ve just realized I’ve wasted most of the day arguing (on teh internet not even in real life) about Kid Rock first off and secondly you’re obviously one of the few people actually working in the music scene we all love so much. So thanks to you, and the folks here, the Muddy Roots guys, Farmageddon, ninebullets and so on and so forth etc for doing all that you do, because without you all, we, the fans, nor the bands, would even know about half of the bands/music that we do.
So thanks. And my bad for mis-interpreting it, it just read / came off that way to me.
January 28, 2013 @ 2:29 am
I will say this about Kid Rock. A friend took me to a concert a few years back and I was blown away. It was hands down one of the best live shows I have ever seen and definitely the best big venue show I have ever seen. I have seen multiple shows since that first concert. In my mind Kid Rock has always just played whatever music he feels like, I can go through his albums and find plenty of standout tracks. I think his whole persona early on is what hurt him in a lot of people’s eyes and almost created an image he has a hard time getting rid of now. The other thing is the Twisted Brown Trucker band is as good as it gets. I am very happy HG got this gig and hope this exposure only leads to biger and better things for them.
January 28, 2013 @ 6:30 am
I’m just extremely grateful I now know of this killer band and will have something to abuse for the next couple months! Thanks Trigger!
January 28, 2013 @ 8:19 am
“I”™ve been on the record many times saying I don”™t like Kid Rock, calling him the “Wet Cigarette” of country music.” You didn’t say that to Leroy though did you? You pawned it off on “others” that have concerns about this pairing because of “high prices”.
You ever try to reach out to Kid’s people and talk with him and get to know what he is really about?
I’m actually floored at the amount of venum for Kid Rock on this site. The dude has jumped around genres cause he can. He can rap as good as anyone black or white. He can get as country as any Hank3 song. And he destroys true rock and roll.
The dude respects music and the history of music. And you know what probably is behind most of the Kid Rock hate, is that Hank3 mentions him in “Not Everybody Likes Us”, however he mentions him solely due the fact some uneducated folks back than thought Kid Rock was Hank Jr.’s son. I even remember my gal at the time saying that and laughed my ass off. I think the line from Hank3 is genius but it shouldn’t be taken as gospel that Kid is a fake. But, yeah, it’s true he’s a Yank.
*** I know the story of Kid telling Hank3 he should hang with his dad more, and Kid did step over a line there, but the line in “Not Everybody Likes Us” has nothing to do with that.
It is really embarassing to see some of the allegations against Kid that he is fake or that he is “corporate”. Yeah, he is corporate….his own fucking corporation to do it the way he wants, like put Hellbound on his tour. Ever hear of WGJ records? That was a corporation too.
Oh, and the high prices…$70 for the show you will get from Kid is a great price. Let’s not try and spin this as a $200 U2 nose bleed seats show.
*** Lukas Nelson is on the Kid cruise this year too.
January 28, 2013 @ 8:29 am
Heard Lukas was on the Kid cruise too.
I’m not 100%, just wanted to clairfy that.
I’m wondering if Hellbound is playing the two shows that Kid’s tour joins up with Bob Seger tour. March 15 and 16.
January 28, 2013 @ 8:46 am
Well, if the tickets are going for $70, I agree that’s not terribly expensive for an arena show, given what others charge. Still, I personally wouldn’t pay it as HBG would be the only act of the three I would actively try to see. Now, if I won a ticket or something, I’d go and probably stay for more than HBG. There’s plenty of music acts where I wouldn’t go see them if you paid me.
January 28, 2013 @ 9:52 am
” He can rap as good as anyone black or white. ”
Holy shit I just about killed myself laughing there. Seriously, don’t talk about shit you don’t understand. That’s possibly the stupidest thing I’ve read on the internet in at least a day. That comment devalues rap, it’s like from the 80’s, “Hell that boy ain’t even singin’ he’s jest standin’ there talking, that ain’t music, hell anyone can stand up there and talk.”
Kid Rock don’t come from where Sheldon comes from and he don’t come from Compton neither. To learn something about MC’s and the difference between good ones and bad ones, listen to some old Tribe Called Quest, listen to the Roots, listen to the Beastie Boys, Talib Kweli… none of that is anything more like what you hear on JAMN 94.5 then Hank3 is like “If I could Have a Beer with Jesus.”
anyhow. Sorry for the vitriol. Hip Hop happens to be something I care about…
January 28, 2013 @ 10:11 am
Well, I don’t want to get in a pissing contest, but we have to clear up some things.
