Out of all the bands that have tried to make it in Nashville, some have had great success, but few have had as much as Lonestar. Earlier this year the platinum selling group announced that their lead singer Richie McDonald would be leaving the group to pursue a solo career, as the band had just parted ways with their record label. This sent shock waves across the world as country music fans feared the fate of not just Richie, but the whole band. When the announcement was made the rest of the group told everyone that they would be continuing on without their lead singer. This was not the first time the legendary band have faced a sudden departure. In 1998, John Rich (Big & Rich) announced he was leaving the band as their bass player and co-vocalist. Once the world knew Richie was leaving, critics and fans alike were making their own predictions on who the new lead singer would be. Some even speculated that American Idol finalist Josh Gracin would be chosen. That was not the case, and now they have finally revealed who their new lead singer would be.
While the rest of the world is winding down as we enter into the fall season, the guys from Lonestar are just getting started. They are going full force showing the world that although they have a new lead singer, they are better than ever. Lonestar consists of lead gutarist Michael Britt, keyboardist Dean Sams, drummer Keech Rainwater, and now their new lead singer Cody Collins. Even though Cody is new to Lonestar, he is not new to performing. Originally coming from Alabama, Cody has been in Atlanta, Georgia for the past few years performing at the local bar Cowboys, which is where he was discovered by Lonestar's Dean Sams. Most people do not accept change very well, so these guys have been working extra hard to get out and show everyone that they have changed, and that it is for the better. Not all change is bad.
On Wednesday, September 12, 2007, Lonestar debuted their new lineup live in front of a small crowd in Nashville. As a close friend of the band, Great American Country's Storme Warren introduced the group at the world famous Rocketown. Storme also explained some of their history together and how they have even baked cakes together. The crowd consisted of members of the country music world and media representatives from across the country, so by this time the crowd was excited and ready to hear the change with their own ears.
As soon as the guys came out the venue went wild. It was obvious that the guys already had a great bond together which added to every aspect of their show. Right away Cody jumped in head first as he started singing a couple new songs one being "Helpless When She Smiles." This tune was a change from the traditional sound of the group, but it was refreshing to hear. One thing that was amazing is Cody never tried to copy the way any of the songs had been recorded in the past. He changed them to fit his style and his sound, but again don't worry the change was great.
Some of the other songs that the guys performed were "No News," "What About Now," "Walking In Memphis," and "Amazed." The final song they performed was a new one which they described as a song that they are living by simply titled "Future."
If you are interested in hearing new music with their new sound you won't have to wait long. Lonestar has a new Christmas album coming out that will only be sold by Cracker Barrel on November 6th. They'll also be performing dates, starting in November featuring Christmas music, so watch for the band, and hopefully, they may be heading to your hometown.
Lonestar may be heading in a new direction with their sound, but everyone should give it a chance simply because they are better than ever.
Set List:
- Helpless When She Smiles
- No News
- What About Now
- Walking In Memphis
- Amazed
- Future