On Thursday night (February 23rd) ahead of the release of his 10th studio album GRAVEL & GOLD, multi-Platinum singer/songwriter Dierks Bentley performed a two-hour set at the Country Music Hall of Fame‘s CMA Theater where he played new music for the first time while mixing in No. One hits and older album cuts as “the event was as much an album release celebration as it was a career retrospective for Bentley,” (American Songwriter). Earning multiple standing ovations, Bentley’s setlist spanned 20 years and followed his musical journey with special guests including Sam Bush, Jason Carter, Ronnie and Del McCoury, The War And Treaty and co-writer Luke Dick joining throughout the night. Fans can relive five must-see moments from “An Evening with Dierks Bentley: The Road to Gravel & Gold” here.
1.) “Sun Sets in Colorado”
Bentley expressed gratitude for the Bluegrass community that took him under their wing before sharing with the crowd that he had only one person in mind to play on the new track when it came time to record it in the studio – Bluegrass Hall of Fame and founding New Grass Revival member Sam Bush. The performance earned the night’s first standing ovation.
2.) “Still”
Backed by only acoustic guitars, Bentley’s distinct vocal led a stripped down version of this favorite off the new album. After getting swept away in the moment, Bentley paused to vulnerably ask to restart the song, sharing how important it was to him to get the lyrics right.
3.) “Walking Each Other Home”
“You can’t change the world with one song, but it feels good to try,” Bentley said while performing alongside co-writer Luke Dick. He went on to express gratitude for the gift of connection with the poignant “Walking Each Other Home.”
4.) “Pride (In the Name of Love)”
Bentley has performed multiple renditions of U2’s iconic “Pride (In the Name of Love)” over the years, but last night’s combination of Ronnie and Del McCoury, Jason Carter, Sam Bush with The War And Treaty made for unparalleled harmonies and instrumentation that brought the crowd to their feet.
5.) “Free and Easy (Down the Road I Go)”
Over the years “Free and Easy (Down the Road I Go)” has been a staple song during Bentley’s full-throttle tours. To close the one-night only show, Bentley took to the stage with his fifth No. One and Platinum hit “Free and Easy (Down the Road I Go)” while backed by the evening’s guests who have each been part of the journey to Bentley’s GRAVEL & GOLD.
The 10th album landmark speaks to how time has flown in Bentley’s unique, 21st-century career. He landed his first publishing deal in 2001 and released his debut album in 2003, producing an instant No. One single. The years since have revealed a rare consistency that’s fueled longevity – eight more albums that reached the top of the Country sales charts, resulting in 21 No. One songs, eight billion streams, three CMA Awards, 14 GRAMMY® nominations and membership into the Grand Ole Opry. Trendy sounds have ebbed and flowed around him over these two decades, but fans have relied on Bentley for something more nourishing and individual. He also has created professional endeavors outside of the music with his Flag & Anthem lifestyle collection Desert Son, along with his “Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row” franchise hosting four locations. For more information visit www.Dierks.com