1. Kid never said he comes from Compton or anywhere but Detroit. He has been specific in songs…”I ain’t straight outta compton, I’m straight out the trailer”
** Sure we all know he didn’t live in a trailer, but there is some creative freedom to a song. But the point is he never has claimed to be anything he isn’t.
2. He has never said he is from where Sheldon is. By the way who is Sheldon? Are you the Hank3 fan that will run into battle for him but can’t spell his name? It is Shelton.
All those hip hop/rap groups you mentioned. Kid Rock knows, respects them all and has worked with many of them.
Also your “examples” of Kid’s crimes against music…ok, lets reach back 10-12 years in anyones career and find some garbage. Or do we fault an artist for a song that gets gobbled up by the masses and overplayed?
This blog is about Hellbound. If you don’t like Kid, say it, but don’t spew garbage that isn’t true.
Aren’t The Roots on Jimmy Fallon? How I just say they are owned by NBC? Is that fair and accurate?
January 28, 2013 @ 10:24 am
Well if he never even lived in a damn trailer he lost the last little bit of respect I had left for him…..jajaja……
January 28, 2013 @ 10:54 am
Well, he actually lived in some pretty shitty spots, but that was more by choice and the music he was pursuing. I just didn’t want someone to say he is a fraud because it is common knowledge, and he points out, his dad was a very successful car dealer in Detroit. He could have had an easy life, instead he liked the hip hop world and left home and dove into that.
Whatever…I just don’t like lies and baseless accusations thrown at any artist.
January 28, 2013 @ 10:27 am
You have a point. Also thanks for catching my typo.
I think we probably won’t ever agree on Kid Rock — I think his music sucks, you don’t. However if you read my other comments, we probably agree that it’s great that Hellhound is opening for them. You may feel it’s great because you also love Kid Rock, I don’t — I think it’s great because it might bring greater exposure to a band who needs it.
That leads me your comment about the Roots being on Fallon. I look at that the same way — they need the money, the show gives Questo a good platform to goof around — and more importantly, it serves as a place to show real hip-hop to people who might learn it’s not just rap-crap. We probably agree on that as well.
Anyhow, nice talking to you — let’s do this again. Until then, I’m packin up my game and I’m headed out west where real women come equipped with scripts and fake breasts.
January 28, 2013 @ 10:31 am
As much as I am happy about this opportunity for Leroy and the boys, I’m not going to be offended if someone says they don’t like Kid Rock. Music preference is one thing, but the guy has done some very questionable things over the years. He’s probably the man most responsible for mixing country and rap, and for introducing the awful misogynistic music video into the country format. As Chet Flippo said a couple of weeks ago…
http://www.cmt.com/news/nashville-skyline/1699453/nashville-skyline-2012-bah-humbug.jhtml
“They threw in every possible cliché — the hot chicks around a pool, the endless beer, the cool dudes, the hapless cops, enough, already. Didn’t Kid Rock already do all that?”
Sound like anybody else’s music video we’ve seen lately?
You can’t argue taste, and I am not going to act either shocked or offended if someone has negative things to say about Kid Rock. Kid Rock fans shouldn’t really be either.
January 28, 2013 @ 10:50 am
I agree you can’t argue taste. But I don’t think that is what is being argued. You have people that level accusations on an artist with out knowing anything of what they speak. Underground fans rip mainstream fans for just accepting the music on the radio, but then they rip a mainstream artist for only the misic that made the radio.
Is Kid Rock a complete dipshit because he cut some songs simply for “fun music” that “kids” can drink and dance to? Look a litte deeper into his catalog and the way he operates. That is what we expect when someone rips an underground artist.
The guy has a good time and gives 100% in everything he does. You don’t like the music fine, but he isn’t a problem for country music.
“He”™s probably the man most responsible for mixing country and rap, and for introducing the awful misogynistic music video into the country format.”
