Eric Church heads into rehearsals this week for his first headlining arena tour, and while it’s going to be slightly bigger and bolder than his previous outings, don’t expect the production to overtake the music. “The trick’s gonna be still keeping it about the music, still keeping that, you know, what we do this for, and the passion and impart that to the crowd, but at the same time, trying to make sure the people way back in the back of the arena in some of these places can feel the same energy as the people down front,” says the “Drink in My Hand” singer. “So, we’ve got some plans as how to do that, and I think a lot of it still comes down to how the people relate to the music, as opposed to how many things I can blow up and set on fire.”

• The Blood, Sweat & Beers Tour, which also features newcomer Brantley Gilbert, is set to kick off January 19th in Fort Smith, Arkansas.
• Eric’s latest hit, “Drink in My Hand,” is closing in on the top spot on the country charts. It’s the second single from his No. 1 album, Chief.
• Chief is nominated for Best Country Album at this year’s Grammy Awards, which will air live beginning at 8pm ET February 12th on CBS.

AUDIO: Eric Church explains what fans should expect on his upcoming Blood, Sweat & Beers Tour.

Eric Church (arena tour 2012) OC: …set on fire. :29

“This tour’s gonna be different than any other tour, just because it’s an arena tour. It’s our first headline arena tour, so the trick’s gonna be still keeping it about the music, still keeping that, you know, what we do this for, and the passion and impart that to the crowd, but at the same time, trying to make sure the people way back in the back of the arena in some of these places can feel the same energy as the people down front. So, we’ve got some plans as how to do that, and I think a lot of it still comes down to how the people relate to the music, as opposed to how many things I can blow up and set on fire.”