Oh, he made the song “Cowboy” so he started the country and rap movement? Cowboy is a hip hop song. He has never quantified it as a country song. Ever hear his song “Single Father” that he cut with DAC? “Only God Knows Why” was overplayed, but that song, lyrically, is fantastic. He wrote while sitting in a Nashville jail for all those wanting that cred.
And he is to blame for the videos? Or was he just doing those videos, like any rock and roller, and country saw the appeal so they globbed on to it. Maybe Motely Crue is to blame for the videos too?
I’m not trying to argue taste. But holy shit. Enough of the B.S. accusations and ripping of an artist with out knowing anything about him. Kid Rock becomes poloarizing because of the made up shit about him. How/why he got as big a star as he is???? Well, he appealed to people, but he never fucking sold out. He has never put his name to something he didn’t believe in. Some of those choices were shity music, but the attacks on here are rediculous.
The tell tale thing on Kid should be that every artist he crosses, respects him. I even think Hank3 said he respects him musically, but when Kid got in his business about Hank Jr., that crossed the line. Agreed.
Why did you skirt around your true feelings and concerns about Kid with Leroy?
I’m not trying to start anything, but some of you all are walking right into it.
January 28, 2013 @ 11:07 am
To this question “Is Kid Rock a complete dipshit because he cut some songs simply for “fun music” that “kids” can drink and dance to?” I would have to answer that’s a definite yes.
Especially so in the case of that fucking Warren Zevon sounding bullshit he had last summer.
To this question: “And he is to blame for the videos?” I would say no – that would be the fault of the record label……that owns his soul…….which I believe is owned by Dan Halen if I’m not mistaken….
January 28, 2013 @ 11:19 am
I just listened to the Single Father song to “look into his catalog a little deeper” and it just re-confirmed what 99% of us already know.
Like you said we’ve all got our own musical opinions, which we’re all entitled to, I’ve just never run into anyone that would listen to Mr. Rock (he’s getting older, I think that’s a more fitting way to write it than “Kid” the guys gotta be pushing 40) much less be an adamant/staunch defender of his music!!!
I’m glad that we can agree to disagree, and maybe one day you or I will see the light and change our minds, but I’m seriously doubting it.
Just like I doubt Mr. Rock will let you on his cruise. Or island. Or hunting compound. Or Mansion. That you’ve helped pay for by buying every one of his shit ass albums.
Sorry to flame the argument but come on I though that the site is called Saving Country Music (SCM) not Inflating Kid Rocks Already Huge Ego (IKRAHE).
I’m done. Apologies.
January 28, 2013 @ 11:24 am
How do you come to the conclusion that the record label owns his soul? Is that just your default opinion of anyone that is with a big record label?
If he makes music you don’t like…leave it at that. Unknown or unacknowledged by you is the fact that Kid and Leroy are pretty much the same type of guy. That is why this relationship spawned and I have no doubt they both come out of it with growth in their music.
January 28, 2013 @ 11:39 am
Jesus Tim, we get it! You like Kid Rock, others don’t. You made your points, move on! Or get your comments deleted and your account sent to moderation…again!
Man, we lost one overposter just to have another rise from the ashes.
January 28, 2013 @ 11:39 am
And there you have it – something we can agree on!!! I hope it is a positive experience for everyone involved!
I think my Kid vs. Mr Rock argument is pretty on point, as a dedicated fan I’m curious how you feel about that – the only eternal “Kid” I can think of is Billy the Kid, who attained this status by dying at an early age.
So in summary, Live Fast Die Young and Good Luck Mr. Virgil I hope this is just what you need to get to that next level!!! Loved all your music and am looking forward to hearing this new Merica shit!!
PS – Do me/us a favor and do a Poor Mans Tour in the future!!!!! I would cough up the money but just can’t do it to watch for 30 minutes & leave…..sorry but all the best!
January 28, 2013 @ 12:02 pm
Ok, I’m not going to go through the “banned from posting” circus again just because I ask people to give support for allegations they level at an artist that are totally untrue.
Doesn’t really matter if I like Kid Rock or not. I would defend any artist that people were throwing false accusations at. Or I would try to clear up misconceptions. As I would think all of us have a duty to do being “true music” fans.
So rather than people living up to the fact they are just spewing unsupported accusations because they don’t like the music, they keep rolling with accusations and I’m the bad guy?
I think Phineas’s arguements are full of wholes. Same with Aaron. Others have offered up support for this pairing and why this is not some stunt by Kid Rock.
Some clearly don’t like the music, I respect that. But i don’t respect false accusations.
Further, Trigger, why don’t you comment on how you were so quick to say “others” have a problem with the pairing due to “high prices”, rather than be honest with Leroy that you don’t like the pairing because you think Kid is a hack.
I would be curious to hear what Leroy has to say about that, he may agree, but of course that would be putting your opinion up for disagreement by a guy you support.
But those are the tough questions that should be asked so we can move this fight foward. The artists in the trenches with Kid Rock. Is he a douche or not?
You may learn something about someone that will allow you a more educated opinion on them.
I can appreciate you giving Kid Rock the credit for pulling out obsecure bands and giving them some exposure. But you certainly didn’t have to toss in your dislike for Kid in this blog. It had no place for it, except to chirp it out behind the keyboard.
January 28, 2013 @ 12:40 pm
It seems to me like there are three camps on this one.
The first camp says this is great for Hellbound, who cares about the headliner.
The second camp says this is a sellout move by Hellbound, regardless of the headliner.
The third camps says this is great for Hellbound, but it sucks that Kid Rock is the headliner.
I am probably in the third camp, even though I acknowledge that Kid Rock has his moments. I’ve been sitting here asking myself – REALISTICALLY – what other popular touring act would be a better fit? Can anyone answer this question? I’ve got nothing.
January 28, 2013 @ 1:04 pm
Big A. That is a great question and I’m not sure I have an answer.
Sure, I’d rather see Hellbound with Hank3 or Whitey Morgan, or Dale Watson, etc…but that is just preaching to the choir. They wouldn’t expose them to a “new” fanbase.
There sure as hell isn’t a mainstream country act they could hook up with that would give the exposure of Kid Rock. They don’t fit a George Strait, Alan Jackson ticket. Dwight either, but he usually doesn’t have an opener. I don’t consider Jamey Johnson at a fanbase level of any of them.
I could see Hellbound as part of something like Willie’s picnic or some “throwdown” type tour. I’m not sure how that is shaping up this year???
I’ve always wondered Whitey Morgan’s opinion of Kid Rock? Being from Detroit, Whitey’s music has had to have made Kid’s radar. And Whitey must have an opinion on Kid.
I don’t want to get into hypothetical, I just find it odd that Whitey hasn’t paired (or been asked to pair) with Kid. Maybe he has been approached and that isn’t a good fit. I wouldn’t fault him for turning it down.
January 28, 2013 @ 1:24 pm
I didn’t even see your response when I was typing mine – we both said damn near the same thing!! I really do appreciate when people with different views can agree to disagree and get along with it.
Good question about Whitey Morgan, “straight outta Detroit” (that’s not Compton or a Trailer, as I’ve learned today). What a tough call, possibly distance yourself from your loyal/core fanbase or possibly find a HUGE new fanbase……or maybe both…..or neither………
This will be interesting to watch.
January 28, 2013 @ 2:18 pm
The Country Throwdown has completely sold out. No chance you would see anyone like Hellbound Glory, or really any small time bands ever again. I never was 100% on board with it, but when we saw it at Willie’s picnic with Austin Lucas and some other small-time names, it looks like they were at least trying to do a good thing. If the lineup last year was any indication, they’ve completely gone the big name route.
That’s the problem. Mainstream country has no farm system. So bands like Hellbound have to go off the beaten path to grow.
January 28, 2013 @ 1:14 pm
Solid summary and good question, unfortunately as we know all too well here most of the big time “Country” acts playing arenas/stadiums wouldn’t touch HBG or their material/content with a ten foot pole…..overdosing, real life, malt liquor by the river, etc…..these topics “don’t sell no trucks” lol or make the cut for any sort of “mainstream” media market/avenue, even though these songs are based in real fucking life….it’s a shame, but is what it is.
I guess thats just further evidence of people preferring “escapism” in their country muzak…….
I just hope they get heard by at least one person in each arena (over the people chanting Kid Rock’s name and chugging $30 Bud Light Platinums).
Too bad that’s the state of things, I loved how Willie Nelson had Austin Lucas opening on his tour, I wish more of the old timers / semi-old timers (folks with some draw/pull) would pick more up & comers with some goddamn heart…..just got an email from a local club about an upcoming Robert Earl Keen show, I immediately checked it to see who was opening, and was not impressed……theres’s just so much talent out there with seemingly nowhere to go (as far as getting heard / publicity) and it seems like they’re just going to have to figure out another way than the traditional methods (ie playing MEGA GIANT HUGE SHOWS)….
January 28, 2013 @ 1:28 pm
Really good point Big A, and this is one of the reasons I am perfectly fine with the decision, despite not considering myself a Kid Rock fan. With their content being edgy, but still really country, it puts them in a very narrow window for bands they could open for. Truth be known, they should have at some point taken the next step and opened for someone like Shooter Jennings or Hank3, but neither of these folks stepped up to give them that opportunity. And so the hopscotched the whole large/club theater step and went right to arenas. Now when they do their next headlining tour Hellbound Glory can carry the opening band and play larger venues for better guarantees.
January 28, 2013 @ 1:39 pm
Realistically, after thinking about this I can only come up with these names:
Willie Nelson (not sure this expands their audience in the right way, see: Old Farts, Jackasses)
“Lynyrd Skynyrd” (not sure this is better than Kid Rock)
Zac Brown Band (not a great fit, but within the realm of possibility)
Some biker rock act that could embrace the scumbag aspect like Motley Crue/Black Label Society (not sure this reaches the right audience)
I don’t think any of these are clearly better options than Kid Rock.
January 28, 2013 @ 1:57 pm
Big A. If we are trying to compare apples to apples, I think you’re right. Kid Rock is the best option to reach a diverse enough audience.
Who is Kid’s audience? Shit, it isn’t bubble gum music listeners, so Hellbound’s topics of choice fit.
Hellbound does have a rock edge, which Kid clearly has.
Age and ‘vide” wise, I think Willie would be a difficult match up if it were say just those two on the ticket. (not meaning “old farts” but Willie is laid back. Hellbound gets rowdy.)
Hellbound would play circles around Zac Brown.
Although Kid isn’t what he was 5-10 years ago, Skynyrd and Crue are well past their prime and I don’t know that the fanbase would bother to care about who is opening.
I guess when I heard this paring way back when they did his cruise last year, the first thing I thought of was it was great.
January 28, 2013 @ 1:44 pm
Well, Shooter picked them up in the way of producer. He’s helping with that side of things and I think offering more benefit on that than he could ever do if he took them on tour with him. Shooter doesn’t exactly headline all the time. Last I saw him he was opening for Cody Canada and The Departed when “Family Man” was released.
Hank3 does things so different I wouldn’t be surprised if he considered Hellbound to established to open for him. He picks some damn obsecure openers.
Kid got a taste of Nashville and although he thought they were embracing him, he found out fast what a joke it is, that is why he hangs with who he hangs with…not your clear channel country crowd. He always has his ears open and looking for new talent. I’m not surprised he found Hellbound and liked them.
January 28, 2013 @ 12:54 pm
” I”™ve been sitting here asking myself ”“ REALISTICALLY ”“ what other popular touring act would be a better fit? Can anyone answer this question? I”™ve got nothing. ”
Good question.
I think a lot of Drive-By Truckers fans would love them, although they’re more at the “big club” level.
January 28, 2013 @ 5:21 pm
I think Drive By Truckers or Lucero would be perfect tourmates for Hellbound. They aren’t huge bands that play arenas, but they have enough of a following to pack theaters.
January 29, 2013 @ 8:30 am
I bet those Trucker fans whose favorite is Mike Cooley (the most country Trucker) would really love them.
January 28, 2013 @ 8:52 pm
I’m not a huge Kid Rock fan either but Ill bet those shows kick ass to play at or attend. I hope big doors open up.
January 29, 2013 @ 12:44 am
If u don’t like hellbound glory u don’t like America!
January 30, 2013 @ 8:16 am
Damn right Scumbag!
February 3, 2013 @ 10:20 pm
Hellhound glory is a great thing, and I don’t blame them for doing what they did. Everyone’s got to eat. But, I will not go see them on this tour out of principle, kid rock is garbage.